Dundee University Principal Resigns Following Scrutiny Over Business Trip

The principal of Dundee University has tendered his resignation, occurring just days after the institution defended a business trip to Hong Kong, costing approximately £7,000, undertaken by him and a colleague. The university confirmed that Professor Iain Gillespie had relinquished his roles as principal and vice chancellor, effective immediately. Professor Gillespie had occupied these positions since January 2021. In an email to staff last month, he communicated that job reductions were “inevitable” given the university’s projected deficit of £30m for the upcoming financial year. Reports last week indicated that the Hong Kong journey for Professor Gillespie and an additional staff member during the previous year amounted to £7,154 for airfare and lodging. The university noted that its chair of court had previously authorized Professor Gillespie to utilize premier economy or business class for extended flights. He undertook his journey from Edinburgh to Hong Kong in business class, incurring a cost of £4,723, whereas his colleague flew at a reduced rate of £1,067. Furthermore, it was reported that business class air travel for an upcoming visit to China and Dubai had been reserved for over £8,300, prior to being cancelled and subsequently rebooked with more economical premium economy tickets. The university asserted that its operations in China constituted “a major part” of its international strategy, which it claimed generated millions of pounds annually through “student recruitment and in-country education and collaboration.” Among Professor Gillespie’s final public engagements in his capacity was extending the vote of thanks to Sue Black, Baroness Black of Strome, subsequent to her Margaret Harris Lecture at the university last Friday. In an email distributed to all staff last month, Professor Iain Gillespie stated that the university was anticipating “a significant deficit” following “an extremely challenging period” for the higher education sector across the UK. He indicated that even with a hiring freeze and decreased operational spending, the university was still projecting a shortfall of between £25m and £30m for the upcoming year. He further commented: “This will be a very difficult period, certainly for this financial year and next.” In an email addressed to staff confirming Professor Gillespie’s departure, Amanda Millar, the university’s chair of court, conveyed that the institution was “facing significant challenges to our financial sustainability.” Ms Millar also stated: “The university leadership group has been working intensively over recent weeks to develop a recovery plan to address this situation.” Professor Shane O’Neill, currently serving as deputy vice-chancellor and provost, is set to assume leadership of the University Executive Group. Ms Millar conveyed her optimism that this group, collaborating closely with the university’s court, would restore a more stable financial basis, enabling the institution to thrive once more. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.