Latest updates
Finance and Governance
Dundee University staff in the midst of a 5-week strike due to cuts from £30 million deficit
Members of the University and College Union at the University of Dundee began a five-week strike on 21 September, with action planned on every weekday until 23 October alongside action short of strike. The industrial action forms part of a long-running dispute dating from November 2024.
The latest development followed the university’s proposal to remove a further 154 posts, after approximately 800 roles had already been cut since the announcement of a £30 million deficit. The dispute highlights the continuing employment and industrial relations pressures facing institutions undertaking significant financial restructuring.
You can read more here.
Information Systems and Technology
Ofqual warns cyber security is a leadership responsibility
On 1 October 2026, Ofqual published survey findings indicating that, although schools are becoming more resilient to cyber incidents, many still lack clear accountability for cyber security. Only 9% of teachers surveyed considered senior leaders to be primarily responsible for cyber security, despite Ofqual emphasising that safeguarding systems and data should be treated as a leadership and governance issue rather than solely as an IT function. The survey also found that 27% of schools had experienced a cyber incident during the 2025–26 academic year.
The findings reinforce the growing expectation that organisations should adopt robust cyber governance frameworks and maintain appropriate senior-level oversight of cyber risks. Schools, colleges and universities increasingly rely on third-party technology providers and process significant volumes of personal data. Cyber incidents can therefore give rise to contractual, regulatory and data protection consequences. When advising education-sector clients, technology lawyers should consider cyber security obligations, incident response planning, supplier risk management and compliance with data protection law.
You can read Ofqual’s announcement here.
Arden University and Google Partner to create AI-ready graduates
Arden University announced on 8 October 2026 that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Google Cloud to provide more than 30,000 students and staff with access to Google’s AI tool Gemini Enterprise. Alongside the partnership, Arden will be launching over 30 AI-enabled degree programmes at the University, which will embed AI tools across the teaching, learning, and career development activities on the relevant courses.
According to the University, the partnership is intended to ensure future graduates leave Higher Education with practical AI skills that employers increasingly expect, whilst also incorporating AI literacy and ethical guidance surrounding the use of AI throughout the curricula.
The announcement illustrates the rapid shift from experimental uses of AI to institution-wide deployment in higher education. As more institutions enter strategic partnerships with AI providers, law firms are likely to see increased demand for advice on technology procurement, data protection, intellectual property, AI governance and contractual risk allocation. It also highlights the need for clear policies governing the responsible use of AI tools by students and staff.
You can read more here.
Russell Group students report little or no teaching on AI
Research reported by Times Higher Education found that 77% of students at Russell Group universities reported receiving little to no teaching about artificial intelligence, despite AI becoming an increasingly important feature of the modern workplace. The findings suggest that more vocational and post-1992 institutions may be moving more quickly to incorporate practical AI skills into their curricula, while many students remain concerned that they are not being adequately prepared for an AI-enabled future.
For the legal sector, the findings raise questions about whether graduates are being equipped for a profession in which AI is likely to play an increasingly significant role. The development of tools such as Harvey, Legora and Wordsmith, and the wider use of generative AI for research, document review and knowledge management, mean that new entrants will need to understand both the capabilities and limitations of these technologies, including the risks associated with their use. Graduates entering the profession will increasingly be expected to understand AI governance, ethical use, data protection and technology risk.
The survey therefore raises broader questions about whether universities are keeping pace with employer demand and how higher education institutions should adapt their teaching, governance and technology strategies to prepare students for an increasingly AI-enabled workplace.
You can read more here.
Estate and Environment
Plans for tenement in Maryhill to be doubled in height to accommodate student flats
Plans have been submitted to Glasgow City Council in relation to a derelict Glasgow tenement in Maryhill. Wellwood Leslie Architects propose doubling the height of the Victorian building to construct new student housing on the upper floors, with the ground floor to become a dental surgery. This new rooftop extension would be able to accommodate 12 student rooms. Glasgow City Council will be reviewing the planning application in due course.
You can read more here.
Decision moves closer on future of Glasgow’s fire-ravaged ABC building
A decision on the future redevelopment of Glasgow's former O2 ABC site has moved closer after a report enclosing The Scottish Government’s Planning and Environmental Appeals Division findings was submitted to Scottish Ministers. These plans would see the development of a nine-story purpose-built student accommodation with over 300+ student rooms, food and drink premises and leisure areas. The proposal was initially met with an objection by Historical Environment Scotland as the site neighbours the A-listed Mackintosh Building at the Glasgow School of Art. This raises important questions regarding the balance between heritage protection and urban regeneration. The final decision by the Scottish Ministers is likely to be of considerable interest to developers, planning professionals and higher education institutions alike.
You can read more here.
HR Issues
University of Glasgow faces strike ballot over job cuts and potential redundancies
The University and College Union opened a ballot for industrial action at the University of Glasgow on 6 October, with voting due to continue until 10 November. The ballot follows the voluntary severance scheme launched in August and further proposed job cuts.
Alongside the proposed workforce reductions, the University is undertaking a number of organisational change projects and has cancelled promotions for the current academic year. Union representatives have raised concerns about the potential effects on staff workloads and student provision, illustrating the wider employment risks associated with institutional restructuring.
You can read more here.
Glasgow Caledonian University staff escalate strike action over proposed job cuts
Members of the University and College Union continued industrial action at Glasgow Caledonian University throughout early October in a dispute concerning proposed staffing reductions and the potential use of compulsory redundancies. The action followed the university’s announcement of plans to reduce staffing levels, with the union arguing that the institution’s financial reserves meant compulsory job losses were unnecessary.
You can read more here.
Employment Rights Act 2025 reforms take effect from October 2026
The next phase of implementation of the Employment Rights Act 2025 took effect in October 2026. From 1 October, the time limit for most employment tribunal claims increased from three to six months. Further reforms taking effect from 30 October include strengthened employer duties to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and new protections relating to third-party harassment.
The changes are particularly relevant to universities because of the complex interactions between staff, students, contractors and visitors. They sit alongside wider reforms affecting trade union access rights and industrial relations, with practical implications for university employers managing workplace complaints, collective disputes and associated legal risks.
You can read more here.
Upcoming Consultations
Scottish Government consultation on proposals to update the School Premises Regulations – The consultation closed on 31 March 2026. The Scottish Government published its consultation analysis on 28 August 2026 and is considering the findings as part of the development of updated regulations.
Department for Education consultation on medical conditions at school ahead of updated guidance – The consultation closed on 15 May 2026. The government response was published on 6 July 2026 and updated guidance is being developed. Separate statutory guidance on allergy safety has been published.
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 – The consultation closed on 4 September 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Education consultation on proposals to reform the early years funding system for early years entitlements – The consultation closed on 14 September 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Education consultation on improving support, quality and oversight for children and young people who are educated outside of school – The consultation closed on 18 September 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Education consultation on how local authorities could increase the funding mainstream schools receive to support pupils with SEND – The consultation closed on 18 September 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Education consultation on reforms that will define how early years teachers are trained and assessed in future – The consultation closed on 24 September 2026 and a response is awaited.
Department for Education consultation on proposed changes to the Teachers' Pension Scheme Regulations 2027 –The consultation closed on 30 October 2026.
Scottish Government consultation on restricting mobile phones in Scotland's schools – The consultation closes on 17 November 2026.
Department of Education consultation calling for feedback evidence of experiences of antisemitism in schools and colleges in England – the call for evidence has closed and the government’s response was published on 21 October 2026. It agreed with the recommendations proposed and these will be implemented, with a review within one year to assess progress.
Key Legislative and Regulatory Changes
Royal Assent Received
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Building Safety Levy (Scotland) Bill
The Bill introduces a new tax, called the Scottish Building Safety Levy, to be charged on the construction or conversion of residential property developments, with some exceptions.
The Scottish Government has announced that the Scottish Building Safety Levy will come into effect on 1 April 2028.
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.
Implementation is proceeding in stages, with certain retail and enforcement measures commencing from October 2026 and the tobacco age-of-sale provisions taking effect from 1 January 2027.
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.
Implementation is taking place on a phased basis, with some sections requiring commencement by the Scottish Ministers before they come into force.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 11 March 2026.
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.
Initial commencement regulations took effect in March 2026, bringing into force provisions relating to the functions of the Land Commissioners, while other provisions are yet to be commenced.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 16 December 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.
The Act has been commenced in stages and Qualifications Scotland became operational in January 2026.
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.
Earlier proposals to create a National Care Service were largely removed during the Bill’s passage through the Scottish Parliament. The legislation that was ultimately enacted focused on a range of wider care reform measures, including “Anne’s Law”, which strengthen the rights of adults living in care homes to maintain contact with loved ones and to identify an Essential Care Supporter.
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 businesses 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.
Initial regulations under the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Act 2025 came into force during 2026.
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 to strengthen the ICO’s enforcement powers for both the UK GDPR and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations.
Implementation took place on a phased basis, with the final provisions coming into force on 19 June 2026. The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 now fully in force.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 19 June 2025.
In Progress
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Artificial Intelligence (Consent and Misuse) Bill
This Bill makes provision about a requirement for consent to generate a likeness of a person using, or with the assistance of, artificial intelligence; to make further provision relating to that requirement; to make provision about civil action in circumstances where that requirement is not met; to make provision about offences relating to the creating or dissemination of such likenesses; to make provision about duties on providers of artificial intelligence technology in relation to misuse of that technology to generate likenesses; and for connected purposes.
WHEN
Introduced on 20 October 2026. First reading is complete. The second reading is scheduled to take place on 27 November 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Automated Online Software (Access and Transparency) Bill
A Bill to make provision about the registration of operators of specified automated online software; to make provision about duties on those operators with regard to the functions of that software, including in relation to accessing online material published by persons other than the operator; and for connected purposes.
WHEN
First introduced 17 June 2026. First reading is complete. The second reading is scheduled to take place on 27 November 2026.
SUMMARY OF CHANGE
Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (UK)
This Bill seeks to strengthen and expand the existing Network and Information Systems (NIS) Regulations 2018, enhancing the UK's resilience to cyber threats and improving protection for the essential services on which the public depends.
WHEN
Introduced on 12 November 2025. Now completed its second reading and committee stage; in its report stage.
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.
