Universities Scotland have responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Economy, Fair Work and Jobs Committee’s inquiry into Business Support. The inquiry focused on the role that Business Gateway plays in supporting local business. Universities Scotland highlighted good instances of Business Gateway working well with universities as well as suggestions about how the innovation and support landscape…
Briefings & Evidence
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Protection of Vulnerable Groups and the Disclosure of Criminal Information: Universities Scotland responds to Scottish Government consultation
The Scottish Government has consulted with stakeholders on the proposed changes to Protection of Vulnerable Groups and the disclosure system. You can read our submission to the consultation here.
Professional legal education: Universities Scotland provides evidence to the Justice Committee
The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee is undertaking an inquiry into professional legal education. As part of the inquiry, we felt it was worthwhile drawing to the Committee’s attention the work of the Reach programme in schools across Scotland to help widen access to a number of degree programmes, including law. You can read the evidence…
Home Affairs Committee inquiry into post-Brexit migration policy
The Home Affairs Committee is undertaking an inquiry into what the post-Brexit migration policy for the UK should be. Universities Scotland responded highlighting the importance of migration for the higher education sector in Scotland. In our submission we highlighted: The UK’s decision to leave the EU offers an unparalleled opportunity to review the whole migration…
Universities Scotland response to Scottish Affairs Committee’s Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment inquiry
Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Affairs Committee’s inquiry into Scotland and Brexit: Trade and Foreign Investment. In our submission to the inquiry, we highlight how successful Scotland’s universities have been in becoming a key Scottish export sector, generating £1.65bn in international exports. Our brief focuses on highlighting the advantages of global trade with…
Our response to Science and Technology Committee consultation on immigration and science
Universities Scotland has submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee to their inform proposals for immigration and visa rules for scientists. Our submission highlights the importance of non-UK staff to our universities’ science and innovation success and sets out key aspects of a future immigration system, as it affects academic staff and postgraduate…
Follow up letter to the Education and Skills Committee on Widening Access
On Wednesday 16 March 2018, Alastair Sim, the Director of Universities Scotland gave evidence to the Education and Skills Committee about widening access alongside four university Principals. As part of the evidence session, Alastair Sim said he would clarify some issues such as details of what universities, specifically ‘the ancients’ were doing to widen access…
Our response to UK Government’s consultation on subject-level TEF
Universities Scotland has responded to a call for evidence from the UK Department for Education (DfE) on the design of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF) at subject level. Currently, the TEF assesses provider-level undergraduate provision but the UK Government intends to extend this to a disciplinary level from 2020. Our response highlights the concerns…
Briefing for Erasmus+ debate in the Scottish Parliament
On Wednesday 16 May 2018, the Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee hosted a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the future of the Erasmus+ programme. Universities Scotland submitted a briefing to MSPs ahead of the debate, highlighting the numerous benefits of the programme and highlighting the need for continued participation after the UK leaves the EU. You…
Universities Scotland response to Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in England
The UK Government’s Review of Post-18 Education and Funding in England made a call for evidence which Universities Scotland has responded to. Our evidence focuses on student choice, specifically the ability of applicants to make a choice to study at any institution within the UK higher education system unaffected by policy for university funding and…