OK,I think I've got that. So he doesn't meet the current LTSSL description and so presumably won't meet the ISSL description either but that isn't relevant as he can still apply under SMC because he does meet the general description on the skilled occupation list.
And in the case of his employer needing him to start quickly presumably he would be eligible for another type of quicker work visa and could apply concurrently for SMC? I'm assuming that universities won't have much of an issue getting in the staff they need anyway.
Thank you, once again, JandM
We will get there in the end and at least we have more options now (even if they are still confusing!).