tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139380866860511018.post1258543817058621822..comments2024-03-15T05:12:45.616+00:00Comments on Improvisation Blog: Tim Farron on University Compromise Agreements: some reflections on my experiences at the University of BoltonUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139380866860511018.post-65564141178651492672019-04-17T16:38:42.136+01:002019-04-17T16:38:42.136+01:00Fear is the key weapon in the employment game, as ...Fear is the key weapon in the employment game, as you correctly identified. Overpaid, overweight, and overbearing, employees who gain some status in this kind of environment will abuse their position to coerce others to do their will, using fear of non-cooperation consequences. Tragically, whilst those who bend to comply seem to emerge unscathed, with their paypackets intact, but their loyalty to their colleagues, and their integrity both in tatters, the victims are not so lucky. The psychological damage is enduring for the victim, but brushed aside by the spineless perpetrators as being trivial. Fear remains the key, and will remain, until people have either the courage or the conscience to stand up to this abuse. The veil of secrecy and containment must be lifted. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139380866860511018.post-39891445360080323132017-02-02T23:15:57.536+00:002017-02-02T23:15:57.536+00:00It's a bad time in education generally. But we...It's a bad time in education generally. But we must beware of the TINA (There Is No Alternative) formulations so beloved by the Tories. Not all institutions are badly run. I'm fortunate to be working in a lovely and supportive institution now - of which I'm very proud. I used to be proud of Bolton. Mark Johnsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12438712149227569557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139380866860511018.post-77099065372523069102017-02-02T21:34:12.231+00:002017-02-02T21:34:12.231+00:00Problem is its become custom and practice for thes...Problem is its become custom and practice for these people in positions of high responsibility within these HE establishments to feather their nests, financially, psychologically, egotistically or all three at the expense of good, experienced and honest staff. Often forcing them out usually with gagging clauses involved. Effectively holding them ransom against the fear of job, financial, social and personal loss of their employment. These "Powers that be" are so bloody ruthless you would not believe it possible. One question - Who, What, When is responsible for bringing them to task as failure to do this is to let the whole of the HE fabric in the UK very badly down. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139380866860511018.post-49702248534869726392017-02-02T15:34:49.297+00:002017-02-02T15:34:49.297+00:00Excellent articulation of a very serious set of is...Excellent articulation of a very serious set of issue at The University of Bolton.<br />If the corrupting approach of The VC at the University was not so damaging of staff and students it would be laughable. George Holmes is a Trump Character, he uses alternative truths, he bullies, he has an ego that allows him to dress up in Queen's servant outfit, and believe it makes him honourable!<br /><br />What is more disturbing to me is that the official bodies and external professionals changed with holding to account such organisations are weak in doing what they should be doing, critically questing corrupt practice. In particular my experience with the Information Commission, n relation to the University of Bolton has left me disturbed.<br /><br />I submitted Freedom of Information Requests to University of Bolton, the university ignored them, the Information commissioner eventually agreed with The University that my questions were vexatious. I took both the University and the Information Commission to court and won the case. The University was ordered to answer my questions. The University have continued to offer "alternative truths" and the Information Commissioner has continued to support the position of the University of Bolton.<br /><br />I do believe that the VC and his cronies will collapse in the toxic pool of corruption, they have created - what is of serious concern, to me and many others, is the damage that has already been done to many staff like Mark , and the many others who continue to work and study at the University of Bolton.<br /><br />If compromise agreements protect the George Holmes's of the University Sector, then clearly they have to be significantly revised.<br /><br />Joe Whittaker - member of staff University of Bolton 1987-2010.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05222896363188077839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5139380866860511018.post-53721181803546936062017-02-02T09:51:13.412+00:002017-02-02T09:51:13.412+00:00 I entirely agree with the sentiments and feelings... I entirely agree with the sentiments and feelings in this post. Your bravery in saying it, is to be applauded and hopefully supported by those who know what you say and report [ with the media and facts behind it] to be true. Honesty and integrity,and care for others in society, including employees should be paramount if we humans are to survive!<br /><br />Well done, peace be with you.<br />R Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com