Latest updates
Finance and Governance
EUAC Scotland confirms commitment to 2026-2027 programme
The Environmental Association for Universities and Colleges (EAUC) Scotland has confirmed that its programme “Supporting a step-change towards environmental sustainability at Scotland's universities and colleges" will continue to support its mission from August 2026 to July 2027. The 2026-27 programme aims to drive a step change in environmental sustainability across Scotland’s universities and colleges, building on its previous work with the Scottish Funding Council.
Key initiatives under the programme’s umbrella include developing a sector-wide sustainability strategy template, publishing guidance on emissions targets and sustainable research practices, and delivering a masterclass on sustainability in financial planning and reporting. The programme will also host a series of Education for Sustainable Development events and create online resources to help educators embed sustainability within college curricula. It is expected that the outcome agreement for 2026-2027 will be available to download soon.
You can read more here.
Information Systems and Technology
DfE confirms cyber incident after large-scale data exposure
The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed a cyber security incident after attackers gained access to a large database through a social engineering attack targeting an internal helpdesk. The group claiming responsibility, known as ExfilSquad, allegedly obtained more than 600,000 records containing contact information linked to education and government organisations.
According to reports, the compromised data includes names, email addresses and phone numbers belonging to university staff, government employees and school leaders. Some of the information has reportedly been posted online, prompting an ongoing investigation into the extent of the breach.
The DfE said it acted quickly to contain the incident and stressed that the exposed information was limited to customer service contact details. The department is working alongside the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to assess the impact and support those affected.
As a precaution, both the department’s internal helpdesk and the Turing Scheme portal have been taken offline. The incident highlights the continued cyber security challenges facing the UK education sector, which remains a frequent target for cyber criminals.
You can read more here.
Scottish universities strengthen innovation through industry collaboration
Scottish universities are playing a leading role in driving research and innovation through close partnerships with businesses, according to a new report commissioned by the Scottish Funding Council. The findings show that Scotland's universities are more actively linked to industry research than those in any other part of the UK, highlighting their importance to the country's innovation economy.
The report demonstrates how collaboration between academia and industry is helping to turn research into real-world outcomes. By working together, universities and businesses are developing new technologies, supporting commercial growth and creating opportunities for investment and job creation across a range of sectors.
Universities Scotland said these partnerships are a key strength of the higher education sector, helping organisations access specialist expertise, facilities and cutting-edge research. The report also reinforces the contribution universities make to Scotland's economic development and long-term competitiveness.
The findings underline the important role Scottish universities play in turning research into real-world impact. Through collaboration with industry, institutions are helping to drive innovation while contributing to economic growth across the country.
You can read more here.
Estate and Environment
Property and Real Estate
Heritage-led student accommodation plans submitted for Glasgow city centre
Plans have been lodged for a new purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development on St George’s Road in Glasgow. The proposal would deliver 314 student bedrooms through the redevelopment of several existing commercial properties while retaining and incorporating the historic façade of the former St George’s Studios building. The scheme also includes landscaped amenity areas and a range of communal facilities for students. If approved, the development would add to Glasgow’s student housing pipeline while seeking to balance accommodation demand with heritage considerations.
You can read more here.
£38 million Glasgow student accommodation development opens ahead of academic year
A new 321-bed student accommodation development, St Vincent Studios, has officially opened in Glasgow city centre. The 16-storey scheme replaces a long-vacant office building and is located within walking distance of several higher education institutions, including the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University and the Glasgow School of Art. The project forms part of wider investment in Glasgow’s PBSA sector and will provide additional accommodation capacity ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.
You can read more here.
Edinburgh Napier confirms plans to sell Merchiston campus
Edinburgh Napier University has confirmed plans to sell its Merchiston campus, citing significant refurbishment costs and stating that the site is no longer suited to its future requirements. The university is considering alternative accommodation options elsewhere in Edinburgh. The proposed sale represents a significant estate decision for the institution and may affect its future campus footprint within the city.
You can read more here.
HR Issues
Miller v. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol has lost its appeal against an employment tribunal decision that found it had discriminated against Professor David Miller by dismissing him because of his anti-Zionist beliefs and criticism of Israel.
Miller, a professor in political sociology, was dismissed in 2021 following a disciplinary process arising from a series of comments he made about Zionism, Israel, and Jewish student groups. The university concluded that his conduct did not meet its expected standards of behaviour.
In 2024, Miller successfully challenged his dismissal, bringing claims for unfair dismissal, breach of contract, and discrimination and victimisation on the grounds of religion or belief. The tribunal found in his favour, determining that his anti-Zionist beliefs were protected under the Equality Act and that his dismissal was discriminatory.
The University of Bristol appealed, arguing that Miller's anti-Zionist beliefs were political in nature and therefore should not receive protection under the Equality Act. The Employment Appeal Tribunal rejected most of the university's arguments and upheld the key findings of the original tribunal.
The case reinforces the importance of distinguishing between an employee's protected beliefs and the conduct through which those beliefs are expressed. It also highlights the need for higher education institutions to carefully consider equality law and academic freedom when taking disciplinary action against academic staff, particularly when responding to issues involving political or controversial issues.
You can read more here.
Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots
The UK Government has issued a new Code of Practice on Electronic and Workplace Balloting for Statutory Trade Union Ballots following the introduction of the Trade Unions (Permissible Means of Voting) and Employment Rights (Unfair Dismissal) (Amendment) Order 2026. These changes take effect from 25 August 2026 and expand the voting methods available for certain statutory trade union ballots, which were previously conducted primarily by post. The changes apply to a range of statutory ballots, including industrial action ballots and trade union elections.
Under the new framework, trade unions may conduct ballots using electronic voting, hybrid voting (offering a choice between postal and electronic voting), and workplace voting (for industrial action ballots only). When determining which voting methods to use, the trade union must consider factors such as accessibility, members’ preferences, and relevant security risks. The union must also ensure that, so far as reasonably practicable, all eligible members have the opportunity to vote and that the chosen method complies with the applicable legal requirements.
The changes provide trade unions with greater flexibility in how statutory ballots are conducted and are intended to improve accessibility and participation. For higher education institutions, the new arrangements may make it easier for unions to engage members who work across multiple campuses, work remotely, undertake research away from campus, or have irregular working patterns. Institutions should also be aware that workplace voting is now a permitted option for industrial action ballots, subject to employer consent, which may create additional operational considerations where unions seek to conduct voting activities on or near university premises.
Overall, while the changes do not alter the substantive legal requirements for statutory trade union ballots, they modernise the methods by which ballots may be conducted and may contribute to higher levels of member engagement and participation in the higher education sector.
You can read more here.
Upcoming Consultations
Scottish Government consultation on the definition of school age childcare – consultation closed 18 May 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.
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.
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
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.
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 considered 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.
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.
WHEN
The Bill received Royal Assent on 19 June 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.
