No-one benefits if we struggle' '“ University of Portsmouth vice-chancellor speaks out over £800,000 rebrand cost

Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Galbraith spoke out in a letter after The News revealed £800,000 had been spent on a rebrand, including a new logo.

It comes as departments have been written to asking them to prepare saving plans of between five and seven per cent, and try to boost income.

Prof Galbraith had received a £46,000 basic salary increase in the four years since he joined in September 2013.

In a letter to The News, he said: ‘I very much welcome this opportunity to engage with a wider audience on the University’s plans to secure a positive future for our students and the city. We want people to associate the University of Portsmouth with excellence and a determination to strive to improve in everything that we do.’

He added: ‘The investment in the university’s profile is vital to our future and strengthens our ability to gain greater recognition for our world-class research and teaching that is making a local and global impact.

‘No-one in the city benefits if the university struggles.

‘The government has just announced a “major review” into universities.

‘Like many others, we must now do more with less.

‘The proposed savings of between five and seven percent will help us to become more efficient and enable us to further improve the educational experience we provide our students.

‘Our students and the city deserve nothing less.’

As reported, the university came under fire from the branch of UCU over the costs of the rebrand and the proposed cuts to departments.

The rebrand was launched for 2017 to mark the 25th anniversary year of the institution becoming a university.

Around 10,000 staff and students were consulted, the university said.

A statement previously defended Prof Galbraith’s pay, saying it was ‘in line’ with other universities, and that he had rejected a £5,000 performance-related bonus offered to him last year.

Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said he would work with the university chiefs.