HELP: University lecturer redundancies/changing career...

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Due to senior mismanagement 'falling student numbers', my DH is one of many in his department facing redundancy from his academic job in social sciences. He is very negative about the possibility of getting another academic job since universities are tightening their belts across the country, and, since it is all so fresh and upsetting (staff have been treated horribly through the whole process, and kept in the dark until the last possible minute), understandably panicking about what to do next. He is a program lead, so has management experience, and his current salary is around 50k.

I wondered if anyone on here has been in, or has known anyone who has been in, a similar position - what did you/they do next?

Just trying to get some ideas/curious how others have fared, really. 🙁

Can he look at jobs at Further education colleges or international schools? There are loads of international schools in London, like ACS, MPW, Mary Mount?

It may be an idea to post in https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/academics_corner as this is where you will find other experienced academics.
Sorry this happened to your DH, I am ex-social sciences academic who pivoted into IT project management 10 years ago but I never held a permanent academic position so probably not much help.

Thanks @SmileLady , I'll suggest that!

@coffeemonster28 I originally planned to post this in ACR, but then I wondered how many ex-academics that would reach! Maybe I'll post it in both places if that's allowed.

(Evening bump)

I'm not an academic, but I've been through redundancy and it is ghastly. I do think with hindsight that the shock and stress of it made the future seem far bleaker than it turned out to be. If that's any comfort.

There is a retraining board that might also be worth a browse for inspiration of how people changed directions.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

Civil service is also trying to reduce headcount so may not be the right time, however it could still be worth exploring or even just browsing vacancies for inspiration about what's possible. There's so many different career paths their website can be useful just for research tbh.

https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi

User experience researcher type roles might fit someone with his background possibly?

Learning and development functions in businesses perhaps. Consultancy. Local government.

Just to offer some light at the end of the tunnel….I took redundancy 4 years ago after 26 years employment. I worked with a coach and it really helped me. So much that I accredited and I’ve set up my own coaching business (I worked in leadership development and behavioural change so wasn’t totally random) and I wouldn’t change it for the world! I hope things work out for you DH.

I'm a university careers consultant (working with mature students and career changers). I'd recommend your partner speaks with a registered careers consultant https://www.thecdi.net/professional-register , ideally one with experience of working in HE themselves (so gets the context). People tend to find it helpful to speak with someone impartial, even if it is only to hear their thoughts reflected back, and unhelpful thoughts challenged. Good luck.

If he is social sciences, then his skills would be applicable in applied social research/evaluation, although it would take a few years for him to get back up to £50k if he switches to that sector.