Free Pecking Order by Chris Simms Page A

placed it on his saucer with a quiet clink.  'As you know, the way the Social Studies Department has evolved is highly unusual. Eric, you established it long before my time. In fact, counting the early years when you lectured part-time whilst still employed as a social worker, I think you must be one of the university's longest serving members of staff. All your hard work has led to a strong department that, over the years, has produced dozens of well-qualified graduates. Those who have gone on to a career in social work have done so with a thorough knowledge of the pertinent issues in caring for the elderly.
    'Patricia, you joined the university just five years ago to establish and head up a Women's Policy Unit. In that time you have made a dramatic impact on both the Social Studies Department and the university as a whole. Thanks to your research, awareness of women's issues has risen immeasurably. I gather that four police forces now follow your recommended procedures in handling cases involving domestic violence?'
    She nodded.
    'What we have though is, in effect, two separate departments within one. As you'll be aware, our government grant has been cut again, and so I'm forced to examine ways in which we can streamline our resources. Now you're by no means the only departmental heads I'll be seeing over the next few days, but I have to start somewhere. Unfortunately I have been somewhat pre-empted in this by certain rumours: that's largely the reason why I've called you both in today.
    'Within the Social Studies Department there is a certain duplication of roles - amongst the support staff, researchers and lecturers themselves. This is, as I'm sure you're aware in the current funding climate, not economically viable. To avoid rambling on, I'm afraid to say it's unlikely we can afford to continue running the department in its present form. What I'm being forced to do is merge your departments into one. This, unfortunately, necessitates a reduction in staff levels.'
    Now he stared down at his coffee cup.
    'The next cycle of voluntary redundancies comes about in a year's time, and I sincerely hope we can make all the necessary rationalisations as part of it.' The weight of his skull seemed to have magnified because, with what seemed quite an effort, he looked up and stared at a point just above Eric and Patricia. 'And now we come to the dilemma facing me. I have two excellent heads of department, but room for only one.'
    An awful, stifling silence.
    With an almost plaintive note in his voice the chancellor carried on. 'Would either of you consider taking voluntary redundancy in the next cycle?'
    Eric and Patricia made no reply.
    The chancellor looked back down. 'No, I thought not. Well, as unpleasant a duty as it is, I'm going to have to ask you both to submit proposals outlining plans for your half of the department over the next three years. Anticipated research grants coming in, student numbers expected per course and the like. Full details will be given to you in writing, I just wanted to speak to you both in person first.'
    He wasn't used to the oppressive atmosphere now filling his office. Finding that it was beginning to unnerve him, he lifted his voice and said, 'For instance, Patricia, I understand you've put in a proposal for a major research project from the Economic and Social Policy Research Council?'
    Patricia leaned forward and placed her cup and saucer on the table. Then, in a brisk, business-like tone, stated, 'Yes, by strange coincidence it's a three year project looking at the Europe-wide disparities in sentences handed out to women who kill their husbands after suffering sustained domestic violence. Funding has been agreed at £125,000 per annum, including assistance from the EU Commission into Social Affairs - the Dutch, Swedish and Italian Governments have expressed an interest in the eventual findings. We’re actually due to hear if we've been awarded the project in the next few days. I've been