The Scottish Funding Council has been carrying out a review into payment made to the former Principal of the University of Aberdeen.
That review has today been published and can be seen here.
The University has co-operated fully with this review, welcomes publication of the report, accepts its main findings and has already repaid the £119,000 to the Scottish Funding Council. Court - the University’s governing body - will reflect closely on the SFC’s suggestion that the University may wish to consider repaying additional monies or donating to a University learning-related activity, once it has had the opportunity to fully consider the report’s findings and their implications.
Last year, Steve Cannon rejoined the University as Interim University Secretary to undertake an internal review of our governance, support the University in responding to the SFC review and to implement recommendations.
This work will now be overseen by an external facilitator in line with the recommendations of the SFC report. In addition, a small internal group is being created - comprising recently appointed Court members and a staff representative, to review the specific issues raised by the report. Findings will go to the meeting of the University’s Court in June.
The SFC review reports on decisions made three years ago and - while the University acknowledges the report findings - it has moved on under the leadership of a new Principal, a new Senior Vice-Principal, and newly elected Senior Governor.
The University will address the issues raised in the report and take lessons from it. This should ensure it moves forward with confidence to deliver its newly launched 20-year strategy for the benefit of Aberdeen, the North-east and beyond.