The University has come under fire over the recent appointment of new director of IT, Jim Slack, following revelations regarding his former employment history.

Mr. Slack resigned as head of IT at the Co-operative Bank in 2012, after being responsible for a computer system upgrade that cost the Co-op more than £250m, deepening the financial problems facing the company.

Mr. Slack will begin overseeing the IT department from 1st May, taking over from the interim director of IT, Geoff Kendal Smith. The University has welcomed Mr. Slack’s appointment, citing his “30 years’ experience working in IT”. Finance Director, Jane Madeley, has said she is “confident that he will make a significant impact in leading the delivery of an integrated, agile, customer-focused and enabling IT service”.

Given Mr. Slack’s background at Co-op, concerns have surfaced over whether he is a suitable appointment for the University’s IT department. A source from the University, who wished to remain anonymous, questioned why he was appointed “when he has no research experience, no teaching experience and a history of professional incompetence”.

Sam Robinson