University of Kent merger or collaboration

We are aware of the university’s proposed ‘collaboration’ or ‘merger’ (as they have variously been termed) and are working to find out more: your branch officers knew about the merger when you did, so we are sadly not privy to more information as yet. However, we are planning a branch meeting where colleagues can come and ask questions. We also encourage you to submit your questions to the VC Forum directly: please see the Portal announcement for the VC Forum email address. If you have any specific concerns for the branch committee, you can submit them using this form or email the branch .

Frequently asked questions

What is happening?

The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent have announced the intention to formally collaborate. They describe this as ‘a unique opportunity to create a first-of-its-kind multi-university model that will bring both of our institutions under one structure to create a “super-university” whilst enabling each of us to retain our name, identity and local presence.’

The preliminary (subject to consultation) name of this ‘super-institution’ is London and South-East University Group.

The university states that: ‘We have signed a memorandum of understanding and over the next few months, we’ll be doing detailed financial and legal due diligence. We expect that to be completed with contracts exchanged by Christmas, and a decision on the implementation timescale given shortly after that. If approved, we anticipate the new multi university group will be established ready for the 2026/27 academic year.’

(Source: University of Greenwich website)

How have UCU responded?

UCU’s General Secretary Jo Grady responded: ‘Staff and students at both institutions will be alarmed by today’s announcement, especially as many have heard about the plans through the news. It is clear this is the result of severe financial pressure – anyone attempting to say otherwise is deceiving the public – and urgent reassurance that jobs and student provision will be protected is now needed.

‘This isn’t a merger; it is a takeover. Kent is an institution under severe financial stress and Greenwich is seizing control. If today’s announcement is indicative of how the government intends to deal with financial instability in the sector we should all be worried. It instead needs to present us with a clear and coherent strategy for how it will deal with the crisis in higher education. Dozens of universities are threatening jobs and student provision with over 10,000 projected redundancies. The government has a clear duty to intervene and needs to stop allowing the crisis to intensify through inaction.

‘Today’s experience compounds how university workers are feeling: overlooked, overworked, ignored, and undervalued. That is why staff across the sector have voted to ballot and demand fair pay and conditions as part of a long-term solution to this crisis.’ (Source: UCU website)

Is the local UCU branch involved in this?

The committee heard the announcement when everyone else did, but we are constantly negotiating with university management on behalf of our members and we are here to advocate for your rights during this uncertain process – including your right to information. We will keep you updated with whatever we learn, and do our best to ensure your voice is heard.

Can I express my concerns?

Absolutely! To express your concerns to the university, you can email the VC-Forum email address that has been shared in university announcements to send questions and comments directly to the Vice-Chancellor and senior management team.

You can also express your concerns and questions to your local branch. Please use this form to submit your questions or concerns. You can also email the branch with any questions you have, if you prefer. We will share questions anonymously on the website: please let us know if you do not want this to happen.

OFS Consultation on name change of University of Greenwich

“As part of the merger between the University of Kent, and the University of Greenwich, the University of Greenwich has applied to the OfS to change its legal name to ‘London and South East University Group’ (abbreviated as ‘LASEUG’ and ‘LASE’) upon completion of the proposed merger. It is proposed this merger will complete on 1 August 2026. We are inviting you to share your views on whether the proposed new name of ‘London and South East University Group’ for the merged university is, or has the potential to be, confusing or misleading. The consultation closes at midday on Wednesday 3 December 2025.”