Latest updates
Finance & Governance
University of Sussex wins case against the Office for Students in the High Court
On 29 April 2026, the High Court found in favour of the University of Sussex in its judicial review against the Office for Students (“OfS”), overturning a £585,000 fine imposed for alleged regulatory breaches. The alleged breaches related to (i) the University’s Policy Statement failing to uphold freedom of speech and academic freedom and (ii) the University’s failure to act in accordance with its internal scheme of delegation when adopting certain policy documents.
The case arose from the OfS’s investigation following protests in 2021 relating to Dr Kathleen Stock. While accepting it had no jurisdiction over Dr Stock’s treatment, the OfS instead focused on the University’s policy documents, notably a short Trans and Non-Binary Equality Policy Statement adopted from a third party template used by several universities.
The High Court held that the OfS acted unlawfully in multiple respects, including predetermining the outcome of the investigation, misunderstanding freedom of speech and academic freedom, exceeding its powers, and failing to consider relevant matters.
In doing so, the High Court rejected the OfS’s approach. It ruled that “governing documents” have a narrow statutory meaning limited to foundational constitutional instruments such as a university’s Charter and Statutes, so the OfS had no power to investigate the Policy Statement. Although the OfS could in principle consider delegation issues, its finding was unlawful due to predetermination and a failure to consider relevant factors. The Court also identified serious errors in the OfS’s treatment of freedom of speech and academic freedom, its failure to consider whether any breaches had been remedied, and apparent bias throughout the investigation.
You can read more here, and the judgment here.
University of Edinburgh lecturers announce a marking boycott due to planned cuts
Lecturers at the University of Edinburgh are to begin a marking boycott on 1 May 2026 over planned cuts. Those participating in the boycott include academics who are members of the University and College Union (“UCU”), which announced that action was planned after the University refused to rule out compulsory redundancies as part of a £140 million savings package.
The boycott is expected to halt all marking and assessment in writing, online and in-person, and it may well impact the upcoming exam diet at the university. Those participating will not mark coursework such as essays, presentations and lab reports, and they will not invigilate exams nor attend exam boards.
The University of Edinburgh has responded to note that the boycott “purposefully targeted students” and is “completely unjustifiable”. For those participating in the boycott, the University has stated this will constitute a partial performance of duties and a breach of contract of employment. The UCU has labelled a deduction in pay for those participating as a “punitive” punishment.
This is yet another dispute against the University of Edinburgh, of which several unions have been involved since savings plans were announced in February 2025. It comes after staff at the University of Edinburgh began strike action in November 2025 over the planned cuts.
You can read more here.
Heriot-Watt University leadership accused of undermining efforts to grow the National Robotarium
The CEO of the National Robotarium at Heriot-Watt University, Stewart Miller, resigned this month, announcing his resignation on LinkedIn and accusing Heriot-Watt leadership of undermining efforts to grow the centre.
The National Robotarium opened in September 2022 and is located at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh campus. It specialises in robotics and artificial intelligence and has been supported by both the Scottish and UK governments.
In Mr Miller’s statement, he confirmed his resignation was a direct consequence of the University’s decision not to apply for a strand of funding from Innovate UK, the UK’s national innovation agency supporting business-led innovation in all sectors. Mr Miller added that the bid was “stranded at the eleventh hour”. Heriot-Watt University has responded to confirm Mr Miller’s resignation but noted it did not agree with his characterisation of events. Heriot-Watt added that decisions regarding funding applications are taken following careful consideration and that this matter is currently under internal review.
You can read more here.
Information Systems and Technology
Scottish Government publishes new guidance on ‘safe and ethical’ AI use in schools
The Scottish Government has published new guidance to support teachers and pupils on safe and ethical AI use. The guidance outlines how AI can be used appropriately in schools, while encouraging awareness of the potential risks and challenges it may bring.
Developed with input from the EIS Teaching Union and Education Scotland, the guidance responds to the growing role of AI in society. It is designed to give teachers practical support and confidence in deciding when and how AI can add value in the classroom.
The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Jenny Gilruth, emphasised that while AI can be used to support creativity, critical thinking and personalised learning, it must not replace the role of teachers. The guidance stresses that human relationships must remain central to education, with AI acting as a supportive tool only.
The non-statutory, 45-page document introduces a set of “guardrails” to promote the responsible use of AI. These include safeguarding pupils’ privacy, promoting fairness and equality, and aligning AI use with curriculum goals. The guidance also recognises the need for flexibility, allowing schools and local authorities to adapt their approaches as AI technology continues to develop.
You can read more here.
New AI partnership between the University of Glasgow and Lloyds Banking Group
The University of Glasgow and Lloyds Banking Group have launched a four year research partnership to explore how artificial intelligence can support software and data engineering.
As part of the collaboration, researchers will examine how large language model–based coding tools, known as agentic AIs, could support and enhance the work of software and data engineers at Lloyds Banking Group. These tools act as semi autonomous “agents” capable of carrying out tasks of varying complexity. In software and data engineering, these are already used for activities such as writing and debugging code, solving technical problems, and supporting project management.
The partnership will give University researchers a rare opportunity to study large scale engineering transformation in a real world setting. Researchers from the University and engineers at Lloyds will work together to design experiments that test how effective agentic AI tools are in supporting high priority activities within software teams.
The collaboration will also fund a PhD studentship, a Master of Research position, and a post doctoral research associate role at the University to work closely with Lloyds’ software engineering teams. The University’s contribution to the partnership will be led by Dr Tim Storer of the School of Computing Science, alongside Dr Peggy Gregory.
You can read more here.
Estate and Environments
Estates and Environment (Scottish Property)
Major new Edinburgh student housing planned for 2027
A 604-bed student accommodation scheme is planned to be built in Leith in 2027 in the former Shore Station scheme and will be named Mantle Yard. The scheme is planned to be the largest private single-suite student accommodation site in Edinburgh and will comprise 6 buildings with a landscaped central square. The development will be built on a former gasworks and naval yard.
This will be built as part of a joint venture between HUB, Bridges Fund Management, and Housing Growth Partnership. A loan of £79 million from BGO has been secured in order to facilitate the scheme, with the head of asset management at HUB confirming the development will provide high-quality accommodation whilst maintaining a “deep respect” for the local context.
The scheme will be managed by Fresh, who manage over 60 student schemes comprising over 20,000 managed units across the UK and Ireland. The Managing Director at Fresh added that their track record in purpose-built student accommodation leaves them with confidence in managing Mantle Yard and to successfully mobilise the property.
You can read more here.
Trongate building to make way for new student accommodation
A rundown B-listed building in Trongate is set to be demolished and replaced with almost 98 student studios, down from the originally proposed 101. A further B-listed building (151) will be adapted as part of the PBSA, whilst 145-149 will be knocked down completely. The planning application proposes the studios be built across nine storeys.
The site for the incoming purpose-built student accommodation is currently for sale as a “prime” purpose-built student accommodation location in Glasgow. The applications for planning permission, listed building and conservation area consent were submitted on behalf of Deeley Freed, a property development company, in 2024. The company had previously been successful with 3 other applications to develop the site however have not progressed with any of the previous applications. Deeley Freed claim the purpose-built student accommodation plans to “sensitively combine retention, re-use and strategic demolition of the existing buildings to unlock the potential”.
You can read more here.
Estates and Environment (Planning)
The Institute for Conservation (ICON) has launched the Conservation Skills at Risk Project
The Project is focused on identifying specialist conservation skills that are at high risk of being lost in the UK’s heritage sector. ICON will collaborate with professionals across the conservation community to build a clear picture of the skills and expertise within the sector, understand existing training models, and identify areas where skills shortages may pose risks to historic objects and the long-term care of collections.
The Project has received a £45,000 grant from the Pilgrim Trust and aims to support succession planning for conservators and increased investment in conservation skills. ICON has previously partnered with funders such as the National Manuscripts Conservation Trust, the Radcliffe Trust, and the Anna Plowden Trust to support new talents in at risk subject areas.
You can read more here.
HR Issues
Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University to be balloted on strikes
Staff at Glasgow Caledonian University (“GCU”) are being balloted on potential strike action after plans were revealed to cut around 100 jobs. While the plan is to cut jobs through a voluntary redundancy scheme, the University has not ruled out compulsory redundancies. The ballot asks staff whether they are willing to take strike action or action short of a strike and balloting will begin on 1 May 2026.
The University and College Union (“UCU”) general secretary, Jo Grady, said “With an election in just over a month’s time, politicians and the Scottish Government need to take emergency measures to stop the crisis”.
A spokesperson for the University said “Like many other universities across the sector, GCU has experienced a significant drop in international student recruitment. Over a two year period, we have seen a £33m loss of income, which is not sustainable, and face a predicted financial deficit of over £10m in the next financial year. We therefore urgently need to reduce costs to ensure the financial sustainability of the university”.
To address this reduction in income, the University launched a Targeted Voluntary Redundancy Scheme which ran until 15 April, for staff working in areas where international student numbers have reduced. Balloting will close on 22 May 2026 and in the meantime the UCU is continuing to seek a firm guarantee from the University that there will be no compulsory redundancies.
You can read more here.
Strike action at the University of Aberdeen is set to go ahead
Staff at the University of Aberdeen are frustrated over restructuring plans, which involve a refusal to rule out compulsory redundancies and pausing recruitment to some courses. Members of the University and College Union (“UCU”) went on strike on Wednesday 22 April 2026 until the end of that week, with further strike action commencing in the week beginning 27 April.
While the University has rejected a proposal from UCU calling for the University to remove compulsory redundancies off the table for six months, a University spokesperson says that it remains “committed to prioritising every voluntary measure in seeking to avoid these”.
In response, the UCU Aberdeen co-chair, Dan Cutts, stated “By rejecting our proposal to guarantee job security for six months, senior management have put livelihoods and the student experience at risk”. UCU maintain that they “will oppose these destructive plans at every stage, using every means available to defend our members, protect jobs, and safeguard the student experience”.
Last year, the University froze recruitment, urged departments to identify ways to save money, and also reopened a voluntary severance and early retirement scheme, which 41 people opted for.
You can read more here.
Upcoming Consultations
Department for Education consultation on medical conditions at school ahead of updated guidance – consultation closes 15 May 2026.
Scottish Government consultation on supporting children’s learning code of practice – closes 7 May 2026.
Scottish Government consultation on proposals to update the School Premises Regulations – closed 31 March 2026 and a response is awaited.
Support for part-time study and disabled students: Survey for the Higher Education and Further Education sector, training providers, third sector and interested organisations – consultation closed on 9 October 2025 and the Scottish Government commissioned analysis of all consultation responses, here.
Key Legislative and Regulatory Changes
Royal Assent Received
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
Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill
The Bill has four key parts. Part 1 considered 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
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
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
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
Land Reform (Scotland) Bill
The Bill proposes measures 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.
Pending
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 was introduced to the House of Commons on 5 November 2024 and has completed its final consideration of amendments. It now awaits Royal Assent.
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 was introduced on 5 June 2025 and has now passed Stage 3. It awaits Royal Assent.
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.
