'Toxic work culture and bullying' at uni prompts inquiry call

A university in Wales has been accused of bullying, creating a "toxic culture" leading to high levels of staff sickness.

Former staff members are demanding an independent inquiry at the University of South Wales (USW) following a Newyddion S4C investigation.

Two ex-staff members dismissed by the university have claimed concerns about staff wellbeing are ignored and whistleblowers "forced out" of their jobs.

USW said it did not agree with the claims and "condemns all forms of bullying, harassment and discrimination".

Newyddion S4C has spoken to, and received documentation, from more than 12 ex-employees who made the claims.

USW was formed in 2013 with the merging of the University of Glamorgan and the University of Wales, Newport.

It has more than 20,000 students, and more than 2,800 staff.

Senior forensic science lecturer Zella Parry worked at USW for more than 10 years before being sacked in 2024.

USW says their working relationship broke down.

Parry is now bringing an employment tribunal case against them, claiming she was victimised and dismissed unfairly for raising concerns about bullying and staff welfare.

As a former well-being representative, she claims she was often asked by colleagues to raise complaints and grievances, but feels senior managers at the institution did not want to listen.

"It was constant raising concerns that the workload on top of the culture... was creating issues for staff and the students. But it was never getting dealt with. It was always put up and shut up.

"We came from meetings and we started fearing that we were exposing ourselves to detriment... and after a short while, when our concerns were escalating, they pulled the wellbeing group."

She claims she was then targeted by university authorities and forced out of the institution.

"I've accused the university and I still accuse the university of breaking the relationship down. They are at fault for breaking the relationship down with me and my colleagues. But I really believe that is done intentionally to target staff to get them to leave."

Dr Rehana Karim, a senior lecturer in organic chemistry and course lead for pharmaceutical sciences, is also bringing an employment tribunal case against USW after being made redundant earlier in April.

She claims she has been victimised and discriminated against after making a series of grievances and whistleblowing disclosures and for agreeing to act as a witness in Zella Parry's employment tribunal claim.

"I was harassed basically, that's how I would interpret it... I was penalised."

None of the series of grievances or whistleblowing disclosures submitted by Dr Karim have been upheld by the university.

"What I have seen is whenever someone raises concerns, grievances or any issues; health and safety or student experience issues, they are gone. Problem solved. Problem addressed," she said.

"They are deterring staff from raising those issues just to hide, conceal, so everything is perfectly fine. Picture perfect. It's not true."

In a lengthy statement, the USW said it is "very sorry individuals feel they have not been treated fairly" but is "unable to comment on the specific allegations due to ongoing legal action".

It says a report and support system was introduced in 2023 for staff and students to raise any concerns about bullying, harassment and discrimination.

Any allegations of such behaviour are treated "seriously and thoroughly examined, including by external investigators, where appropriate".

According to the statement, the university's sickness data shows "comparatively low and stable sickness absence, with all three faculties remaining below 3% in the previous academic year".

It also said the senior leadership team has evolved considerably in recent years, "reflecting a refreshed direction and renewed commitment to our values".

Prof Dylan Jones-Evans is a leading business consultant and worked as assistant pro vice-chancellor at USW between 2017 and 2022. He says several people have contacted him with concerns about the culture at the university following his departure.

"It's clear there is a big gap between the managers who set the strategic direction of the university and the staff who try and do the work to make the institution the special place it is meant to be.

"If these things are happening in the higher education sector, the Welsh Government or Medr, the body regulating the sector, are responsible for assessing them thoroughly.

"An independent study or inquiry is required to see whether this is a few people complaining about being treated poorly, or a wider culture within the university which must be changed."

A spokesperson for Medr said: "Universities are independent charities and, as such, matters relating to staff disputes are generally for the institutions to investigate internally in the first instance. Issues relating to employment largely sit outside Medr's regulatory remit.

However, Medr also said it would "carefully consider all complaints and assess the need for regulatory intervention where systemic issues are identified".

A Welsh government spokesperson said "we are now in the pre-election period so are restricted on issuing new government responses".