University urges graduates to reject changes to governance

St Andrews University’s general council has urged graduates to oppose governance changes.

Graham Wynd, who convenes the business committee, has written to council members urging them to contact the Scottish Parliament with concerns about the Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill.

He warned the university’s reputation could suffer.

He said: “The new legislation will enable the Scottish Government to exercise greater control over the composition and governance of all higher education institutions in Scotland, including the universities. The new legislation will also enforce greater consistency among institutions, and thereby reduce their ability to adopt individual strategies.

“It will burden universities and the public purse with extra regulation and bureaucracy that will stifle enterprise and jeopardise the positive contribution that universities, such as St Andrews, make to the economy.”

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The aim of this Bill is to strengthen governance in Scottish higher education institutions by ensuring that membership of governing bodies and other structures is balanced, fair and inclusive.

“We are simply trying to introduce measures to ensure greater consistency and transparency in university governance in the way each institution makes appointments.

“We have already engaged extensively with all stakeholders and as the Bill progresses, we will continue to listen to all constructive views and suggestions.

“We would welcome St Andrews University’s direct engagement with that process,” he said.