Team appointed in ‘important step forward’ for University of Dundee probe

An investigation into the University of Dundee’s finances has taken “an important step forward” with a team appointed as part of the probe.

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC), the body responsible for university funding in Scotland, announced professional services firm BDO will be involved in the independent investigation.

It comes after the university announced more than 700 staff could lose their jobs as the institution struggles to deal with a £35 million deficit.

The investigation, which will be overseen by former Glasgow Caledonian University principal Professor Pamela Gillies, aims to determine the causes and contributing factors behind the deterioration of the university’s finances.

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.”

Scotland’s Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The appointment of BDO to carry out this investigation marks another important step forward as part of the range of measures put in place to address the current challenges at the University of Dundee.

“This institution is a vital part of Scotland’s economy and our wider world-class Higher Education landscape. Ministers have been clear that Dundee has a secure future, and we will continue to support the University to chart a sustainable way forward.

“As well as financial assistance, we have created an external taskforce with local expertise and I am chairing a cross-Government Ministerial group to focus directly on what more we can do to support Dundee as it navigates its way through the current challenges.

“The University also continues to work with the Scottish Funding Council on an alternative Financial Recovery Plan to minimise future job losses, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills is due to visit the University next week.

“I want to be clear that students should accept their offers from the University and can be confident in its future.

“This is a great institution with a global reputation for research and innovation, and we are clear Dundee will continue to play a vital role in the economic, social and cultural life of the city and beyond.”