Staff and students must continue to play key role in university governance reform

UCU said it welcomed Mr Russell's commitment to improving Scottish governance, but said there had to be real engagement with staff and students when developing the code, and not just a token seat at the table.

In the statement, Mr Russell also reaffirmed his commitment to reform of the current system of governance in Scottish universities. He said he had accepted virtually all of the recommendations in Professor von Prondzynski's report.

UCU Scotland president, Gordon Watson, said: 'We are pleased another step has been taken down the road to the improved governance of Scottish universities. It is absolutely vital that staff and students remain involved in the process and take full part in the development of the code of practice, and are not simply given a token place at the table.'

The review was originally instigated by Michael Russell, cabinet secretary for education, in response to the University and College Union's concerns over crises in university governance. The union has been calling for the full implementation of the review, despite the opposition to reform from some universities.

The review recommends:

• Protecting academic freedom and institutional autonomy
• Appointing two students and two members of the staff trade unions to university governing body and committees
• Greater transparency in appointments and remuneration of senior management
• Election for chairs of governing bodies
• A broadening of the experience of governing body members and greater transparency in appointment procedures

See: Report of the Review of Higher Education Governance in Scotland