Report criticises Soton's rule of fear

A DIFFERENT style of leadership is needed at Southampton Institute to help it improve quality, extend research, and consolidate following rapid expansion, a report published by the institute says.

"Stage managed" walkabouts by the institute director David Leyland and filmed staff forum meetings have proved ineffective communication methods, says the report from Geoffrey Hall, the former Brighton Polytechnic director commissioned by the institute to review staff communication.

The institute needs urgently to create an atmosphere of academic debate rather than one of fear, Professor Hall says.

"It is sad to say that in response to the question why do you not speak up and express your views forcefully on academic matters or on institutional management, the response given by a large number of staff from most senior to the more junior was fear - fear of the consequences of speaking out," the report adds.

The report was commissioned in the summer at the request of the institute's governing body and following a vote of no confidence in the director from staff and students. The institute's governors welcomed the report.

Southampton Institute's overseas franchise arrangements were criticised earlier in the year by the Higher Education Quality Council.