Ahead of the UK General Election on 12 December 2019, Universities Scotland has prepared a briefing which outlines the higher education policies we’re seeking support for in political parties’ manifestos and from the next government. The short briefing should be considered as a companion to Universities UK’s manifesto briefing. Our ‘asks’ have been divided into…
Briefings & Evidence
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Universities Scotland respond to Local Government and Communities Committee’s call for views on Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill
Universities Scotland have responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Local Government and Communities call for views on the proposed Period Products (Free Provision) (Scotland) Bill that the committee is currently considering. Read our response to the committee here.
Submission to Education and Skills Committee on its pre-2020/21 Budget Scrutiny
As part of its pre-2020/21 Budget Scrutiny, we were asked to submit evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee about what the higher education sector in Scotland was seeking to see in the forthcoming budget. You can read our evidence here.
Universities Scotland response to data collection relating to unspent criminal convictions of university applicants
Universities Scotland has responded to a request for information from the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee in relation to proposed legislative changes to the disclosure system in Scotland. The request specifically focuses on UCAS’s removal of a question regarding unspent criminal convictions from all course applications and the initiatives taken by Scottish institutions to…
Universities Scotland submission on the impact of Brexit on higher education
On Wednesday 18 September 2019, Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim will give evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee about the impact of Brexit on the higher education sector. Ahead of the session, we submitted written evidence to the Committee which outlines our concerns about the consequences of a no deal exit from…
Briefing for Scottish Government debate on mobility of talent in the university sector
A debate on the impact of the UK Government’s planned immigration policy on the mobility of talent in the Scottish higher education sector. Ahead of the debate, we took the opportunity to brief MSPs on the importance of ensuring that Scotland remains open to staff and students from around the world. The briefing contains calls…
Universities Scotland update on Reach programme
Universities Scotland responded to a call for evidence from the Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee to inform their inquiry into access to the legal profession. We provided data on the Reach Scotland, a national programme that aims to encourage, support and prepare learners for studying a professional degree. You can read our full submission here.
Universities Scotland submission on future frameworks for international collaboration on research and innovation
Universities Scotland responded to a call for evidence on future UK funding schemes for international collaboration and innovation. Professor Sir Adrian Smith has been commissioned by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) to provide independent advice on what future frameworks on research and innovation could look like. You can read our full…
Universities Scotland submission to consultation on a Workplace Parking Levy
Universities Scotland has submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee to inform its inquiry into the Workplace Parking Levy (WPL). The Committee has invited views on the policy as part of their consideration of the Transport (Scotland) Bill, which contains amendments proposing the introduction of a WPL. Our submission recognises that…
Universities Scotland update on widening access to Education and Skills Committee
Universities Scotland has provided an update on the sector’s progress on widening access to the Scottish Parliament’s Education and Skills Committee. Our submission summarises the set of actions delivered by universities since the Commission on Widening Access (CoWA) in 2016, including the sector-wide setting of minimum entry requirements and developing a consistent approach to communicating…