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Photo: University of Dundee
Following last month’s announcement of an independent investigation into the University of Dundee’s finances, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has appointed a cross-discipline team from the international professional services firm, BDO to carry out the probe.
The investigation is designed to determine the causes and contributing factors to the deterioration of the University of Dundee’s financial position and will be overseen by Professor Pamela Gillies, former Principal at Glasgow Caledonian University.
Amongst the important tasks the team will undertake is an examination of the role of management and governance. It will also look at information flow, cultural issues, and whether appropriate questions were asked at the university’s executive group, court and committees.
BDO is well respected and highly experienced in its field, including in the fiscal management of higher education institutions in financial distress. It also has significant experience of university governance, having been consulted in the development of governance codes and the sector’s audit code of practice.
Additionally, the team has undertaken investigations on behalf of government, funders and regulators and has significant expertise in processing information and evidence for court or criminal investigations, where they become necessary.
Jacqui Brasted, SFC Interim Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes, said:
“It is vital that the circumstances surrounding the financial challenges at the University of Dundee are investigated with rigour and transparency, and that lessons are learned to minimise the risk of this situation happening again.
“Today’s announcement of the experts to carry out the investigation is an important step forward. They will have full access to all appropriate documents and will be meeting with a wide range of people including the University’s executive team, trade unions, regulators and, where possible, former members of staff.”
The independent investigation will provide the opportunity for the University of Dundee to learn lessons from the circumstances that led to the deterioration of its finances. The Scottish Funding Council will also share any wider lessons learned with other universities and colleges in Scotland.
