Update on the University’s Financial Position

In October 2024, Principal Dame Sally Mapstone emailed faculty and staff announcing the University’s £4.4 million deficit. However, on 27 January, Mapstone announced in a start-of-semester message to students that she was “pleased to report that [the University] are no longer forecasting a deficit in the current year, and expect to return a small surplus.”

The measures to resolve the deficit include “a targeted freeze on recruitment” and “the suspension of the flexible financial framework”, both of which aim to reduce spending while safeguarding strategic investments. One of the primary initiatives for securing additional funding is the ‘Making Waves’ campaign, which raised over £120 million in its quiet phase, according to Mapstone’s October email.

The University’s Chief Financial Officer Andy Goor and Strategic Adviser (Finance) Adrian Greer emphasised in a statement to The Saint that St Andrews remains in a “secure position” despite financial pressures. “We are fully committed to delivering world-class teaching and research,” they assured, noting that the University continues to prioritise investments in key areas such as teaching, research, and new facilities.

“Ongoing discussions with all Heads of Schools and Units ensure that we continue to work together in a collegiate and supportive way to achieve financial sustainability and address the challenges we face,” Goor and Greer continued.

“These discussions have already begun to identify potential savings, with a focus on operational efficiencies, adjustments to resource allocation, and optimising administrative processes.”

University College Union (UCU) Communications Officer Muireann O’Dwyer shared the perspective of some faculty members on the University’s financial position. She noted that while they appreciate the Principal’s efforts to keep them informed, concerns remain about the ongoing impact of cost-saving measures and “what this will mean for their roles and their workload.” She specifically pointed to the potential effects on precarious or casualised staff, such as graduate teaching assistants, who may face non-renewed contracts or reduced hours. “We are very conscious that it is often those on short-term or temporary contracts who will face the brunt of such measures,” O’Dwyer said, urging the University to consider the equality implications of these changes.

In a response statement addressing the UCU’s concerns, Goor and Greer said, “While the University is taking steps to navigate financial challenges responsibly, our priority remains to protect jobs and maintain the quality of our teaching and research. At this stage, we do not anticipate significant disruptions to roles or workloads, and we are actively working to ensure that any necessary adjustments are implemented fairly and equitably.”

They emphasised that they are “mindful of the equality implications of any changes this may have on staff across the University. We want to reassure all colleagues that we are committed to minimising any adverse effects and ensuring that all staff, regardless of their role, continue to be valued and supported.”

Looking ahead, Goor and Greer claim the University administration is committed to “minimising disruption” and continuing its strategic investments. “We will continue to engage with staff, students, and stakeholders as we navigate these challenges together,” they concluded.

Image by University of St Andrews