by Kate Ramsden
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Sheena Grant
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Delegates to the STUC gave their full support to
an emergency motion calling for broad and meaningful
consultation on the strategic future of Higher Education
and to an informed public debate on these issues.
They welcomed the recent commitment from the Scottish
Government to convene a seminar to allow stakeholders
in the higher education sector, including the STUC
and affiliated unions, to take part in the discussions
before proposals are firmed up; and welcomed the
STUC initiative which calls for the needs of learners
and staff to be central to the future shape of higher
education.
Seconding the motion on behalf of UNISON Scotland,
Sheena Grant told congress that it is vital that
the voices of those who work in higher education
are included in the review. "Meaningful consultation
means participating fully in the whole process,
not commenting on plans that are already made,"
she said. "Those who work to deliver public
services have a unique perspective. They are taxpayers
who want to see their money used well; they are
service users who want the highest standards; and
because they see public services from both sides
they understand what works well, what needs improvement
and how to do it. Higher education staff will therefore
welcome the opportunity to participate in this review."
She reminded congress that education is delivered
by a wide range of workers, not just teachers and
lecturers, but also technical and IT staff, librarians,
administrators and clerical staff. "These workers
all have important insights and understand the demands
on the institutions, and work in partnership with
academic staff. Excluding their input and views
is demoralising and short-sighted," she warned,
calling for trade unions representing these staff
to be fully involved in the review process.
Scotland's
public service union
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