Briefings & Evidence

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Response to Review of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers

Universities Scotland has responded to a request from Research Councils UK (RCUK) for input on the Review of the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers. The Concordat, which is an agreement between funders and employers of research staff to improve the employment and support for researchers and research careers in UK higher education, was…

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Universities Scotland’s response to the Scottish Government consultation on the attainment gap

Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the attainment gap. You can read our here response here.

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Universities Scotland response to the Migration Advisory Committee Call for Evidence on EEA workers in the UK

We have submitted written evidence to the MAC’s Inquiry on EEA workers in the UK. The Inquiry closed on 27 October. Our submission makes the point that Scotland’s universities are truly global organisations and their staff are drawn from across the world. Working alongside colleagues from the UK and from beyond the EEA, staff from the rest…

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Education Select Committee inquiry: Value for Money in Higher Education

Universities Scotland has submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament’s Education Select Committee. The inquiry, Value for Money in Higher Education, invited submissions on issues such as graduate outcomes, senior management pay in universities and the role of the Office for Students. You can read or download our full response here. Our submission highlights the world-class performance…

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Our contribution to Scottish Affairs Committee inquiry

Universities Scotland has responded to a call for evidence by the Scottish Affairs Committee. The inquiry, My Scottish Affairs, welcomed ideas and proposals from the public about what issues the Committee should look into over the course of the Parliament. Our submission identified three important themes: how to promote research and innovation through the UK Government and Scottish Government relationship; making…

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Response to feedback request from funding bodies on Research Excellence Framework development

Universities Scotland has responded to a request by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for further input on the development of Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Following our response to the original consultation in March, HEFCE, which runs REF on behalf of all the funding bodies in the UK, asked for further feedback regarding staff and…

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HEFCE Knowledge Exchange Framework: good practice in research contracting response

The HEFCE-universities knowledge exchange framework aims to support a culture of continuous improvement in universities. As part of this work, and looking UK-wide, HEFCE requested evidence on good practice and key issues in research contracting. To read our response click here.

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Response to Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s call for evidence on Gender Representation on Public Boards Bill

Universities Scotland has responded to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s call for evidence on the Gender Representation on Public Boards Bill. Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions are within the scope of this Bill. You can read our response to the call for evidence here.

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Response to Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee’s inquiry on immigration

Over the summer, the Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee made a call for evidence to aid its inquiry on immigration. Universities Scotland value the role that immigration plays in ensuring that Scotland’s higher education sector attracts the highest calibre talent possible from throughout the world. You can read our response here.

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Going for Growth: our case for investment in the 2017 Scottish Government Spending Review

Ahead of the Scottish Government’s 2017 Spending Review, Universities Scotland has prepared Going for Growth, our proposals for funding the Higher Education sector. We believe the Spending Review material sets out a well-evidenced case for investment in the sector.  We believe it is proportionately ambitious in what are still very difficult times for the public finances….

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