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As stated in the University of Nottingham's published financial statements, the 2008 emoluments for Sir Colin Campbell comprised a basic salary of ?0,000 plus a payment in lieu of employer's pension contributions of ?38,000 - these contributions were no longer paid as the maximum total contributions to the Universities Superannuation Scheme pension for the vice-chancellor had already been made. The maximum figure that should be attributed to salary is ?308,000.

The percentage increase in his basic salary was broadly comparable to the average 9 per cent increase received by most other university staff over the same period. It is also important to bear in mind that these pay awards, both for university heads and all higher education staff, relate to 2007-08 and were determined when the economic climate was somewhat different.

Sir Colin also received ?180,000 to adjust for prior-year pension contributions not made, and he was awarded a payment of ?135,000, reflecting the consequences of his contract ending before his normal retirement date. These should not be counted as salary.

Keith Hamill, President of council, University of Nottingham.