University expenses not really the issue

IT IS with great sadness I read your recent reports covering the departure of the vicechancellor at Canterbury Christ Church University (Revealed: Ex-University Boss’s Spending Spree, Kentish Gazette, January 31).

The question of the vice-chancellor’s expenses (University Chief Claimed £15 For Gift For Brazier, Kentish Gazette, February 7), while topical, is not really the issue. I spent the last 12 years or so of my professional working life at the university and I believe the problems lie elsewhere.

There have always been a number of hard-working members of staff who were not well served by higher management, with a few notable exceptions. The level of disillusionment became palpable as those with any degree of creativity and imagination were marginalised and conformity was rewarded. Staff generally felt change, however merited, was done to them, not with them.

This was particularly unfortunate as surely a true university environment should encourage discussion and healthy debate. These are the things that are at the root of the institution’s reluctance to engage with you. It is an ethos of secrecy and a lack of respect for wide-ranging views, coupled with a blinkered and defensive fear of stepping out of line and not ‘ticking the right boxes’.

One can only hope the next vicechancellor will be appointed with the freedom to remove parochialism from the institution and to grasp the wonderful opportunity that the recently-acquired university status should promote.

I keep my fingers crossed, particularly for those talented staff and students, many from overseas, who deserve better. John Telfer St Stephen’s Green, Canterbury

YOUR article commenting on Prof Robin Baker’s expenses highlights that he presented me with a copy of Archbishop Rowan Williams’ latest book.

It does seem that we have come to a strange pass when it is seen as scandalous that a university should present a guest with a book by its chancellor. Julian Brazier MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA

EDITOR’S NOTE: Canterbury Christ Church University’s lack of transparency over the departure of its former vicechancellor would seem an appropriate issue for our MP to investigate. We look forward to him questioning ministers on the issue in the House of Commons.

Former vice-chancellor Robin Baker