Voluntary Separation Scheme re-opening for expressions of interest
As published in staff On Campus on Tuesday 26 August 2025
Further to the message from the Vice-Chancellor about , the University will open a second Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) on Friday 29 August 2025.
The VSS will run alongside formal change activities across the University, offering eligible continuing employees a supported and voluntary pathway to leave ANU.
Why is the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) being opened again?
The University is re-opening the VSS to give staff greater choice during this period of change. It provides a voluntary pathway for those considering opportunities beyond ANU, offering fair and mutually agreed terms for departure, while also helping to secure the University’s long-term financial sustainability.
The previous round of the VSS proved highly effective, reducing the scale of formal change processes and limiting the need for involuntary redundancies. This new round continues that approach — balancing financial responsibility with care for our people, ensuring staff have genuine options, are treated with respect and are supported in their career and personal goals.
Key Information
Key dates
For staff in areas currently undergoing organisational change
Activity | Date |
| Applications Open | Friday 29 August 2025 |
| Staff VSS Information Session – tailored information for affected areas | Wednesday 3 September 2025, 1.30–3pm (Zoom link to come) |
| Applications close (priority consideration) | Friday 12 September 2025 |
| Outcomes due | Prioritised however must be assessed alongside implementation planning |
For staff in areas not undergoing formal change
Activity | Date |
| Applications Open | Friday 29 August 2025 |
| Staff VSS Information Session – general VSS information | Wednesday 3 September 2025, 3.15–4.45pm (Zoom link to come) |
| Applications close | Friday 26 September 2025 |
| Outcomes due | Anticipated late October |
Eligibility:
The Scheme is open to continuing academic and professional staff members only. Please note:
- Continuing (contingent funding), fixed term, and casual staff are not eligible.
- Staff who have already resigned or entered into pre-retirement agreements are not eligible.
- EOIs from staff in critical or high-demand roles may not be approved if the role is considered essential to the University.
Criteria:
Applications will be considered based on operational requirements. The assessment will consider the following factors:
- Position necessity: Whether your position is essential to the University's current and future needs.
- Workload impact: If your tasks can be managed differently while meeting workload and WH&S requirements.
- Irreplaceable skills and knowledge: If your specific skills or knowledge should be retained.
- For academic staff, whether your departure would negatively impact educational programs, research, or student experience.
The final decision will reflect a comprehensive evaluation of these factors to ensure the best outcome. An offer for voluntary separation will only be made after this assessment is complete. 
More information, including detailed FAQs and the application e-form, will be available on Friday 29 August when applications open. We encourage staff to carefully consider whether the VSS is right for them and to make use of the upcoming information sessions.
We thank all staff for their continued engagement during this period of change.
