ࡱ> .1- bjbjT~T~ 466 ''''C 'hOOOOO***:<<<<<<$#>`*****`OOu*OO:*:Og@'@ &0J8*******``**************** : Dear Draft University Governance Code evidence As a member of staff in a university I have concerns about the process to develop a draft Scottish code of good governance as it lacked staff involvement. This code is expected to be included in the Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill, with the Parliament scrutinising the code in an extra-ordinary evidence session between stages one and two. I am writing to ask you to ensure that the code is scrutinised and amended by the committee to increase transparency and democracy. The development of the code came out of a recommendation from the independent Review of Higher Education Governance. Their report was welcomed by the Minister in Holyrood and he then announced that the Scottish chairs of higher education institutions would lead a steering group, including the voices of students and staff, to develop a new Scottish code. However, the Chairs of Court ignored this statement by forming the steering group without staff or student representation. Staff and students will have an opportunity to comment on the draft code but my union has been less than impressed by the consultations with the union and student representative and is doubtful that the consultation will be meaningful. The Chairs of Court gave evidence on the Post-16 Bill on 19 February to the Education and Culture Committee and failed to explain why they ignored a Parliamentary statement on student and staff involvement in the steering group. They were encouraged to publish the draft code but it is unclear how this will be ratified by MSPs as the Chairs have asserted ownership over the code. I believe that a governance code should, as outlined in the Review of Higher Education Governance, deliver recommendations to improve the governance of universities in Scotland; restore the confidence of staff in the governing bodies; and strengthen the autonomy, democracy and collegiality of Scottish higher education institutions. The draft code does not meet these aspirations and I am asking for your help in ensuring the code is completely re-drafted. I have no faith in the chairs of courts to defend our world class university education as in their written evidence to the Bill they state that other UK undergraduate fee levels should be left to the free market. Education is not safe in their hands. Please help to ensure the draft code is subject to the proper scrutiny of the Parliament and the sector including staff and student unions. 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