University Alliance’s latest member

Glasgow Caledonian University has left Million+, which represents newer universities, to become the first Scottish member of the University Alliance.

Pamela Gillies, vice-chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian, said the institution was joining the alliance, which represents “major business-focused universities”, at a time when “our collective impact is crucial”.

“The ethos and values of our fellow members match our own…we deliver access with excellence, and we believe our mission and ambitions are closely aligned to those of our fellow members in the alliance,” she said.

Glasgow Caledonian is the 23rd member of the organisation, joining the University of Gloucestershire, Liverpool John Moores University and Manchester Metropolitan University, among others.

Janet Beer, alliance chair and vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, said: “This is an important time for higher education and we are proud to be representing universities with world-leading research, strong links with new industries and a confident, businesslike approach.

“As a major voice in the sector, University Alliance is in an excellent position to influence decisions that will shape the future of higher education in the UK.”

A spokeswoman for Million+ said: “We very much appreciate the support of Glasgow Caledonian in the past for our work as a university think tank. It’s entirely a decision for the university that it has chosen to join a group with more of a mission focus.”

She added: “At a time of a reduction in spending on higher education, Million+ will continue to make the case for investment in teaching and research for all institutions across the UK.”

melanie.newman@tsleducation.com