Evidence item D718
Letter from Averil Cameron to Diamond Versi, 31st March 2004

Keble College
Oxford OX1 3PG
Telephone: 01865 272727
Direct line: 01865 272700/01

from the Warden

31 March 2004

Dear Diamond

Role of Accountant

As you are aware, Finance Committee met yesterday in order to consider the proposals for restructuring the Accounts team. These proposals have been discussed fully with you before they were submitted to Finance Committee, and Finance Committee took into account the comments and views of the potentially affected staff members in reaching its decision, including the written submissions you have made. Furthermore, you were invited to attend the meeting of Finance Committee and to present your views personally, although you declined this invitation.

I have to tell you that the decision of Finance Committee is that the restructuring should proceed on the basis set out in the Bursar's report of 9th January 2004, a copy of which was given to you on 15th January and in relation to which you have submitted a number of detailed comments. Consequently, the post of Accountant is no longer required, and I hereby give you notice of termination of your employment by reason of redundancy.

You are entitled to three months' notice, which will run from 31 March 2004. The College may require you not to serve out your notice period and in such an event would make a payment to you in lieu of the balance of your notice period. The College would not be obliged to deduct tax or NIC in respect of any such payment. You have indicated both to the Bursar and myself that you do not wish to be considered for the new post of Financial Controller. I would be grateful if you could confirm as soon as possible and in any event by close of business (5 p.m.) on Thursday, 1 April that this remains your position. For your information I enclose a copy of the job description and further particulars for the post.

The statutory redundancy payment to which you are entitled is £6,075, calculated on the basis of 15 full years of service with the College at age 56 giving a multiplier of 22.5 of a week's pay capped at £270. Tax and NIC are not deducted from statutory redundancy pay. You will also be paid in respect of holidays which you have accrued to the date your employment ends but which you have not taken. Any payment in respect of accrued holidays will be subject to the deduction of tax and NIC.

Before your employment ends you should make sure that you return all property belonging to the College, including any files, papers and other documents (in whatever form) to the College

May I take this opportunity to thank you for all your hard work and commitment to the College over the past fifteen years and to wish you all the best for the future.

Yours sincerely

Averil Cameron

Warden