TER0037

Written evidence submitted by the University of Edinburgh

1.0              Organisational Overview

1.1              The University of Edinburgh is a charitable body situated in the heart of Edinburgh with campuses, halls of residence, buildings, research facilities and sites across Scotland’s capital as well as remote sites and is the sixth oldest university in the UK and the oldest civic foundation in the English-speaking world. Today, the University is home to about 49,000 students and 17,000 staff. The university has five main campuses in the city of Edinburgh, which include many buildings of historical and architectural significance such as those in the Old Town.

2.0              Further Consideration Requested for Multi-Sited University Campuses

2.1              The University prioritises the safety and wellbeing of its community and therefore welcomes any measures taken more broadly in society to support this. The principles of the proposed legislation are therefore not at issue. I respectfully request, however, that further thought be given and engagement be undertaken to consider the implications and practicalities of the regulations on large, complex multi-sited universities such as the University of Edinburgh. After attending numerous briefing sessions and consultation events, it is our current understanding that the whole of a University campus will fall within the enhanced tier of the regulations including buildings and grounds irrespective of the size and risks of individual premises. 

2.2              The University of Edinburgh has around six hundred buildings, 17000 staff and 49000 students spread across wide areas of the city, incorporating five main campuses with many parts woven into the very fabric of our communities and not contained within a defined campus. In addition to the buildings, it incorporates many public areas, roads, parks, footpaths as well as sharing many of these areas with private commercial and domestic properties.

2.3              I believe that it would be impracticable to treat the whole of the university within the enhanced tier criteria as currently set out in the draft regulations, and would be akin to assigning a single tier to a small city. I suggest that further work and engagement is necessary to consider the implications of the regulation on complex universities such as the University of Edinburgh and what further amendments and guidance may be required.

2.4              One option may be that based on the results of the University’s Security Risk Assessment each area is categorised (based on a set criteria) allowing some to sit within the standard tier whilst other, higher risk areas remain within the enhanced tier.

2.5              I would be happy to assist or work alongside the development team to consider options that would be appropriate, proportionate and achievable and in keeping with the spirit and goals of the regulations.

June 2023