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Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) update - Tuesday 1 April 2025

Over the past four weeks, the University has sought employee interest in the VSS. We sincerely thank and acknowledge the staff who generously participated in this process. Your willingness to consider new opportunities has been deeply appreciated, and your engagement in this initiative will help ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃreturn to a sound financial position by 2026. The process is now going through final administrative steps with results due to be communicated to staff over the coming week via their leaders. Below, is an overview of the process to date, indicative results and next steps.

Process to date

Continuing staff were able to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to their supervisor. The supervisor then conducted a detailed assessment to determine we can accommodate the reduction of the relevant position, with further assessments then being completed by local delegates.

The final decision rested with the Recruitment Approval Committee (RAC), comprising of the Vice-Chancellor, Provost, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, and Chief People Officer. The RAC met on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, for six hours, reviewing all EOIs—whether supported or not by the D2 delegate. Local delegates presented during the meeting, explaining their recommendations to ensure a fair and balanced decision-making process. 

Participation & indicative results

Each EOI was carefully considered, with a strong focus on leveraging this voluntary mechanism as a priority. On average, six in every ten requests were able to be supported. However, decisions ultimately had to align with the University’s strategic and operational priorities, ensuring that any role reductions were sustainable. As a result, while we greatly valued every submission, not all EOIs could be supported. Of those not supported at this time due to business needs, interest has been noted.

Next steps

Over the coming week, supervisors will communicate the outcomes to staff.

• For those whose EOIs could not be supported, supervisors will provide an explanation of why the role remains essential, along with guidance on how staff can continue to contribute to University goals.
• For those approved, discussions will follow to confirm employment end dates, transition work and responsibilities, and formalise VSS agreements. Offboarding support and handover processes will also be outlined.
• For those considering retirement options, further discussions will take place at the same time to finalise the details.

We acknowledge that these changes may bring adjustments within teams, and we encourage staff to support one another during this transition. Leaders will be available to provide guidance, and resources will be shared to assist teams in adapting to these changes.

We thank all staff for their engagement in this process and appreciate their contributions to the University’s future.

Online Information Sessions

ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃis holding virtual information sessions to support staff in understanding the program. These sessions include a presentation on the VSS, followed by a Q&A. The sessions aim to help staff gain a clearer understanding of the scheme and its implications. These sessions are recorded. 

Supervisor Information Session: 11 March 2025

All Staff Information Sessions: 4 March 2025, 6 March 2025

Supporting Our People, Strengthening Our Future

The University is committed to making thoughtful, strategic decisions that support both our staff and our long-term financial sustainability. Based on feedback we received from staff in 2024, the University has developed the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS).

In the VSS process, the voluntary aspect involves staff submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI). If the EOI is approved after a thorough assessment by the University, the staff will depart via mutual separation and the position disestablished. 

The structure and amount offered to interested and eligible staff have been informed and influenced by our legislative obligations, our Enterprise Agreement as well as operational considerations. Our Enterprise Agreement permits the University and eligible staff mutually agreeing to a separation amount different to what is prescribed in our Enterprise Agreement.

Under clause 69 of the Enterprise Agreement, The University will only offer a redundancy when a staff member’s position is genuinely in excess of requirements, as outlined in clause 57 (Redundancy). The University will ensure involuntary redundancies are used a last resort.

These payments and this scheme have been discussed with the NTEU.

Additionally, employees are encouraged to seek independent financial, taxation and career advice before deciding.

Eligibility criteria, the assessment of an expression of interest and the VSS process is explained further below.

Voluntary Separation Estimator

The University understands the financial terms offered in a voluntary separation is an important consideration for employees. The University has created a voluntary separation estimator which provides an estimate of a potential voluntary separation offer. To access to the estimator, click here.

Important information about how the financial terms in a voluntary separation offer are calculated are also explained in the Eligibility and Benefits sections below and in the VSS FAQs.

Balancing Individual Choice with Organisational Needs

Whilst we will value every EOI, we must also carefully assess the impact on the University’s future. Each expression of interest will be considered in the context of our ongoing strategic and operational needs, ensuring that we can accommodate the reduction of the relevant position in that particular function. This means that, while we appreciate all applications, not every request will be supported.

How It Works

• Eligibility – Open to continuing staff members.
• Expression of Interest (EOI) – Submit an online form to indicate your interest.
• Consideration of EOI & Decision – EOI's will be reviewed by management and senior leadership.
• Separation Payment – Approved participants will receive financial entitlements as set out in the offer.

Key Dates

• Tuesday 25 February 2025 – Expressions of Interest open.
• Friday 14 March 2025 – Final date to submit an EOI (applications close at 11:59 PM).
• Wednesday 26 March 2025 – Recruitment Approval Committee (RAC) which consists of senior leaders' reviews EOIs, considers recommendations and makes final determinations.
• Monday 31 March 2025 – EOI outcomes communicated to requesting staff and their leaders.

Next Steps

• Learn more about eligibility and benefits below and read the FAQs here.
• Submit an .
• Contact your local or vss@anu.edu.au for any questions.

This is an important decision, and we encourage employees to carefully consider their options. If you’re interested in exploring voluntary separation, we invite you to review the details of the program or speak with HR for guidance.

The University or its staff cannot provide financial advice. If you have questions about financial matters, then you should seek professional advice.

Eligibility

The Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) is open to continuing staff members who wish to express interest in separating from the University.

Key eligibility criteria:

The VSS is available to continuing academic and professional staffs.

Please note:

• Staff who are employed on a Continuing (contingent funding) or fixed-term contract will not be considered for the VSS.
• Casual staff are not eligible to apply.
• Employees who have already resigned and are serving out their notice periods are ineligible.
• Employees who have already entered into pre-retirement agreements are also not eligible.

Additional Information:

• Continuing staff in critical or high-demand roles can submit an EOI but their EOI may not be approved for voluntary separation if it is determined their role remains essential to the University.
• EOIs will be reviewed in alignment with workforce planning and operational needs.
• Submission of an EOI does not guarantee approval—each request will be carefully assessed. 

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact your local or vss@anu.edu.au.

Benefits

Participating in the Voluntary Separation Scheme provides eligible employees with:

• Financial entitlements – A separation package including severance pay and leave payouts.
• An opportunity to transition out of the University and explore new career or personal pathways.

Financial Entitlements for Voluntary Separation 

If your EOI is approved and accepted, you will be offered a voluntary separation package based on the following framework:

• VSS payment: Three (3) weeks’ salary for each year of service, with a minimum of five weeks’ and a maximum of 68 weeks’ pay for academic staff or 64 weeks’ for professional staff; and
• Notice period: Six (6) weeks’ notice for all staff.
• Accrued leave: You will also receive payment for any unused accumulated annual leave and for those who have met the one (1) year qualifying period under the Enterprise Agreement, long service leave.
• Taxation: The VSS payment will be treated as a genuine redundancy for tax purposes.

Exclusions: As this is a voluntary scheme, the VSS payment does not include the 12-week redeployment payment or the 16-week transition payment for academic staff.

The University has created a voluntary separation estimator which provides an estimate of a potential voluntary separation offer. At this stage, we ask that you base your expression of interest on this estimate. Please note that formal calculations require time and will be provided for your review following approvals, before your final acceptance.

UniSuper Webcasts for ºÚÁÏÌìÌÃStaff

Additionally UniSuper will offer further opportunities to understand superannuation considerations when expressing interest in voluntary separation.  

Two UniSuper webcasts are scheduled over the coming week. All staff are welcome to attend, even if you are not a UniSuper member.  

Session 1: Tuesday 4 March 2025 - 12.30pm  

Session 2: Thursday 6 March 2025 - 12.30pm