Manchester Uni says Nancy Rothwell will stay on, despite vote of no confidence

Nancy Rothwell will be staying on at of Manchester University, despite 89 per cent of students voting for no confidence in her.

A statement published by the university’s Board of Governors says it unanimously has “full confidence” in the senior leadership team, “and in particular in Nancy Rothwell”.

This week, a vote of no confidence has been taking place, with the #NancyOut campaign citing numerous ways they believe this year has been mishandled, in their calls for students to pass a vote of no confidence in Manchester’s VC Nancy Rothwell and other members of the senior leadership team.

The result of the referendum was announced this evening, with 89 per cent of students voting “yes” in no confidence.

5,142, or 13 per cent of Manchester Uni students, voted. This result was then passed on to the Board of Governors, to make a final decision.

The Board of Governors says this year has been “unprecedented” and recognises this year’s university experience is not what many students hope for. It says: “Whilst our senior leaders haven’t got everything right, where that has been the case, they have led from the front by apologising and have always taken action to ensure lessons are learnt and improvements are made.”

The full statement from the Board of Governors says: “We have seen the result of the student referendum and note that the turnout was 13% of our student population.

“The Board has been fully briefed throughout the period of the pandemic, holding additional meetings as and when required. Having been rigorous in holding the senior leadership to account, the unanimous position of the Board is that we have full confidence in them to lead the University forward, and in particular in Nancy Rothwell, who has led the University with vision, compassion and distinction for the past 10 years.

“The last year has been unprecedented for this University, the HE sector and wider society. None of this has been easy for our students or staff. The Board recognise that students have not had the experience they would have hoped for and have had to deal with unprecedented, difficult and rapidly changing circumstances. The Board also appreciates that staff have had to adapt quickly and deal with many uncertainties and have done so with remarkable success. Collectively, as a University we have been faced with difficult choices and decisions, and unpredictable events. Whilst our senior leaders haven’t got everything right, where that has been the case, they have led from the front by apologising and have always taken action to ensure lessons are learnt and improvements are made.

“The University remains focused on delivering the best learning experience possible and supporting the wellbeing of our students, staff and wider local community. Students are at the heart of our University.”

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