University and College Union comment on Dundee University financial crisis evidence at the Scottish Parliament's education, children and young people committee

Commenting on the evidence given to the Scottish Parliament's education, children and young people committee yesterday and today (Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 June 2025) by former members of the university's executive group and former chair of court, Mary Senior, Scotland official for UCU, said: "The last two days of evidence in front of the Parliament's education, children and young people committee show clearly that the senior management of the university were completely out of their depth and that there was abject failure in leadership, planning, decision making and financial oversight at the university.

"University staff and students simply cannot be left to pay the price for those failings. 

"In a recent news interview, the interim principal appears to have ruled out compulsory redundancies, but subsequent communication makes clear that this is not the case.  The lack of clarity only increases the tension and stress on staff whose jobs are at risk.  We're calling on university management to rule out compulsory redundancies.

"The Scottish Government needs to strengthen Scottish university governance to encourage greater scrutiny and challenge amongst governing bodies.  The best model is increased transparency and openness, democracy and widening membership from among staff who have a thorough understanding of higher education."

Melissa D'Ascenzio, co-president at the Dundee UCU branch said: "Staff have been shocked and appalled to watch the levels of incompetence that has unfolded before us at the Education Committee's evidence yesterday and today.    These senior managers, including the ex-principal, walked away with thousands of pounds, when staff and students have been through eight months of worry, distress and turmoil, and are still facing cuts to jobs and education.  As well as apologies, we also want senior managers and governors to do their job properly and work collegially and transparently with staff and students."