Two more bills go out for views ahead of Holyrood recess
Views from the public have been invited on two further Scottish Government bills ahead of the Scottish Parliament's summer recess, which began at the end of last week.
Holyrood's Education & Culture Committee has begun its scrutiny of the Higher Education (Governance) (Scotland) Bill, while the Delegated Powers & Law Reform Committee has taken on the Succession (Scotland) Bill.
As well as reforming the membership of the governing bodies, and academic boards, of Scotland's higher education institutions, taking forward recommendations from the 2012 review chaired by Robert Gordon University principal, Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, the former bill replaces the current statutory definition of academic freedom, with a view to strengthening it and making explicit the freedom to develop and advance new ideas and innovative proposals.
Membership of governing bodies will require to include two directly elected staff members, one member nominated by academic and related unions, one member nominated by administrative, technical or support staff unions, two students nominated by the students association, and two graduates nominated by the graduates‘ association. There are detailed provisions covering the appointment of the chair.
Academic boards are to be comprised of no more than 120 people, including principals and heads of schools; a majority of elected members representing staff and students; and a minimum of 10% student representation.
According to the Scottish Government the changes will improve transparency and give a greater voice to students and staff.
Committee convener, Stewart Maxwell MSP said: “There has been a very recent and often heated debate about comments made by some leading academics, which have raised a number of issues about freedom of expression. We will therefore explore the likely practical impact of redefining academic freedom and exactly how it is to be strengthened.
“The bill before us also proposes to change the way higher education is governed in Scotland. It aims to create a modern and accountable framework that is more inclusive of students, staff and unions. We will look closely at how the bill hopes to achieve this and would encourage all of those with an interest to give their views.”
The Succession (Scotland) Bill implements certain technical reforms recommended by the Scottish Law Commission, ahead of the potentially more contentious proposals including legal rights of children, and provision for cohabitants, on which a Government consultation has just been launched. The present bill covers testamentary documents and special destinations; survivorship; forfeiture; estate administration; and miscellaneous reforms. In each case, the committee seeks views on whether the provisions meet the intentions of making the law fairer, clearer and more consistent.
The calls for evidence can be viewed here for the Higher Education Bill (closing date for responses: 4 September 2015), and here for the Succession Bill (closing date for responses: 7 August 2015).