University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce

Overview

This group was active between April 2025 and July 2025.

This taskforce was established in April 2025 by ministers to draw together relevant cross-sectoral expertise from across the region. It operates independently of Scottish Government.  

It will advise the university, Scottish Funding Council, the city of Dundee and Scottish ministers on the impact of decisions made about the financial sustainability of the university.  

It is a local, regional and national advisory taskforce, with a focus on protecting the interests of students, staff and the wider economy.

Members

• Sir Alan Langlands, Chair 
• Shirley Laing, Scottish Government
• Colin Cook, Scottish Government
• Professor Nigel Seaton, University of Dundee
• Dr David McBeth, University of Dundee
• Francesca Osowska, Scottish Funding Council 
• Richard Maconachie, Scottish Funding Council
• Cllr Mark Flynn, Dundee City Council 
• Sir Paul Grice, Universities Scotland 
• Professor Liz Bacon, University of Abertay
• Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, University of St Andrews 
• Simon Hewitt, Dundee and Angus College 
• Tánaiste Custance, Dundee University Student Association 
• Alison Henderson, Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce 
• Jane Martin, Scottish Enterprise
• Evonne Boyd, Skills Development Scotland 
• Catherine Cavanagh, UNISON 
• Jim Rourke, Unite
• Mary Senior, University and College Union 
• Lesley English, Developing the Young Workforce
• Professor Karen Reid, NHS Education Scotland 
• Tim Allan, V and A Dundee
• Ellis Watson, Chief Business Advisor to the First Minister 

Publications

University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce: terms of reference

University of Dundee: Strategic Advisory Taskforce report