Memorandum of Support—ECLC Campaign

Below is the memorandum of support which members can sign in support of the ECLC campaign, introduced by a rationale from the Steering Group of the University Staff Childcare Action Group.

Dear Colleagues

Proposal to Outsource the University Creche to UCSA

You will recall that the University is considering a proposal that UCSA take over the running of the University Creche (ECLC), and possibly buy the buildings as well. A University Staff Childcare Action Group (USCAG) has been formed to oppose the proposal. It is made up of members of University Staff, including parents currently using the Centre, those who have used it in the past, and other staff who oppose the UCSA proposal. This is a diverse group from all walks of the University!

The purpose of this message is to ask you to consider becoming a signatory to a Memorandum of Support for the current staff childcare service provided by the University, and for continuation of that service. The memorandum is set out underneath some questions and answers which may be of assistance to you in deciding whether to give your support. They show how this proposal affects all University staff in some way or another.

Important Questions and Answers

Why should the UC maintain a childcare learning facility as part of its services?

For the following reasons:

• ECLC is essential to the University’s commitment to improving the equity and diversity of its staff, in particular, attracting and retaining more female staff;


• The ECLC maximises parents’ ability to do their job and to support their colleagues;


• The University Equal Opportunities Policy (2004) provides that "Childcare facilities will be provided by the University for the children of staff and adequately resourced";


• The University is a public service institution, in which a not-for-profit childcare service is entirely appropriate. The Ministry supports such models;


• The University has an obligation as a good employer to provide the service itself and should be seen to be acting on this;


• The service provided by ECLC is a term of current employment contracts;


• The ECLC is part of the University’s core function because it enables the University to attract and retain excellent staff, particularly from overseas.

Why is the outsourcing proposal not a good option for childcare provision?

Because it is inadequate and inappropriate:

• The UCSA proposal is deficient on detail but reveals a strong profit motive, based on staffing cuts, equipment cuts and possible expansion of unit sizes. This would destroy the current service the University provides to its staff and their children;


• Outsourcing would mean loss of any control and accountability which University staff currently have over the childcare provided;


• Although one reason given for outsourcing the service is financial, the University is currently unable to supply updated and accurate information about the present and projected financial position of the ECLC, and cannot say when it will be able to. Any decision made on this basis would be negligent;


• The UCSA proposal makes no mention at all of child or parental welfare.

Is there a need to change the ECLC management structure?

Improvements can, of course, be made, but they do not require outsourcing:

• In 19 years of operation, ECLC has experienced one year with losses (2004) (arguably outside its control) but appears to be currently running to budget, and will be receiving increased government funding;


• ECLC has always received excellent ERO reports, which recognise the value of current unit sizes and the unique unit providing for toddlers;


• What is required is competent staffing and adequate resourcing of ECLC, combined with effective and engaged oversight from within the University.

Should the UC continue to subsidise the ECLC?

Yes, if necessary, for all the above reasons, and because:

• At the most in the past, the subsidy has been only $25,000 per year;


• The University does not hesitate to subsidise other services it values or has a legal obligation to provide, such as disability services and the staff club.

Memorandum of Support

Below we have set out a simple statement of support. If you agree with it (whether a member of USCAG or not), please copy and return it by email as soon as possible, together with your name and some professional details, either by email or manually, to Ursula Cheer, Law. The Memorandum will be used by USCAG in the consultation process.

Memorandum of Support for University ECLC

The University must directly provide, properly resource, and oversee, quality childcare that meets the needs of its staff, as it has done since 1987.


I support the above statement

Name or signature:…………………………………………………………………………….

Member of academic staff? (Choose one): Yes/No

Member of general staff? (Choose one): Yes/No

Female staff member? (Choose one): Yes/No

Former ECLC user? (Choose one): Yes/No

Current ECLC user? (Choose one): Yes/No

Staff member recruited from overseas? (Choose one): Yes/No