The Scottish Funding Council commissioned Professor Pamela Gillies and professional services firm BDO to lead an independent investigation into the University of Dundee. The full report can be found on the Funding Council’s website.
Responding to the report, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said:
“Professor Gillies’ report makes for very difficult but important reading for everyone in higher education. The report is an independent assessment of what went wrong in the specific circumstances of one institution. However, the sector will collectively reflect on its findings and the lessons it shares to give robust assurance of financial management and good governance to our funders, regulators, supporters and all who depend on universities. Universities Scotland’s governance group will meet early next week to start this process, and we’ll work very closely with the Committee of Scottish Chairs, Funding Council, Scottish Government and wider stakeholders to ensure there is transparency, accountability and coordination. In taking this forward, we will connect to Universities UK’s work to consider the leadership and governance skills required in the sector in times of transformation and challenge.
“Professor Gillies’ report points to deep failures in management and governance at the University of Dundee, which must be addressed. In doing so, it is important not to lose sight of the vital and positive impact the University continues to have in Tayside, nationally and internationally. That comes down to the hard work and dedication of its many thousands of students and staff, for whom the last year has been incredibly difficult.”