Gender attack on universities

Scottish universities have been accused of Victorian values in relation to gender equality after new figures showed that their governing bodies are dominated by men, writes Andrew Denholm for The Herald.

The attack comes after analysis of the make-up of university ruling courts shows just 25% of members are female – despite the fact women academics make up more than half the workforce. The figures for 2011-12, compiled by student body NUS Scotland, also show that none of the current chairs of university courts are women.

Last week, the group that represents court chairs was challenged over its diversity by members of the Scottish parliament's education committee. Labour’s Neil Findlay suggested that they appeared to be "like an old boys' network". The committee took evidence from Education Secretary Michael Russell on his Post-16 Education (Scotland) Bill. One aspect of the Bill is to put in place a new code of conduct for universities in a bid to improve governance.
Full report on the Herald Scotland site