Speculation on the size of the funding gap between Scotland and other parts of the UK has been rife over the last 12 months – with estimates of the funding shortfall ranging from £93m to in excess of £200m. Now that two-thirds of universities south of the border have confirmed their intention to charge the full rate of £9,000 per year a clearer picture has emerged.

With student contributions seemingly off the table and legal uncertainties over proposals for a EU student service charge, there’s an urgent need for more clarification on exactly how the SNP Government will come good on its election pledge to bridge the gap without asking for a student contribution.

As the sector searches for new ways of raising funds and maximizing existing resources, the spotlight has fallen on the interaction between government and universities, and the governance of universities. Would relaxing some of the Scottish Government’s control over the number of places available at universities and the aggregate number of EU students free up universities to develop new income streams? The launch of a review of university governance to be led by Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal, Robert Gordon University signals a commitment from the SNP to deliver on its election pledge to “modernise university governance”.

While responding to changes elsewhere in the UK is a key priority, Scotland cannot afford to lose sight of developments further afield. The day will offer an international perspective of trends in higher education and pinpoint how Scotland’s university sector can maintain its international reputation for excellence.

The Holyrood magazine annual Higher Education conference is a well established date in Scottish education calendar and the 2011 event delivered in partnership with Universities Scotland will offer a high level discussion setting out what action is required to solve the current challenges around university funding and governance, and the most pressing issues to be tackled in the proposed Higher Education Bill. An outcome-focused day, the emerging themes and action points will form the basis of a post-conference report which will be distributed to attendees and submitted to the Scottish Government.

The scene is an ever changing one which requires a flexible and sustainable solution. Don’t miss this key opportunity to help determine what shape that solution might take.

Who should attend?

• University principals, deputies, senior staff
• University chairs of boards and board members
• University secretaries and directors of finance/corporate services/planning
• Members of university courts
• Policy advisors/officers
• Student and staff representatives
• NDPBs and government agencies
• Policy makers and influencers

If you have any queries or require further information on attending this event please do not hesitate to contact karen@holyrood.com or telephone 0131 272 2175.