Restructuring partly delayed at Polytechnic
OTAGO Polytechnic has delayed part of a planned restructure.
“The review of our EduBits team has been put on hold until at least early 2021,’’ polytechnic chief executive Megan Gibbons said.
“The decision to delay this was made following feedback provided by the team during the consultation process.’’
EduBits are known as ‘‘microcredentials’’, providing students with a short and focused alternative to degrees and diplomas.
Other parts of the restructure, announced in early July, are going ahead with modifications.
The teams primarily affected are marketing, sales and communications, and the Otago Brew School.
Dr Gibbons said reviewing the brew school’s commercial operations led to one fulltime equivalent (FTE) position being disestablished and 0.6 of a position being established.
The review of marketing, sales and communications led to a contraction of 0.5 of a position — 6.5 positions were disestablished and six established. One role that was to be lost has been retained.
“The restructuring, as originally proposed, would have affected 25 staff members and resulted in a reduction of 3.5 FTEs,” Dr Gibbons said.
“However, the number of affected roles and the nature of some of those roles now differ from the original proposals.
“Overall, the number of FTEs at Otago Polytechnic has reduced by 0.9 FTE.’’
Otago Polytechnic has started a review of its safety and wellbeing team planning to set up a health and safety directorate.
“I acknowledge change processes are stressful and difficult for all involved. Team members have been supported by our people and culture team, our unions and our Employee Assistance Programme,” she said.