The SNP must stop playing politics with our colleges and universities

Following the publication today of both the Griggs and Von Prondzynski Reports on college and university governance structures, the Scottish Conservatives have warned that Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) modernisation must not be used as an excuse to pave the way for government interference in both sectors.

Liz Smith questioned Education Secretary Mike Russell in the Holyrood chamber after he revealed that he would be supporting radical changes in governance which allow the Scottish Government to have far more control in the strategic decision making of both sectors.

Scottish Conservative Education Spokesman, Liz Smith MSP said:

"I am deeply concerned about the SNP's centralisation agenda and the increased meddling in the running of our colleges and universities. The fact that the Scottish Government will have ministerial oversight of the appointment of the chair of the new regional college boards will threaten the autonomy that colleges have enjoyed since 1992.

"The Cabinet Secretary admitted today that this may well have implications for charitable status and the savings of around £52 million that this brings to our college sector.

"I am also concerned to learn that the chairs of university courts have raised serious concerns about some of the proposed reforms and felt the need to dissent from the Von Prondzynski Report on three key aspects.

"While there is, no doubt, a case for improved governance in a few individual institutions, there is no evidence that there is a widespread problem in either sector.

"Indeed, quite the opposite case could be made given the recent outstanding success of many institutions in both the further and higher education sectors. The Scottish Government needs to tread very carefully indeed before it makes its final decisions."

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