Dundee investigation report published

Photo: University of Dundee

The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today, 19 June 2025, published the findings of an independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the financial challenges facing the University of Dundee. 

Led by Professor Pamela Gillies and conducted by international professional services firm, BDO, the independent investigation was commissioned to understand the reasons why the University of Dundee’s financial position deteriorated so seriously and apparently so suddenly. The investigation’s findings were presented to staff and students at a Townhall meeting at the University today before being published on SFC’s website and shared with wider stakeholders. 

Key findings from the investigation are as follows: 

• Poor financial judgement. 

• Inadequate management and reporting. 

• Poor monitoring of the financial key performance indicators. 

• Lack of agility by leadership in responding to a fall in income. 

• Weak governance in relation to financial accountability by the Court. 

Commenting on the report, SFC Chief Executive, Francesca Osowska, said: 

“We would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to engage with the independent investigation into the circumstances that led to the serious financial challenges facing the University of Dundee. We recognise that this has been, and continues to be, an unsettling time for staff and students, and we are grateful to everyone who has supported the Investigation Team in doing its work. 

 

“Given the seriousness of the situation, it was important that the investigation was conducted with rigour and transparency. We welcome the robust and comprehensive report that has been provided by Professor Gillies and the team at BDO. 

 

“The report has identified a range of issues that contributed to the financial challenges facing the University, however, it is quite clear that there have been failures in financial monitoring and reporting, and failures in governance. We will now take the time reflect on the actions, both immediate and longer-term, that should be taken to minimise the risk of this situation happening again.” 

A copy of the report has been shared with the University Court and SFC will engage with the University as it develops and implements an action plan to address the main findings.  

The full report is available on the Scottish Funding Council website.