Fury over BIMM Institute redundancies as it's accused of 'putting profit over people'

Redundancies are being made across a group of creative colleges that includes the Institute for Contemporary Theatre and Northern Ballet School, with the umbrella organisation accused of "putting profit over people".

BIMM Institute, which received full university status last year, also comprises Performers College, Screen and Film School and music college BIMM London.

The organisation has announced redundancies among non-teaching staff, but has not confirmed how many jobs have already been lost and how many more are at risk.

One member of staff, who wished to remain anonymous, said they were "so angry" at the changes.

They told The Stage: "BIMM has announced mass redundancies and restructure putting people in hugely stressful situations. They have announced it with a quick turnaround from May 6 to being in effect July 1.

"This was announced at a peak assessment time, yet they state they care about students. If they did why would they announce it in the middle of students’ assessments? Why would they want their staff stressed and distressed at a time when all our focus should be on their assessments?"

The staff member, who is not among those made redundant, added: "It’s really worrying, because if you’re going to put money and profit over people then that’s hugely concerning in our business."

They also criticised BIMM for what they felt had not been a proper consultation. 

A group of students are campaigning against the changes under the banner Justice4BIMM. 

They claim that staff are being made to "compete against each other" to keep their jobs and are having to reapply for their roles. 

A spokesperson for the group said: "I do not think it’s fair. Neither do the rest of our team.

"We think it’s unfair to make our staff choose between keeping their jobs – but in a different position they may not be all too familiar with, at lower pay, etc – and redundancy. It’s completely unfair."

They added: "At the moment we are working on a plan as to what students, staff and people across all the campuses can do to help even further."

A BIMM spokesperson said: "As our institution continues to grow, and having obtained university title last year, changes in the way that we work are required to provide a better student and lecturer experience and ensure greater coordination across campuses, faculties and courses.  

"We have been consulting closely with staff members over the past three months, providing them with the opportunity to ask questions, comment on and make recommendations about any aspect of these changes. Crucially, there will be no reduction in teaching staff resulting from these changes."

They added: "We care about our staff, lecturers and students deeply and we are doing everything we can to ensure any changes are implemented as carefully as possible, for all involved."