After 31 years' service at what is now London Metropolitan University, I am leaving to join another university. I am proud to have been part of an institution that has played a leading role in widening participation but I am deeply concerned about its future wellbeing. London Met is dependent on the high morale and enthusiasm of its staff to deliver courses that enable students from families with relatively little tradition of participation in higher education to fulfil their potential as learners.
The authoritarian style of management by fiat, exemplified by the contract dispute, is weakening staff morale. I fear this will have damaging consequences for the quality of students' educational experience.
I never expected to have to write such a letter on leaving this university, but my hopes as well as concerns for its future require me to do so.
Iwan Morgan
London Metropolitan University