Universities Scotland, which represents 19 universities and higher education institutions across Scotland reveal their manifesto asks in anticipation of the UK General Election. The manifesto asks the next UK government to make policy and funding decisions in ways that maximise the positive economic and social impact Scotland delivers as part of the UK. Higher education…
Tag: Politics
Briefing on widening access: Scottish Government debate
Ahead of the Scottish Government led debate on widening access this week, we have prepared a brief that has went to MSPs which outlines our key asks for the widening access agenda. This is to ensure universities are able to meet the 2030 target of 20% of students from the most 20% deprived areas attend…
Universities Scotland: A brief for Ministerial statement on post-school reform
Universities Scotland have circulated a brief to MSPs within the Scottish Parliament ahead of the Minister for Higher Education, Further Education and Veterans, Graeme Dey’s statement to Parliament on post-school reform. Within this brief, we have highlighted our key messages which inlcude: Universities welcomed many of the bold ideas in the Withers report on skills…
Science and Scotland: follow up
Following our appearance at Westminster’s Scottish Affairs Committee on their inquiry into Science and Scotland, we have written a follow up letter to provide the Committee with additional evidence on their inquiry. In our follow up letter, we have provided further information to Douglas Ross MP on the balance on international student recruitment in Scotland…
Skills fit for the future: our key messages to the Scottish Parliament
We have circulated a brief to MSP’s ahead of James Withers appearing at the Scottish Parliament’s Education, Children and Young People’s Committee on Wednesday 15 November. Within this brief, we have outlined our response to the Withers Review and what our key messages are to inform members of Parliament what the sector would like to…
Science and Scotland: Submission to the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee
Universities Scotland have submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Scottish Affairs Committee on their inquiry into Science and Scotland. In our evidence, we highlight that research is an area in which Scotland is genuinely “world-leading” in terms of quality and excellence. Also, how research is a significant asset for Scotland propelling innovation, economic growth, the…
Submission to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee on the sustainability of Scotland’s finances
We are delighted to submit to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee on their inquiry into the sustainability of Scotland’s finances. This is ahead of our Director, Alastair Sim’s appearance at the Committee. Our submission highlights the ways in which universities are a catalyst for economic growth and prosperity in Scotland. We have…
Response to Petition2009: Ensure fair access to Scottish universities for all residents in Scotland and the UK
We welcome the opportunity to respond to the Scottish Parliament’s Citizen Participation and Public Petitions Committee regarding Petition2009: Ensure fair access to Scottish universities for all residents in Scotland and the UK. Universities Scotland believe that in aggregate across the sector, there are sufficient university places available to meet the aspirations of suitably qualified Scots-domiciled…
Response to the statement from the Home Secretary on graduate visas
In response to the written ministerial statement issued a short time ago by the Home Office, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “After months of speculation, we have clarity from the UK Government. We welcome the commitment to retaining the post-study work visa which benefits both students and employers. It also helps retain talent…
Submission to the Education, Children & Young People Committee Budget 2023 to 2024 session
Universities Scotland is extremely disappointed by the Scottish Government’s decision to withdraw £20 million of resource funding allocated to the higher education sector for financial year (FY) 2023/24 and to reverse aspects of the budget decision as supported by the Scottish Parliament in the Budget Bill (now Act) as passed on 21 February 2023.