Universities Scotland

Publications

All the publications listed below are available to download in PDF format. If you are having problems viewing the publications, you may need to download the free Acrobat Reader.
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2012

Working Smarter: Progress report 2012

This document offers a brief summary of the detailed efficiencies action plan which has been developed by senior university leaders from across the sector. Read the progress report

2012

Putting learners at the centre

Universities Scotland's summary response to the Scottish Government's consultation on post-16 reform. Read the summary response

2011

Review of Higher Education Governance: Universities Scotland submission

This paper is Universities Scotland's response to the Scottish Government's Review of Higher Education. To ensure that the Review is informed by a thorough understanding of governance arrangements in our universities, the sector has provided what it regards to be a full, detailed and evidence-based submission and makes a number of recommendations. Download the Universities Scotland submission


2011

Working smarter: The next level of university efficiencies

This report reviews universities' recent performance on efficiency, highlighting examples from the range of initiatives to give a sense of the sector's progress and achievements to date. More importantly, the report looks ahead as Universities Scotland brings together an Efficiencies Taskforce as the challenge to find efficiencies becomes greater. Read the full report

2011

Statement of Common Cause on Scotland’s Universities

Universities Scotland, NUS Scotland and UCU Scotland share a common interest in working for a university  sector which provides wide opportunity for learners of all ages and backgrounds, which provides the quality of experience which learners deserve, which values the professional contribution made by staff, and which is at the centre of an ambitious, successful Scotland.

Download the statement of common cause


Scroll over the map below and click to view contact details for our members.



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