USP Council resolves to initiate independent review about human resource decisions and processes

The University of the South Pacific Council has responded to concerns expressed about human resource decisions and processes at the USP and has resolved to initiate an independent review.

Pro-Chancellor and Acting Chair of the Council, Emeritus Professor Pat Walsh says the Council has also resolved that an appointment of the University Visitor will be made in its November Council Meeting.

The Council says it is concerned about the prolonged vacancy of the University Visitor.

The Office of the Visitor, among other duties as prescribed by the Charter and Council, is the final appellant authority within the USP for internal disputes.

The position has been vacant since May 2022.

The Council noted that in accordance with Article 27 of the Charter of USP, the Council is the body which appoints the University Visitor.

The Council noted that the University has faced challenges in finding potential candidates for the role and has strongly encouraged member countries to provide recommendations for potential candidates.

They will review the terms and conditions of the Visitor position to ensure the University can attract quality candidates.

Meanwhile the findings into the human resource decisions and processes are to be presented to the Council at its November meeting.

The 98th Meeting of the USP Council is scheduled to take place on 25th and 26th November 2024 in the Cook Islands.