Higher Education Governance (Scotland) Bill: Stage 1

Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at on 14 January 2016.

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Photo of Angela Constance Angela Constance Scottish National Party

We can all have a good, robust debate about mathematics. I could take issue with some of the arithmetic and the evidence that was presented to the committee. If we look at the evidence from Universities Scotland and the action that it called for to reassure it that nothing in the bill will increase the risk of ONS reclassification, we find that—importantly—the Government is responding to those requests for reassurance, even though we do not think that reassurance is required. We are taking clear action to ensure that the sector can go forward collegiately and as one where possible.

In line with the substantive view that the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator offered, the Scottish Government does not believe that the charitable status of Scotland’s HEIs is in any way jeopardised. However, we have considered whether amending the bill at stage 2 would assist in addressing concerns that stakeholders have expressed. I will summarise our plans for potential stage 2 Government amendments in a moment, but I will repeat what the Scottish Government has made clear on many occasions: reclassification of Scottish HEIs is an outcome that we would never want.

I turn to planning for stage 2. Although the Scottish Government is clear in its view that the bill does not advance any risk of reclassification by the ONS, I will lodge amendments to remove sections 8 and 13 of the bill, which give ministers the power to make regulations to alter provisions on the composition of governing bodies and academic boards.

The Scottish Government intends to lodge a stage 2 amendment to replace section 1 with full provision for a model for the operation of elected chairs.