Universities Scotland

NewsDetails

2012

Universities Scotland responds to Ministerial statement on post-16 reform welcoming the collaborative basis for moving ahead

Universities Scotland welcomed Mr Russell's announcement this afternoon on aspects of his post-16 reform agenda.

Responding to the statement Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said:

"We share the fundamental belief that the learner should be the focus of and reason for any and all necessary change in Scotland's post-16 education. Universities also share the Scottish Government's broad ambitions to do more to widen access to learners of all backgrounds, to see more collaboration between all parts of the system and that the journey through education should be smooth and seamless for learners.

"We have been keen to work with Government to translate these ambitions into practical policies that will deliver results and produce a greater range of options for learners. It's clear that the Government has taken consultation responses on board and wants to work with universities as partners going ahead. We very much welcome this collaborative approach going ahead."

In regards to widening access, the Cabinet Secretary's statement announced plans to move toward legislation to support access agreements currently being developed between the SFC and universities. Commenting on this proposal, Alastair Sim, said:

"Widening access to university is a complex and long-term challenge as the main factor is the need to raise attainment much earlier in a young person's education. However, universities are committed to playing their role in this to the fullest. Universities will engage closely with the Funding Council to ensure that the right action is being taken to promote wide access."

Today's announcement also referred to the establishment of a working group with Universities Scotland, the SFC and business to work together to develop proposals on how best to increase knowledge exchange between universities and business, helping to driving Scotland's economic growth. Commenting on this announcement, Alastair Sim said:

"We are very supportive of the drive to increase interactions between universities and business as part of universities' significant economic contribution to Scotland. This builds on universities' existing success in making knowledge exchange with business a core activity. Scotland's universities are ahead of the game on knowledge transfer with many innovative ideas to simplify access already in place but we are ambitious to stay ahead. We're very happy to sit down with business and the SFC, in the shape of a working group as announced today, to give careful consideration to how this can best be achieved."

Commenting on plans for financial support for students, Alastair Sim said:

"Universities welcome today's announcements on student support, particularly plans to offer more for part-time learners and a minimum income for full-time students."

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New code of governance set to make Scottish universities the most progressive in Europe
Universities Scotland welcomes the draft publication of a new code of good governance for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions today [16 April], describing it as a progressive code which would set Scotland’s universities at the leading edge of accountable governance amongst all of Europe.

The draft code was welcomed by Universities Scotland’s Convener, Professor Pete Downes, also Principal of the University of Dundee:

“The new code makes a significant number of stretching and progressive requirements that will make Scotland’s universities even more transparent, inclusive and accountable to their many stakeholders. I support its introduction in Scotland and I’m confident that all universities will get behind it.

“Universities Scotland welcomed the development of a new code of governance in the spirit of continuous improvement; the principle that universities operate to in all areas of their activity. The code published today builds on the existing UK code which was already held in esteem across Europe and further afield as a model of strong HE governance. The new code, which takes us further on measures of transparency, inclusion and accountability, is set to make Scotland’s universities amongst the most progressive in Europe.”

Key measures within the new draft code include:

  • New measures to provide greater transparency in decisions relating to the remuneration of the Principal.
  • New measures for greater staff and student involvement in the formal appraisal of the Principal.
  • A new requirement to include goals for greater diversity of the governing body membership and regular monitoring of progress towards such goals.
  • The creation of a new role in university governance of Vice Chair with particular responsibility for assessing the Chair’s performance.
  • A requirement for the constitution of a nominations committee for the appointment of lay members of the governing body and selection of the Chair to ensure staff and student engagement.
  • A new requirement that vacancies for independent or lay members of university governing bodies are advertised externally. The recruitment process must address issues of equality and diversity and should involve a skills register to assist in identifying the skills needs of the institution. 
  • Clear responsibilities for the Chair to protect discussions at the governing body from dominance by senior management.
  • Affirmation of the importance of university autonomy
  • Renewed commitment to the importance of academic freedom


The code is now in a final eight-week consultation phase lasting until 11 June. The aim is to approve the final code in time for implementation in academic year 2013/14.

You can read the full press release here. The code can be downloaded at: www.scottishuniversitygovernance.ac.uk