The Herald newspaper carried an exclusive today (9 October) to announce that Dame Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal of the University of St Andrews, is leading pillar 3 of the Future Framework, which will look at sector-led transformation. Read the full interview by Garrett Stell.
The Pillar is supported by a project team. The full membership and objectives of the Pillar, and the wider work of the Framework, can be found on the Future Framework’s microsite here.
Commenting on the announcement, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said:
“From the outset, the transformation pillar was always going to pose challenging questions for universities, but institutions have been clear they will engage fully and approach this work on a no-red-lines basis. Transformation is as much about responding to long-term trends and opportunities as it is about addressing the sector’s funding challenges.
“Genuine transformation requires a balanced approach that brings together investment, strategic prioritisation, cost reduction, and the development of new sources of income. It is about creating institutions that are more resilient, more sustainable and better positioned to deliver for students, communities and the economy. It is not about finding £200 million of cuts. The sector believes transformation will make an important contribution to reducing the funding gap and strengthening the sector’s long-term sustainability, but it is only one part of a broader solution. If we are serious about securing the future success of Scotland’s universities, transformation must be accompanied by the investment and policy choices needed to support a world-class university system for the years ahead.”