WIREDGOV

An external advisory group established to advise on the future success of  the University of Dundee held its first meeting in the city.

The group, which is chaired by Sir Alan Langlands, agreed on the urgency of action required to advise and support the university to address its current financial difficulties during the meeting yesterday.

Representatives from the University, Dundee City Council, business, trades unions, student union, enterprise and skills bodies and the Scottish Government were among those who took part. 

Sir Alan Langlands, chair of the Advisory group, said:

“All members were clear that the University of Dundee is a leading research intensive institution, providing highly rated education, and playing a crucial role in the economic, cultural and social life of the City, region, and the country as a whole. There was a collective commitment to support the University in ensuring its short, medium and long term sustainability. 

“Our discussion focussed on the context in which it is operating, and the urgent need to tackle its financial difficulties, build on its strengths, and set out a clear plan for the medium and long term future. 

“The group respects the autonomy of the University, the decision making responsibilities of the University Court, and the role of the Scottish Funding Council in navigating the future. We hope that the support and advice we provide will be considered by the decision makers in a timely manner.” 

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: 

“I am determined that the University of Dundee - with a vibrant community of staff and students at its heart - will thrive long into the future and the work of this Taskforce will help contribute to that.

“The Scottish Funding Council has already provided £22 million to University of Dundee as support for liquidity, which is giving them the space and time to work through a plan for financial stability. Ministers have been clear we will carefully consider any further asks made to the Government. 

“Students should accept their offers from the University and can be confident in its future.”

Professor Shane O’Neill, Interim Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dundee, said:  

“We welcome the support of Sir Alan and all parties involved with the Advisory Taskforce, which reflects the importance of the University to Dundee, the Tay Cities region and beyond, and the collective will to establish a more sustainable and successful future for the University.

“We will work with the Taskforce, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council and others to ensure we achieve that goal.”

Background

Attendees at the meeting  included:

• trade union representatives , including national and local representation
• the leader of Dundee City Council  
•  principals of Abertay and St Andrews Universities and Dundee & Angus College  
• the Convenor of Universities Scotland 
• the Dundee University Student Association President  
• local representatives of Scottish Enterprise, Skills Development Scotland and Developing the Young Workforce 
• the Chair of NHS Education for Scotland 
• for business interests, Tim Allan, Chair of V&A Dundee

In addition to the advisory Taskforce, the Deputy First Minister is chairing a cross-Ministerial group to consider what further action the Scottish Government may be able to take to support the University as it continues to develop its Financial Recovery Plan.