SFC Announce Independent Investigation Team

Eva Milne

Today the Scottish Funding Committee announced who will conduct the independent investigation into the university’s financial mismanagement. The international professional services firm, BDO, has been appointed to carry out the probe.

BDO (Binder Dijker Otte) is an international network of public accounting, tax, consulting, and business advisory firms. The SFC has appointed a cross-discipline team from BDO, with the team being overseen by former Glasgow Caledonian University Principal, Professor Pamela Gillies.

Professor Pamela Gillies to lead investigation team. (Image: Glasgow Caledonian University)

In the announcement, the SFC said,

“Amongst the important tasks the team will undertake is an examination of the role of management and governance. It will also look at information flow, cultural issues, and whether appropriate questions were asked at the university’s executive group, court and committees”.

Interim Principal, Shane O’Neill sent an all-staff email relaying the information released by the SFC. O’Neill optimistically insists that the “investigation will provide an opportunity for us to learn lessons”. His use of ‘opportunity’ is timely as it will provide staff and students (who’s voices have been put on the bank bench) the opportunity to see for themselves the mismanagement which has led us here.

Members of the UEG have taken little to no responsibility for the crisis, the investigation will reveal the intricacies which have led to this crisis. There is yet to be a student email sent out, despite O’Neill insisting that students will be kept in the loop during the first education committee enquiry.

An ‘opportunity to learn’ dismisses the very real worries that staff, students, and members of the city hold about the future of their studies and jobs.

Jacqui Brasted, SFC Interim Director of ACCESS, Learning and Outcomes said,

“Today’s announcement of the experts to carry out the investigation is an important step forward. They will have full access to all appropriate documents and will be meeting with a wide range of people including the University’s executive team, trade unions, regulators and, where possible, former members of staff.”

The investigation is a vital step forward; however staff and students are none the clearer of a path forward. Although the investigation will hold those responsible accountable, students are in the dark as to what form their studies will take next year.