Two top staff members at Cardiff University have come under fire for claiming expenses totaling more than £116,000, amid the university’s financial struggles and plans to cut hundreds of jobs. Professor Wendy Larner, the vice-chancellor, and her pro-vice-chancellor, Rudolf Alleman, have faced criticism from staff and the UCU union for their expenses claims. The university has made public details of these expenses, which reveal that between November 2023 and January 2025, Alleman claimed £75,756.22, while Larner claimed over £40,000, including trips to the USA and Kazakhstan for the opening of a new campus.
Staff members and the UCU union acknowledge the necessity of senior staff traveling for work but argue that the scale of the expenses claimed by Larner and Alleman is excessive, especially in light of the financial challenges the university is currently facing. In January, Larner announced plans to cut 400 academic jobs and close several academic schools and degree courses, including nursing, modern languages, music, ancient history, translation, religion, and theology. Following a 90-day consultation period, the proposed job losses have been reduced to 355 after some academics opted for voluntary redundancy. The UCU spokesperson expressed frustration at the perceived lavish expenses of senior managers amidst the backdrop of impending job cuts and program closures.
In response to the criticism, the university clarified that the flights claimed by Larner and Alleman were for premium economy, not business class tickets, and that all international travel is approved in accordance with financial regulations. The university emphasised the importance of senior staff engaging in international travel to promote the institution and create opportunities for staff, students, and research. However, they underscored their commitment to prioritising value for money and reducing their carbon footprint. The expenses noted for trips to Kazakhstan were related to the university’s forthcoming campus launch in September.
The UCU union highlighted the stark contrast between the claimed expenses and the financial challenges faced by Cardiff University, including job losses and programme closures. They criticised the seemingly extravagant expenditures of senior managers, calling for more responsible spending of university funds. The university defended the necessity of international travel for senior staff in maintaining the university’s reputation and fostering partnerships. They acknowledged the need to ensure value for money and reduce unnecessary expenses, indicating a commitment to exploring alternative methods to limit international travel.
Despite the response from the university, the controversy surrounding the expenses claimed by Larner and Alleman has stirred debate among staff members and the wider academic community. The episode underscores broader concerns about financial transparency, accountability, and the distribution of resources within higher education institutions. As Cardiff University navigates its financial challenges and restructuring efforts, the scrutiny of senior staff expenses serves as a reminder of the need for prudent financial management and equitable allocation of resources to support the university’s core mission of teaching and research.
In conclusion, the expenses claimed by Cardiff University’s top staff members have sparked controversy and raised questions about financial stewardship during a challenging period for the institution. The contrasting perspectives on the necessity and appropriateness of these expenses reflect broader conversations about accountability and resource allocation in higher education. As stakeholders continue to evaluate the university’s financial decisions, the episode serves as a pertinent case study in balancing operational needs with fiscal responsibility to sustain the university’s academic mission and institutional integrity.