P McCullen v University of Brighton

Reference number 2302456-2022

EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNALS London South Employment Tribunal 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19 November 2024 (video) Claimant: Peter McCullen Respondent: University of Brighton Before: Judge MAspinall (sitting as an Employment Judge) Mr S Sheath Mr C Williams Appearances: Mr P McCullen in person Mr P Sangha, Counsel for Respondent Judgment On the claims presented, the Tribunal concludes that the complaints of wh...

1. The claimant was employed by the respondent university as a senior lecturer from 1991 until his resignation on 28th April 2022. For a period towards the end of his employment, he held the role of Deputy Head of School and had responsibilities related to quality assurance and examinations. He reverted to his role as a senior lecturer shortly before resigning.

2. The claimant initially worked under Professor Aidan Berry as Head of the Business School. When Professor Berry retired in 2015, Professor Toni Hilton was appointed as the new Head of School. Evidence indicated there were differences in management approach between Professor Berry and Professor Hilton.

3. In the summer of 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the university's end of year examinations. The claimant played a lead role for the Business School in implementing a 'no detriment' policy to ensure studentswere not disadvantaged. In August 2020, issues emerged with incorrect degree classifications for some students. The claimant asserted he faced excessive workload pressures during this...