‘Ministers taking eye off ball’ amid university turmoil
THE Welsh Government has been accused of “taking its eye off the ball” when it comes to higher education in light of the case of Swansea University.
Plaid Cymru shadow cabinet minister for post-16 education Bethan Sayed AM claimed the situation at the university and recent governance issues in higher education highlighted the issues the sector faced.
Mrs Sayed accused the Welsh Government of “inaction” over the Swansea case after Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams refused to comment on growing concern surrounding the governance situation at the university.
Suspended Swansea University vicechancellor Professor Richard Davies has accused senior officials at the institution of damaging his reputation and claimed the university took action against him on the basis of a “negligently flawed investigation”.
In a leaked 10-page grievance letter to members of the University Council, Professor Davies said his suspension had impacted on his mental health.
Both Prof Davies and Prof Marc Clement, dean of the university’s management school, were suspended from their roles in November along with two other members of staff.
Although the reason behind their suspensions has yet to be revealed the controversial £200m Delta Lakes (Llanelli Wellness Village) City Deal project has been put on hold in the wake of the situation.
Mrs Sayed, who was addressing Education Minister Kirsty Williams in the Senedd on Wednesday, said: “There is concern across the sector and from parents that this government has taken its eye off the ball when it comes to post-16 education – the former minister with responsibility for this saying as much last year.
“The college sector is under major pressure. Last year a strike was narrowly averted and workload pressures are still a reality. We are also still waiting for progress on long-awaited reforms, recommended in reviews such as the Hazelkorn review.
“We’re also seeing major issues related to governance and funding in the higher education sector.
“In Swansea University there has been a serious breach of due process with a respected vice-chancellor of 15 years being suspended, and barred from his home and the University Court postponed without a reason why.
“What are you going to do to hold higher education institutions to account to ensure governance process is adhered to appropriately? Do we need reform of governance of universities here in Wales?”
But the Education Minister refused to comment during the course of the exchange.
Mrs Sayed later added: “Governance issues in higher education and the problem that has emerged at Swansea University is a prime example of Welsh Government taking their eye off the ball when it comes to post-16 education.
“We’re talking about a major Welsh institution and a huge contributor to Swansea’s economy which has built its success on a much wider commercial and international presence.
“The turmoil at the university risks damaging that reputation and having a serious impact on its competitiveness and its ongoing success.
“Universities receive major public financing and are crucial national institutions. Clearly there is a major developing problem at Swansea University, and for the Welsh Government to refuse to comment nor take any action is irresponsible and simply not good enough.”
A Welsh Government spokesman said: “Since taking office the Education Minister has overseen the introduction of a new and improved student finance system and is reforming Wales’ post-16 education system to ensure every learner has the opportunity to reach the highest standards.
“Higher education institutions are autonomous bodies and there is an ongoing internal investigation being carried out at Swansea University. It is worrying that Plaid now believe that ministers should be directly involved in the day-to-day management of universities. Ministers are receiving briefings from the Higher Education Funding Council on these matters.”