Staff in IT at the Open University are facing privatisation as their work goes out to tender for ‘managed services’. If this goes ahead, over 200 Open University employees could be moved to private, for-profit companies.

In our experience privatisation means the downgrading of systems, services and people. Outsourcing would take the cornerstone on which the university’s operations depend outside of direct control. It would put crucial systems at risk by jettisoning staff knowledge and expertise.  Privatisation would jeopardise the university’s ability to reach and support its students.

Putting profit before the educational mission is not compatible with the values of the Open University. Please sign to tell the university to stop and think again.