• Universities Scotland is clear that universities will need decisive and strategic action from both the Scottish and UK Government to get them through this crisis. The scale of the financial challenge is greater than the Scottish Government can meet from its existing budget. This is not a political point and this is not a time for politicking. Universities want to work in lock step with both Governments and believe this matches their objective during this time.
Briefings & Evidence
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An existential challenge: the financial threat facing Scotland’s universities as a result of COVID-19
The impact of the pandemic is still unfolding on our universities, as it is for the rest of the country. However, it is becoming clear that the impacts on higher education will be both significant and long-lasting and there is currently no clear path to sufficient support. Scotland’s universities need a response from the Scottish…
Universities Scotland response to Scottish Government consulation on Replacement of European Structural Funds
Universities Scotland has responded to a call for views from the Scottish Government on a successor scheme to European Structural Funds. The consultation is looking at how any replacement funding vehicle could best meet the needs of citizens, businesses and communities in Scotland. Our response calls for the new fund to be focused on locality,…
Confidentiality clauses in the Scottish university sector
Universities Scotland members signed off a joint statement on the use of confidentiality clauses in the Scottish university sector in January 2020. You can read the statement here.
Universities Scotland response to Universities UK Review of Fair Admissions
Universities Scotland has responded to a call for evidence from Universities UK to inform their review of fair admissions to higher education. The review has been established to identify the main challenges linked to undergraduate admissions and offer-making practices, review the 2004 Schwartz principles on fair admissions, and propose ways to ensure that admissions work in…
Universities Scotland briefing for Scottish Government debate: Scotland as a Science Nation
Ahead of the Scottish Government debate on Scotland as a Science Nation, Universities Scotland published a briefing for MSPs. The debate took place on Tuesday 26 November 2019. The briefing highlighted the strengths of Scotland as a Science Nation as well as the challenges facing the nation.
Universities Scotland response to the Migration Advisory Committee Call for Evidence on Salary Thresholds and the Points-based System
Universities Scotland have submitted evidence to the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee after their call for evidence on salary thresholds and a points-based immigration system. You can read our response, which we delighted the essential role that international staff play in our world-leading universities, here.
Universities Scotland manifesto ‘asks’ for the 2019 General Election
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…
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.