The Gillies report response

The Gillies report was published on 19 June 2025. The University welcomed Professor Gillies’ report following the robust and rigorous investigation into the circumstances which led to the University’s current financial position. 

It was evident from the report that there had been clear failings in financial monitoring, management and governance. While there were significant external factors, which had affected the higher education sector across the UK to varying degrees, the University’s response to these, and responsible management of our finances, had fallen well short of the standards that everyone should have expected.

Our response to the Gillies report is designed to rectify the causal factors identified in   the Gillies report to ensure a sustainable future for the University, built upon strong governance, financial competence, transparency, and accountability. Furthermore, it will underpin the University’s Recovery Plan.

We have five core values: working together, making a difference, valuing people, integrity, and excellence. We are determined to live-up to these values, by rebuilding our reputation with internal and external stakeholders and leveraging the strengths of our community of exceptionally talented and committed staff and students. 

Our response provides detailed assurances to our stakeholders that immediate, robust, and impactful action is underway to implement significant structural, operational, and cultural change. 

The actions presented address areas of weakness and will feed into an overall action to update, as appropriate, the Standing Orders of the University to reflect an improved governance and control environment.

Structure of our response

Our response is divided into the following sections which generally mirror those of the findings and recommendations within the Gillies Report.

• Financial Reporting and Financial Management
• Governance and Oversight
• Culture and Leadership
• Listening to the University Community
• Commitment 

In addition to addressing the findings of the Gillies Report, our response includes items related to the externally facilitated Court Effectiveness Review that took place in 2024, where they have close alignment to the Gillies findings. 

Some actions may span themes, overlap or be interdependent. This is less important than the fact that the action is captured and acted upon. 

A full action plan with timescales to address the findings of the Gillies Report is also available.