Chamber and committees

Forgive me for interrupting, but I think that it is always helpful to know specifics. We can all say in general terms that flexibility is helpful, but what would this kind of flexibility look like? What would it mean? What more could be done with it?

That is helpful.

That is helpful.

Mary, are your members finding that they have to provide more support? You spoke about the widening access agenda, but, with mental health and wellbeing, that support will be across the board. Are your members having to do more?

Good morning, panel, and thanks for being with us. I want to ask about the cost of living crisis. I have a specific example of a constituent of mine who is studying at the University of Dundee to be an educational psychologist. Students in that cohort receive a living costs grant, so the situation is slightly different from that of other students. However, he has spoken to me about the fact that students on the course work four days a week for a local authority. During that time, they are not classed as students, so they are taxed on their living support grant. They do not receive any other student benefits, such as a reduction in council tax. The bit that perhaps applies to all students in what he tells me is about students being forced to turn down placements and opportunities due to lack of funds for travel, petrol and so on. He says that some are choosing not to travel to lectures because of the financial hardship that they face.

I would like to hear from Ellie Gomersall first. What are your members telling you about the impact that it is having on their ability to study?

Thank you, convener. I thank the witnesses for being with us—I have appreciated their contributions so far.

I asked the first panel about the cost of living crisis and the specific impact on students. I highlighted an example of a constituent and the impact on the university experience of their cohort, with placement opportunities being turned down and occasionally students not being able to travel to lectures. Could George Boyne respond to that? Do you see that impact in your own university and among the universities that you represent?

The specific example that I raised was of a cohort that receive living cost grants, and the issue was about them not being classed as students when they are on their placements. Have you come across that situation, and can you think of any potential solutions?

Thank you. That is helpful. I will move on.

I am interested in hearing your reflections on the impact of the cost of living crisis on staff.

Does Karen Watt wish to say anything?

Ellie Gomersall spoke about the impact on mental health and wellbeing, which will go for staff as well. What are the barriers to supporting students through that? What help is available and what are the barriers?

I think that colleagues will ask more about that later.