Latest updates
Finance and Governance
Three arrested in fraud investigation at University of Greater Manchester
An investigation into financial crimes at the University of Greater Manchester (previously the University of Bolton) has resulted in three arrests on allegations including fraud, bribery and money laundering.
Greater Manchester police (“GMP”) arrested two men in their 60s and a woman in her 50s. All three were arrested on suspicion of money laundering. Both men were also arrested on suspicion of fraud and one man on suspicion of bribery. GMP and the Crown Prosecution Service (“CPS”) are reviewing evidence of more than £1m in fraudulent activity at the University involving 60 transactions and more than a million emails. GMP is aiming to provide an initial file to CPS for their advice by the end of the year.
The investigation was prompted by a series of investigations carried out by the Mill newspaper starting in February 2025. The Mill reported the alleged offences took place between 2014 and 2025, with university funds being used for private purposes.
The university is a major employer in the region and currently has nearly 11,000 students.
The Office for Students has also been investigating the university’s management and governance since December 2025.
You can read more here.
Scottish minister urges the UK government to “get behind” international higher education
Ben Macpherson, the Scottish tertiary education minister, spoke at the British Universities’ International Liaison Association, urging the UK higher education sector to embrace international collaboration.
Macpherson argued that international students are important for the financial sustainability and diversity of the UK’s educational institutions and wider society. He asked the UK to “stand up for the benefits of higher education as a true UK asset” while recognising that UK universities are facing “significant financial and operational challenges” and instructional leaders require to make “difficult decisions”.
Speaking directly to Westminster, Macpherson added: “I want to make a clear call today, and to stand behind you in solidarity, to push the UK government, the next UK government, to get behind the sector more strongly, to make the changes that are necessary, and to support our world-class university sector much more strongly.”
In the same week, the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) and Kaplan International Pathways published research on the financial contributions of international students in the UK. This showed that international students who began higher education in the UK in 2024/25 are expected to generate a net economic benefit of £40.4 billion over the course of their studies. The report also found that every 10 international students contribute around £1m to the UK economy.
These calls come as universities across the UK are dealing with a new Basic Compliance Assessment, visa brakes, financial pressures and declining international enrolments, all of which make international collaboration more difficult.
You can read more here.
Information Systems and Technology
Canva joins the classroom - visual design giant lands on Scotland’s national school platform
Canva has joined Glow, Scotland’s national digital learning platform, giving teachers and pupils across the country access to its creative and AI-powered design tools.
The visual communication app, which is used in more than 190 countries, is now available through an opt-in agreement covering Scotland’s 32 local authorities.
Teachers and students with Glow accounts can request free access to Canva Education through their local authority.
More than 109,000 Glow users have already joined Canva, creating around 1.38 million designs to date. Canva will also provide training, competitions and curriculum resources to support use of the platform, with Glasgow City Council among the first local authorities to take part.
Jake Steadman, Canva’s UK country manager, said creativity is now an essential skill and that the partnership will help make creative and AI tools available to every teacher and student in Scotland. Donna McMaster, chief executive of Education Scotland, said the addition of Canva to Glow will support creativity, collaboration and digital skills in classrooms.
You can read more here.
New guidance for phone-free learning in schools before law change
The Scottish Government has published updated national guidance encouraging schools to restrict mobile phone use during the school day ahead of planned legislation on phone-free learning.
As a minimum, schools are urged to ban phones during teaching and learning time, with the guidance also asking schools to consider wider whole-school restrictions.
The guidance forms part of the Scottish Government’s first 100-days commitments. Education Secretary Màiri McAllan said mobile phones can distract pupils and contribute to wider online harms, including poor sleep, reduced concentration, mental health concerns, harmful content, bullying and grooming. She said schools should use the refreshed guidance now while the legislation is developed.
Schools are advised to develop their policies in consultation with pupils, parents, carers and staff, while allowing exemptions for caring responsibilities, medical needs or additional support requirements. A consultation on legislation applying to all Scottish schools is expected to begin early in the new academic term.
You can read more here.
Estate and Environment
Estate and Environment (Scottish Property)
Student flats shortage drives Dundee demand as housing pressures grow in St Andrews
Student accommodation shortages remain a prominent issue across Scotland’s higher education sector. In St Andrews, housing pressures are pushing students to seek accommodation elsewhere, increasing demand in nearby cities such as Dundee. Demand for higher education accommodation remains strong, but the supply of purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) has fallen behind. Dundee benefits from strong transport links and new PBSA developments, including the 163 Parklands scheme.
Savills estimates that the UK’s 20 largest university cities require an additional 234,000 purpose-built student accommodation beds to meet demand. The PBSA market remains strong, presenting opportunities for investment and development in university towns and neighbouring cities to alleviate pressure on students and the wider private rented sector.
You can read more here.
RAAC forced Scottish university to abandon living walls project
The University of Strathclyde has abandoned plans for a £737,000 living walls project after reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (“RAAC”) was discovered in two campus buildings. Funding that had previously been allocated to the sustainability initiative has since been re-directed following building safety concerns. RAAC, widely used in buildings constructed between the 1950s and 1990s, has been subjected to increased scrutiny following concerns over structural integrity and potential collapse risk. This is not an isolated incident as the University of Strathclyde is one of 18 Scottish higher education institutions where RAAC has been found.
You can read more here.
Major Milestone reached on build of 604-bed Edinburgh student scheme
Construction of the 604-bed Mantle Yard purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) scheme in Leith has reached a significant milestone. McAleer & Rushe have completed the building’s main structure, which marks the project’s topping out. Developed by HUB and funded by Bridges Fund Management and Housing Growth Partnership, the scheme is set to become Edinburgh’s largest single-site student accommodation development.
Mantle Yard is a significant regeneration project for Leith as Brownfield site was formerly occupied by a gasworks and naval yard. The project combines new build accommodation with the restoration of three historic buildings. Repurposing these historic buildings is expected to create an embodied carbon saving of 3,260 tonnes when compared with complete demolition. The scheme is targeting a BREEAM “Excellent” rating. Designed by Michael Laird Architects, Mantle Yard provides 604 en-suite student bedrooms alongside a range of amenities including study spaces, social areas, and landscaped courtyards.
You can read more here.
ABC SOS: The Glasgow planning row and the rise of student accommodation
The proposed 365 bed Vita Group purpose-built student accommodation (“PBSA”) development has become a test case for balancing regeneration, heritage protection and housing need. The schemes’ supporters argue the development would revitalise the city centre of Glasgow, and ease pressure on the private rented sector. However, opponents contend it would damage views of the iconic Mackintosh building and deliver limited community benefit.
The controversy reflects broader market trends. Despite significant growth in PBSA, Scotland continues to face student accommodation shortages, particularly across the central belt. However, a fall in international student numbers has raised questions over future demand and the long-term viability of new schemes. Universities and developers are being challenged to ensure that student housing supports both educational requirements and wider community housing priorities.
You can read more here.
HR Issues
University of Cambridge’s Chancellor claims the Institute of Astronomy has a “bad history of misogyny”
The University of Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy has been accused in an employment tribunal of tolerating misogyny. The claim was brought by professor of astrophysics, Wyn Evans, who alleged that a woman in the department had been “hounded out of a job”, while another had been “left a frightened woman”. These claims were initially denied by the University, and Evans was instead accused of having a vendetta against the Institute’s director.
Dr Tausch-Pebody, one of the alleged victims, stated in a written statement: “Prof Evans concern for me was based on my distress. He saw a pattern of repeated and seemingly tolerated mistreatment of female members of the administrative staff…What was done with this end-of-contract letter was akin to psychological torture.”
Despite previous whistleblowing disclosers detailing his concerns, no further action was taken to protect Dr Tausch-Pebody. Evans alleged that the university has a culture of retaliating against whistleblowers. An Employment Tribunal is currently considering whether he faced detriment as a result of making protected disclosures.
You can read more here.
University of Aberdeen restructuring project
As a result of financial difficulty, the University of Aberdeen has put forward a £10m savings plan which could result in more than 100 jobs lost. The university will undergo a major restructuring project which will transition the university from 12 academic schools into four faculties. The faculty structure will be as follows:
- Art and Humanities
- Business, Law and Social Sciences
- Medicine, Health and Life Sciences
- Science and Engineering
Principal Peter Edwards claims that “refining our academic structure will give us greater agility in how we respond to change, ensuring we continue to deliver for our students, our communities and the wider world.”
Nevertheless, uncertainty remains among staff. Dan Cutts, Aberdeen co-chair of the UCU, said: “These changes will result in the creation of four additional senior management posts while jobs remain at risk.”
You can read more here.
City of Glasgow College faces backlash from EIS for detrimental impact on mental health
The Educational Institute of Scotland (“EIS”) has lodged a dispute against the management style and organisation culture of the City of Glasgow College. The College has faced backlash following accusations of a negative working environment impacting the health, wellbeing, and morale of lecturing staff. The college is also facing ongoing lecturer strike action over health and safety concerns in welding classes taken at the Riverside campus. Staff have previously claimed that they do not feel they have been treated fairly, with dignity and trust, leading EIS to conclude that the College does not fully implement Fair Work practices as expected by the Scottish Government.
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley said: “We have had significant problems and concerns with the City of Glasgow College over several years - leading to several disputes and previous industrial action as well as our current industrial action to protect welding lecturers’ health and safety.”
You can read more here.
Upcoming Consultations
Scottish Government consultation on proposals to update the School Premises Regulations – closed 31 March 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Education consultation on medical conditions at school ahead of updated guidance – consultation closed 15 May 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Business and Trade consultation on how the right to time off work for public duties operates in practice, and on proposed changes to the list of public duties eligible for time off – consultation closes on 4 September 2026.
Department for Education consultation on proposals to reform the early years funding system for early years entitlements – consultation closes on 14 September 2026.
Department for Education consultation on improving support, quality and oversight for children and young people who are educated outside of school – consultation closes on 18 September 2026.
Department for Education consultation on how local authorities could increase the funding mainstream schools receive to support pupils with SEND – consultation closes on 18 September 2026.
Department for Education consultation on reforms that will define how early years teachers are trained and assessed in future – consultation closes on 24 September 2026.
Key Legislative and Regulatory Changes
Royal Assent Received
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Restraint and Seclusion in Schools (Scotland) Bill
The Bill creates statutory guidance and duties in relation to the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 26 May 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill
The Bill introduces a new tax, called the Scottish Building Safety Levy, to be charged on construction or conversion of residential property developments, with some exceptions.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 13 May 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Tobacco and Vapes Bill
The Bill prohibits the sale of tobacco to those born on or after 1 January 2009 and allows for product requirements to be imposed in connection with tobacco, vapes, and similar products.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill
The Bill has three key parts. Part 1 confers powers and duties on the SFC in respect of funding and securing the delivery of national training programmes, Scottish apprenticeships, and work-based learning. Part 2 of the Bill looks to amend the governance structure of the SFC, altering the arrangements for re-appointing members of the SFC Board (such as conferring on SFC the power to co-opt two additional members). Part 3 clarifies the process for providing student support to Scottish students studying at private institutions in the UK.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 11 March 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Schools (Residential Outdoor Education) (Scotland) Bill
The Bill proposes a new notion that all pupils in state and grant-aided schools will have the chance to experience at least four nights and five days of residential outdoor education during their school career.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 11 February 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Education (Scotland) Bill
The Bill establishes a new body called Qualifications Scotland. It also creates a new office His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education in Scotland.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 6 August 2025.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Care Reform (Scotland) Bill (formerly known as the National Care Service (Scotland) Bill)
The Bill allows Scottish Ministers to transfer social care responsibility from local authorities to a new, national service. This will be known as the National Care Service (the NCS). Ministers will be able to transfer healthcare functions from the NHS to this new NCS.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 22 July 2025.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill
The Bill has four key parts. Part 1 considers the overarching regulatory framework of legal services. Part 2 provides rules about the regulation of business that provide legal services. Part 3 deals with the complaint’s procedure of legal services. Part 4 considers who can provide legal services and creates new offences in relation to those who pretend to have the ability to provide legal services.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 27 June 2025.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Data (Use and Access) Bill
The Bill proposes to allow the ‘smart data’ model to be used in more sectors, to establish a trust framework for digital verification services, to modernise the data protection landscape and strengthening the ICO’s enforcement powers for both the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Land Reform (Scotland) Bill
The Bill proposes measures that will apply to land over 1,000 hectares, prohibiting sales in some cases until Ministers consider the impact on the local community.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 16 December 2025.
This bulletin is for information purposes only and should not be regarded as legal advice but if you would like further information on any aspect please get in touch with any of the contacts below.
