Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS)

Supporting Our People, Strengthening Our Future

The University is committed to making thoughtful, strategic decisions that support both our staff and our long-term financial sustainability. Based on feedback we received from staff in 2024, the University has developed the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) as a pathway for eligible staff members to exit the University on mutually agreeable terms. This scheme and its scope have been discussed with the NTEU.

The VSS is entirely voluntary and offers eligible employees the opportunity to express interest in a mutually agreed separation. Eligibility criteria, the assessment of an expression of interest and the VSS process is explained further below.

Voluntary Separation Estimator

The University understands the financial terms offered in a voluntary separation is an important consideration for employees. The University has created a voluntary separation estimator which provides an estimate of a potential voluntary separation offer. To access to the estimator, click here.

Important information about how the financial terms in a voluntary separation offer are calculated are also explained in the Eligibility and Benefits sections below and in the VSS FAQs.

Balancing Individual Choice with Organisational Needs

Whilst we will value every EOI, we must also carefully assess the impact on the University’s future. Each expression of interest will be considered in the context of our ongoing strategic and operational needs, ensuring that we can accommodate the reduction of the relevant position in that particular function. This means that, while we appreciate all applications, not every request will be supported.

How It Works

• Eligibility – Open to continuing staff members.
• Expression of Interest (EOI) – Submit an online form to indicate your interest.
• Consideration of EOI & Decision – EOI's will be reviewed by management and senior leadership.
• Separation Payment – Approved participants will receive financial entitlements as set out in the offer.

Key Dates

• Tuesday 25 February 2025 – Expressions of Interest open.
• Friday 14 March 2025 – Final date to submit an EOI (applications close at 11:59 PM).
• Wednesday 26 March 2025 – Recruitment Approval Committee (RAC) which consists of senior leaders' reviews EOIs, considers recommendations and makes final determinations.
• Monday 31 March 2025 – EOI outcomes communicated to requesting staff and their leaders.

Next Steps

• Learn more about eligibility and benefits below and read the FAQs here.
• Submit an Expression of Interest.
• Contact your local People & Culture Business Partner or vss@anu.edu.au for any questions.

This is an important decision, and we encourage employees to carefully consider their options. If you’re interested in exploring voluntary separation, we invite you to review the details of the program or speak with HR for guidance.

The University or its staff cannot provide financial advice. If you have questions about financial matters, then you should seek professional advice.

Eligibility

The Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) is open to continuing staff members who wish to express interest in separating from the University.

Key eligibility criteria:

The VSS is available to continuing academic and professional staffs.

Please note:

• Staff who are employed on a Continuing (contingent funding) or fixed-term contract will not be considered for the VSS.
• Casual staff are not eligible to apply.
• Employees who have already resigned and are serving out their notice periods are ineligible.
• Employees who have already entered into pre-retirement agreements are also not eligible.

Additional Information:

• Continuing staff in critical or high-demand roles can submit an EOI but their EOI may not be approved for voluntary separation if it is determined their role remains essential to the University.
• EOIs will be reviewed in alignment with workforce planning and operational needs.
• Submission of an EOI does not guarantee approval—each request will be carefully assessed. 

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please contact your local People & Culture Business Partner or vss@anu.edu.au.

Benefits

Participating in the Voluntary Separation Scheme provides eligible employees with:

• Financial entitlements – A separation package including severance pay and leave payouts.
• An opportunity to transition out of the University and explore new career or personal pathways.

Financial Entitlements for Voluntary Separation 

If your EOI is approved and accepted, you will be offered a voluntary separation package based on the following framework:

• VSS payment: Three (3) weeks’ salary for each year of service, with a minimum of five weeks’ and a maximum of 68 weeks’ pay for academic staff or 64 weeks’ for professional staff; and
• Notice period: Six (6) weeks’ notice, which includes an additional week for employees over 45 years old.
• Accrued leave: You will also receive payment for any unused accumulated annual leave and for those who have met the one (1) year qualifying period under the Enterprise Agreement, long service leave.
• Taxation: The VSS payment will be treated as a genuine redundancy for tax purposes.

Exclusions: As this is a voluntary scheme, the VSS payment does not include the 12-week redeployment payment or the 16-week transition payment for academic staff.

The University has created a voluntary separation estimator which provides an estimate of a potential voluntary separation offer. At this stage, we ask that you base your expression of interest on this estimate. Please note that formal calculations require time and will be provided for your review following approvals, before your final acceptance.

To access the VSS FAQs click here.