Today the Commissioner for Fair Access, Professor John McKendrick has published his independent report Higher education – renewing the alliance for fair access. This is the sixth fair access report commissioned by the Scottish Government. Professor John McKendrick considers how the framework for promoting fair access can be strengthened with twenty recommendations to help achieve…
News
January
22
2024
Claire McPherson to be the next Director of Universities Scotland
Universities Scotland is delighted to appoint Claire McPherson to the role of Director. Ms McPherson will take up the role on 25 March 2024; succeeding Alastair Sim, who has been Director of the body which represents Scotland’s 19 universities and higher education institutions, since 2009. Claire brings a wealth of experience shaping and influencing public policy…
January
16
2024
Scottish Government budget outcomes: tough choices for universities
The Scottish Government’s 2024/25 budget, published on 19 December has indicated there will be £28.5 million of cuts to the university teaching grant. This leaves universities with tough choices to be made as funding continues to erode within the sector. Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland: “The budget outcome for universities means there’s a need…
December
20
2023
Universities Scotland respond to the Scottish Government’s budget for 2024/25
Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s budget for financial year 2024/25 which was published on Tuesday 19th December. For higher education, the budget means: cash cuts of 5.9% to university resource budgets (or a cut of £48.5 million) which primarily covers the cost of teaching Scottish domiciled students.* a 4.7% increase to the…
December
18
2023
Donation to Cara this Christmas
This year, rather than sending out Christmas cards, Universities Scotland have made a donation to Cara (Council for At-Risk Academics) in recognition and to support the important work they do. Cara provides urgently-needed help to academics in immediate danger, those forced into exile, and many who choose to work on in their home countries despite…
December
13
2023
A cheat’s guide to the Scottish Government’s budget and university funding
Susannah Lane, Head of Public Affairs has written a short blog detailing a guide on how universities in Scotland are funded and a breakdown of the Scottish Government budget, ahead of the budget for financial year 2024/25 on 19 December. Next week the Scottish Government will publish its budget for the financial year 2024/25. By…
November
24
2023
Scotland’s universities collaborate on unprecedented approach to student data as part of ongoing commitment to tackle gender based violence
Scotland’s universities collaborate on unprecedented approach to student data as part of ongoing commitment to tackle gender based violence Scotland’s universities have announced a new common baseline approach to the collection and processing of personal student data relating to relevant unspent criminal convictions and relevant criminal charges. The data will be used to improve student…
November
21
2023
Global international higher education event comes to Scotland
Some 400 higher education leaders from around the world will debate the future of international higher education at an event in Edinburgh this week. Going Global, organised by the British Council, will focus on the increasing demand across the world for higher and further education. The event will address how the sector can better tackle…
October
09
2023
Success for Team Scotland in Paris this weekend
Over the weekend, Universities Scotland’s International team, Ela Kossakowska and Dr David Donaldson attended L’Etudiant Study Abroad Fair in Paris, representing the Scottish higher education sector. They have shared insights into the successful Fair and highlighted the importance of international partnerships and students for Scotland. With the eyes of Scotland focussed on Paris on Saturday,…
September
20
2023
Executive search begins as Alastair Sim announces his intention to move on
Universities Scotland is seeking a new Director. Alastair Sim, the current Director, is leaving Universities Scotland (US) after 14 years’ of outstanding service. Responding to Alastair’s planned departure in 2024, Professor Iain Gillespie, Convener of Universities Scotland and the Principal of the University of Dundee, said: “Alastair has given an astonishing amount of commitment to Universities…