University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce workshops: Dundee City, region and communities

The University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce held a series of workshops in June and July 2025. These covered a range of subjects agreed with the University of Dundee (UoD), and the purpose was to provide more focused and detailed discussion on issues relevant to the University’s recovery planning. Minutes from the workshop on Dundee City, region and communities are below.

You can read minutes from the other workshops at: University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce

Attendees and apologies

• Lizzi Nicoll, University of Dundee
• Emma Shea, University of Dundee
• Graeme Hutton University of Dundee
• Mhairi Taylor, University of Dundee
• Lynne Raeside, Scottish Funding Council
• Graeme Bletcher, University of Abertay
• Gregor Hamilton, Dundee City Council
• Matthew Lockley, Scottish Enterprise
• Evonne Boyd, Skills Development Scotland
• Alison Henderson, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce
• Lesley English, Developing Young Workforce, Scottish Government
• Melissa D’Ascenzio, Dundee University and College Union
• Emma Preston, UNISON
• Katrina Currie, Unite
• Susan Roberts, NHS Education for Scotland
• Peter Hope-Jones, Scottish Government
• Richard Dryburgh, Scottish Government
• Brian Logan, Scottish Government

Items and actions

Presentation

Lizzi Nicoll, Interim Director of External Relations, gave a presentation focusing particularly on the University’s developing Reputational Recovery Plan, a purpose-driven approach to stakeholder integration, creating value and engagement, and communicating for collaboration and innovation.

Discussion

Themes that emerged from discussions included:

• the Gillies report and its aftermath were a low point and had been expected to be – now is the time to build a more positive narrative and rebuild confidence and trust
• the summer period is a crucial opportunity to secure positive coverage while Parliament is in recess. There are positive stories the university previously held back which can be picked up now. This could include a ‘year in review’ covering significant achievements – probably best done separately from publication of accounts
• Ministers are keen to be involved in visits and media over the summer and partners should consider how they can help support a positive narrative
• beyond the lifespan of the Taskforce there is a need for ongoing engagement and joint work.
• this could include specific pieces of work around:
  • business engagement
  • joint promotion of Dundee city as a place to live, study and work
  • international promotion
• University of Dundee to update Skills Development Scotland once impact of the current VSS scheme is known so that they can initiate joint work around PACE support for exiting staff to build on what is already offered by the university

Wider discussion

Reputation Recovery Plan

• re-establish narrative and connect the past and the future
• reset following Gillies publication but need to retain core values and put positive foot forward now
• challenges with clarity in messaging over recent months. Can have a comms plan but need a plan to communicate
• “while we’ve had four flat tyres, the engine has still been running.” Opportunity to reflect on good progress at the University over the last year
• importance of summer 2025 as opportunity for positive communications. Scottish Government keen to support this with ministerial visits etc
• activate positive messaging from staff and students. UoD launching listening exercise for staff imminently to air thoughts on past/present/future
• mobilising business community as advocates for the University. UoD already engaging with Chamber of Commerce about increasing face to face engagement with businesses. This needs to be a listening exercise as well as a presentation exercise. Need to understand what businesses need from the University. Offer of support from SE
• University will be creating assets for LinkedIn etc. for peer to peer comms regarding promoting the University. The current digital collateral in market to promote late applications and clearing is being shared by UoD colleagues – Discover Your Dundee campaign. This has been well received to date
• ask for clearer asks of taskforce members, including SE/NES on how they can support the University and vice versa
• engage staff in the local community to activate positive messaging. Importance of actual engagement beyond solely focusing on messaging
• balance of getting messages across vs the University making the necessary financial savings. A pragmatic and realistic recognition of limitations is required. Creative approaches will be required given this balance. Working in partnership to leverage opportunities
• success of Dundee is vital to the success of Abertay University.  Ensuring collaboration between the institutions whilst ensuring any competition is fair. Important to work together on marketing and comms for two aspects - Dundee for Study and Dundee for Work & Investment
• there is a lot going on in the city that the Universities and Colleges can play a significant role in (e.g. tourism, entrepreneurship, community wealth building, net zero)

International promotion

• stepping back from triple intensity focus of globalisation strategy (inc social purpose) to focus exclusively on student recruitment and income generation. Recognition that these aspects are key for future financial sustainability.
• importance of agents and partners in international markets and ensuring UoD is an attractive proposition to these partners.
• data driven approach to international student recruitment which focuses efforts on markets that will deliver results. Three tiers of priority markets. USA has risen to the toto Tier 1 which is a change in approach.
• one size doesn’t fit all, align to subject areas, schools etc. Need to ensure University is alive to changing landscape and is able and willing to pivot as required.
• distance learning, TPG and CPD opportunities being explored. Distance learning hasn’t had as much attention previously.
• impact of Blueprint system on trust and experience for agents/partners abroad. Understand system is in a better position than previously. Offer of more detailed conversation with colleagues on Blueprint.
• value in the University connecting with tourism promotion for the city. Building the brand of the city alongside the brand of the University.

Support for staff leaving the organisation

• University is a significant employer for the region and any losses need to be carefully considered to retain talent for the region.
• job market tight at the moment. Are there opportunities available locally for those exiting?
• SDS (PACE) webinar on making the most of VSS, one to one career coaching, PACE guides and resources. Nothing off the table from a PACE perspective. Collaborative, coordinated response to match individuals with next opportunities.
• potential for linking University staff with local businesses e.g. via secondments to help the University’s financial position whilst providing opportunities for staff and businesses.
• University has pulled together a lot of resources for staff departing and are ready to support individuals on 1:1 basis.
• using learnings from Michelin experience. Making use of as many avenues of support as possible (e.g. not solely UoD HR support). Chamber of Commerce able to support via employer engagement.
• importance of not duplicating effort and ensuring there is a clear offer for individuals.

Conclusion

• thanks from the University for ideas, support and engagement
• lots of ongoing dialogue to be scheduled as a result of the workshop which is a positive next step given the need for collaboration on this particular theme

Actions

• UoD to send update on application numbers and other impact metrics
• UoD to create summer visit programme
• UoD to have conversation with SDS regarding support for those leaving on voluntary severance to support positive next steps. DACC happy to support this
• UoD to be in touch with staff trade unions regarding positive staff messaging
• UoD, Abertay & others to have separate follow up discussion with smaller group on promoting the region and supporting local institutions in a collaborative manner
• convene a PACE meeting quickly after details available from the University on VSS next steps
• UoD to share slides with attendees

Recommendations

• UoD to create a positive report on progress and achievements at the University over the past year (ideally separate from annual report)
• clearer requests of taskforce members and local organisations of what support can be provided and what role they can play in the reputational recovery
• considering lessons from Scotland is Now campaign for regional promotion
• capitalising on Study in Scotland opportunities for North America student recruitment
• ensure a clear offer is available to individuals exiting with multiple avenues of support