Annual Report & Accounts 2019

Open to all and dedicated to the pursuit of truth

in the service GOOD UNIVERSITY GUIDE 2019 SCOTTISH UNIVERSITY of others. OF THE YEAR

* N D* + CA as IN THE WORL 6 enrolled at STUDENTS one of the fied Qatar campus TIONALITIES DING si 410 % as NA 130 named T BEAUTIFUL ch cl LD LEA ** CEO World magazine 201 ear MOS SIR DUN RICE LIBRARY e R es ag C W S of r 75 Complete University Guide 2020 and The Times and Guide 2020 University Complete 2020. Guide Times Good University Sunday s Vill Universities in the UK Universities Ranked in the in Ranked Top30 ARD in line with the 2014 Research Excellence Framework (REF) results ed with Sport University Guide 2019 University at VE YMPI deen AND The Times and Sunday Times Good Times The Times and Sunday Associ Named Scottish Named Scottish OL Aber ST University of the Year University FI NOBEL PRIZE

d 00 in the UK in the UK (Guardian University Guide 2020) University (Guardian in Dentistry (Complete University Guide 2020) University (Complete for Sports for Science

95

unde

,5

In the top nd

Fo st

170 UNIVERSITIES

TUDENTS 14

IN THE WORLD 2 S Times Higher Education World university Rankings 2020 Rankings university World Times Higher Education

1 14

Most recent ranking published in September 2019. published in September ranking recent Most BE

UoA

3 4 5 6 7 34 39 42 52 56 62 64 69 74 95

welcome Senior Governor’s introduction Principal’s 6Vision a glance at Strategy plan our strategic against Progress and governance of corporate Statement control internal of Court primary responsibilities of Statement 2018-2019 Committees and key of Court Membership Risk management review Financial of the the Court to report Independent auditor’s of Aberdeen University statements Financial policies and accounting principal of Statement techniques estimation Statements Financial to Notes advisors Principal 96 Glossary Contents Esther Roberton Senior Governor Higher Education sectors. As we look to the future the future to look As we sectors. Higher Education and our we Plan Strategic our new in developing of a variety face the sector across colleagues such as pensions, financial with issues challenges, media from being far never sustainability Brexit and we it is important that Nevertheless, headlines. are we progress of the excellent sight lose do not in are we that ensure to Aberdeen at making here these address to as possible a position as strong the opportunities seize which and to challenges us. to available are highlight the Report, Within this Annual we of our students and our achievements numerous The of disciplines. in a wide cross-section staff of our impact and international national local, contributions the valuable research, outstanding public and within private, our alumni by made and the the globe across organisations sector third institution in which our historic esteem world-wide of our work the hard to is testament is held community. university Report this Annual and reading enjoy I hope you being a part this wonderful of to forward I look embark upon our we as community university celebrations. anniversary 525th

On behalf of University Court, I am Court, On behalf of University you to our Annualdelighted to welcome 2019. Report and Accounts Since my election and appointment as Senior and appointment my election Since pleasure it has been my in Spring 2019, Governor with the myself familiarise to and privilege of and members its students, its staff University, doing, In so I would body. governing as its Court my by made the contribution acknowledge to like Martin Gilbert, as Senior Governor, predecessor completed who have of Court members and other of this course during the of office their terms Ogubie, Lawson McPhail, James Hall, - Kathryn year Shanks and Nir Oren. Rachel Donna Connelly, warm the to Aberdeen, visit first my very From sense the me highlighted to afforded welcome This university. within our historic of community more is never of inclusivity and belonging sense which bring our staff than in events evident as our wonderful such and students together on Live and the fun-filled ceremonies graduation our success which celebrated events, the Lawn the title awarded and being rankings in university the Times by the Year of University of Scottish Guide 2019. Times Good University and Sunday on being a university ourselves pride Although we important that it is vitally reach, with a global and the roots sight of our local lose do not we based. are in which we North East community the honour of had the University This year, and community of our local members welcoming and business civic, political from representatives as Professor the celebrations share to circles as Principal installed officially was Boyne George to able be to delighted I was & Vice-Chancellor. Festival, May annual of the eclectic join the launch visitor record-breaking attract to which continued but campuses, our beautiful to only not numbers in elsewhere held which were the events to also including our neighbouring communities the city, and Powis. of Tillydrone member as a an important role play also We a at community of the wider Higher Education civil with policymakers, working By level. national help can we ministers, and government servants and UK-wide of the Scottish shape the future Welcome

WELCOME UoA 5 WELCOME Professor George Boyne George Professor and Vice-Chancellor Principal Science Teaching Hub. Following the success the success Hub. Following Teaching Science via £60m investment secured of our recently to in place plans have we placement, a private in Old spaces and learning our teaching upgrade meet the needs and expectations to Aberdeen students. of contemporary Decommissioning opened the National We technology This is a global in January 2019. Centre hub which is an and Development Research between partnership City Region Deal Aberdeen and the Oil and Gas of Aberdeen the University Centre. Technology innovative develop to continue we Similarly, one of example, For programmes. degree taught for is new Science, MSc Data courses, our latest the enormous which reflects year this academic Scientists across Data in demand for increase to finance from industry sector, every almost and cybersecurity. healthcare retail, energy, is site of our on-demand learning The launch with engage to way and exciting a new also a global reach us to study and allows academic full programmes For our degrees. for audience 40% a near saw we in September, which started year last to compared in applications increase in further growth for the potential which shows ahead. in the years the online arena the shape for is in excellent The University continue as we in our development phase next a make to and research our teaching through world to the difference and sustainable positive us. around I am very proud of the substantialI am very proud of made during has progress the University Principal. my first year as has there pages on the following will see As you of publication the since celebrate to been plenty just been had Report Annual when we year’s last the by of the Year University named Scottish Guide Times Good University Times and Sunday 2019. and emotional intellectual strong a very I have 1495 foundational the University’s to attachment to dedicated and all to of being ‘open purpose These of others’. of truth in the service the pursuit as they today just as relevant aims are inspirational guide the to and will continue ago years 525 were ahead. in the years University the one for will be an exciting year The coming anniversary our 525th celebrate as we University which will plan strategic 20-year a new and launch the University out our vision and ambition for set decades. two the next over up an has moved the University year, In the last tables UK league in the three of 10 places average and just outside 30 in two putting us in the top ranked also was The University third. in the that and 31st the Times Higher, by 168th in the world the United to our contribution for in the world This goals. development sustainable Nations in which the institution is is one of many ways as as well as ancient, and practical modern as well academic. in our increase a significant seeing also are We with an increase student numbers, international previous than 20% on the in 2018/19 of more continue we and 2017/18, in September intake This in this area. trends positive very see to brings student numbers in international growth and reach to our global benefits substantial to the north-east benefits and direct diversity, of our the expansion Moreover, economy. further in Qatar facilities and learning teaching study for opportunities to international enhances degree. of Aberdeen a University and posts academic in 50 extra investing are We Campus. on the King’s £100m in our infrastructure multi-million-pound has begun on a new Work Our Values Innovation and relevance in our education, in our education, and relevance Innovation and engagement research of thought and responsibility Independence and action our with all partnerships Sustainable of inclusion a culture drive to stakeholders and accessibility the within and beyond both all, Respect for University and ambitious University An empowered an have all where community of Aberdeen thrive opportunity to • • • • • Our To be a progressive university where staff where university be a progressive To of within a culture and students thrive them to enable to and diversity equality their aspirations achieve To be one of the world’s top research- top be one of the world’s To with partners working universities, intensive rigorous, undertake to and stakeholders research impactful and excellent relevant, and economic cultural social, that ensure To do we of everything the heart is at impact and collaborative an integrated, build To infrastructure and digital physical sustainable ambition underpin the University’s to To enrich people’s lives through research, research, through lives enrich people’s To and sharing of knowledge learning teaching, success push boundaries and deliver to of seats top be one of the world’s To a standout providing and learning, teaching of the student experience personalised context in an international highest quality Mission AT A GLANCE AT • • • • • • VISION: with greater the world Transforming learning and knowledge

VISION UoA 7 STRATEGIC PLAN Change Status As we approach the University’s 525th anniversary, anniversary, 525th the University’s approach As we strategy, institutional of a new the development strategy Our new 2040, is underway. Aberdeen 20 years, the next will for outline our ambitions the current and will replace leadership, under new the to which is coming (2015-2020) Plan Strategic end of its life-cycle. strategy, institutional new a to As part of the move performance our current will be appraising we the to aligned are they that ensure to indicators While 2040 strategy. the new ambitions outlined in of in terms of consistency a degree anticipating it is forward, going measures the performance as new will be changes there that expected also measures different require may priorities strategic of progress. monitor to will continue we In the interim, In plan. strategic the current against performance towards has been made progress good 2018/19, set aims and objectives the high level achieving key against period. Performance the planning for to and reported regularly metrics is monitored Court. University against performance shows table The following Progress the end of 2018/19. to targets institutional Green: coded: has been colour the plan against Amber: 2018/19 achieved; for milestone target target; approaching and made progress significant required. further progress achieved, not Red: target whether performance shows indicator The change the same declined or remained has improved, period. during the planning Learning Teaching and Teaching Target Reduce non-continuation rates at undergraduate level from Level 1 to Level 2 Level 1 to Level from level undergraduate at rates non-continuation Reduce or employment graduate into who go the number of graduates Increase further study.* (FTE) member of staff per academic income grant average Increase in REF 2021 performance University’s the Enhance member of staff number of PhD students per academic the average Increase (FTE) in 2020/21 position budget breakeven to a return Achieve Rankings in the THE and QS performance University’s the Enhance All Schools to achieve Bronze award and at least one School to achieve achieve one School to least and at award Bronze achieve All Schools to 2020 by Silver UG and PG level at students the number of overseas Increase and with teaching, in the NSS, particularly student satisfaction Increase and feedback assessment * The sector is moving to a new Graduate Outcomes Survey with the results of the survey carried out carried of the survey with the results Survey Outcomes Graduate a new to is moving * The sector 2018/19. for available therefore are No results be published in Spring 2020. 2018 due to in December Research

People

League table ranking table League PGR student recruitment sustainability Financial Grant income income Grant REF Preparedness Non-continuation rates Non-continuation Employability Student satisfaction International student International recruitment KPI Athena SWAN Our plan for the period 2015-2020 the period 2015-2020 for Our plan People, areas: key on three focuses and Learning Teaching Research, Strategic Plan Strategic our 2015-2020 Progress against Progress By 2020 our international our international 2020 By will student population 2500 approx. to grown have students. met milestones have We student international for in 2018/19. recruitment Aim Progress

The University is proud of its strong international international strong of its is proud The University 40% of our students, standing, with around from coming 130 nationalities, to equating our students a truly offer outwith the UK. We and a environment educational international an overseas undertake of opportunities to wealth and enhance widen their horizons to exchange a significant presents skills. Brexit their language of the reach the international to threat future continued have we in 2018/19, However, University. our international in growing progress good make to of recruitment through further, community our Aberdeen to the world over all students from the As part effort, of this campuses. and Qatar has portfolio on-demand learning University’s giving students the option rapidly, been growing study and to blended study online or through to and method of studying place the pace, control time by over degree their own build and to blocks. building individual completing opened, we activities support our international To Study Centre an International in August 2019, providing with Study Group, in collaboration an academic require students who international foundation undertake the opportunitybridge to academic meet the University’s studies to year entry requirements. The University remains committed to wideningto committed remains The University under-represented for the University to access access facilitate to place in has strategies and groups deprivation, of multiple areas students from for responsibilities with caring students, those disabled students year students. First and care-experienced training. online equality complete to required are Gender the institutional through Furthermore, reduce to being made are efforts Action Plan, at in the student population imbalances gender subject level. TEACHING student recruitment: International

R

E

T

R A

H

C E R C E U GE N D By 2020, at least one School will have a will one School have least at 2020, By the enabling award, Athena SWAN Silver Silver institutional for apply to University award. academic eligible all At the end of 2018/19, award a Bronze been awarded units had award of a Silver and the outcome is pending. application Gender equality: People are at the heart of all University strategy. strategy. University of all the heart at are People the University 2015-2020, for Plan In the Strategic the and retain attract to continuing to committed andworld the around and students from best staff and promotes that culture a caring fostering to strategies have We and diversity. equality celebrates and support enhance to in place and governance students and both amongst and diversity equality Toolkit, the British Safe including the Equally staff, and Wellbeing Health a Mental Plan, Sign Language a very held 2019 we and in March Strategy, Inclusion Week. successful with the engagement institutional The strong gender promoting aimed at Charter, Athena SWAN in 2018/19. has continued and diversity, equality Bronze an institutional holds already The University in 2016. renewed which was award Athena SWAN accreditation, a Silver for apply to be eligible To a achieved have to required units are academic all one department should least and at award Bronze 2018/19 academic all As at award. Silver a valid hold and one School award a Bronze achieved units have renew aims to The University Silver. has applied for for apply and to in 2020 again award the Bronze a It is also 2021. by award Silver an institutional undertake our staff all that requirement mandatory in the and diversity in equality online training with improve, to continues and uptake workplace at training undertaken having 86% approximately the end of 2018/19. Aim Progress

STRATEGIC PLAN UoA STRATEGIC PLAN 9 Progress 91.9% Progress: In 2018/19 Progress: our exceeded we progression milestone (8.3% of 91.7% target non-continuation) a progression achieving non- (8.1% of 91.9% rate continuation). 93.5% Aim Employability: Non-continuation rates: Non-continuation We want our graduates to leave the University the University leave to our graduates want We move them to allow that with skills and knowledge or further employment graduate into directly a to moved has recently The UK HE sector study. which replaces survey, Outcomes Graduate new in Higher Education of Leavers the Destination for vehicle as the sector-wide (DLHE) survey or employment of graduate rates measuring graduates of Aberdeen University further study. prospects of the best employment some have boasted consistently in the UK, and have and the Scottish above rates employability will continue The University averages. UK-wide ensure to groups stakeholder with key working the skill equipped with are our graduates that the enter industry when they by required sets market. employment By 2020, at at 2020, By of 93.5% least our students year to progress 2 of their studies. non- (6.5% continuation) The University wants all its students to succeed succeed students to its all wants The University this for rates non-continuation and monitors on progression focus with particular purpose, The study. 1 and 2 of undergraduate years between achieving target milestone its exceeded University there albeit in 2018/19, rate non-continuation a 8.1% To year. on the previous a slight regression was have our students, we needs of meet the varying on enhancing the induction programme focused engagement further personal and strengthening months of study. few students in the first with new the student enhance to hard worked also have We systems support function, with comprehensive and health including mental areas, in key in place of any form counter support, and to wellbeing of these As a result or harassment. violence sexual can we confident that remain we efforts, collective 2020. for set meet the ambitious targets 76.4% 71.4% Assessment and feedback Assessment Assessment and feedback Assessment 86.4% 92.4% Teaching Teaching While satisfaction has increased, we did we has increased, satisfaction While in 2018/19 of meet our milestones not (assessment and 72.7% 90.2% (teaching) and feedback). By 2020 we will achieve a student will achieve we 2020 By teaching) (for of 92.4% score satisfaction feedback) and assessment (for and 76.4% in the NSS. Satisfaction amongst our undergraduate students, our undergraduate amongst Satisfaction (NSS), Student Survey the National by as measured period in the planning improve to has continued an 87% achieved 2019 the University and in NSS year. on last is a rise which rating satisfaction overall Aberdeen satisfaction on overall of ranking, In terms and small in the UK (excluding 15th (equal) is ranked fourth and ranks places, of ten HEIs), a rise specialist in made of the progress proud are We in Scotland. is needed. The University 2018/19 but furtherwork levels satisfaction to increase efforts will continue our undergraduate amongst only not further, our students get that so levels, all students but at and leave experience educational the best possible skills and gained have they that knowing Aberdeen their opportunities will maximise that experience upon graduation. Student satisfaction: Student Aim Progress By 2019/20, the University will the University 2019/20, By an underlying achieved have return deficit of £3m and will in 2020/21. breakeven to has exceeded The University 2018/19. for set milestones By 2020, we will have will have we 2020, By the number of increased staff students per research FTE. on remains The University of with an average target per students 1.6 research staff member of academic (FTE). Aim Aim Progress Progress Financial Health: Financial Number of PhD students per staff per staff of PhD students Number FTE: The University returned a small underlying surplus underlying a small returned The University pension with increasing However, in 2018/19. with associated costs additional contributions, to in the run up investment staff borrowing, new growth, support future to REF and a requirement deficit of an underlying to return is to the target in breakeven to and return £3 million in 2019/20 2020/21. The University has a vibrant international research research international has a vibrant The University a priority to and it remains student community providing further by population our graduate grow study with leading opportunities to exciting the many pressing address to staff academic Milestone today. the world facing challenges growth met in 2018/19 with a steady were targets students in the planning of research in the ratio Schools. and in most institutionally period, both per staff per staff FTE. To enhance the University’s performance performance the University’s enhance To in REF 2021. meeting to is close The University publications research for targets milestone inclusion in REF 2021. for eligible Preparedness for REF 2021: for Preparedness Institutional preparations are well advanced for for advanced well are preparations Institutional (REF) exercise Framework Excellence the Research number a large and graded reviewed have We 2021. identified a outputs and have of our research either considered are sufficient number that will We excellent. or internationally leading world improve to with our researchers work to continue of our submission. profile the quality The University is proud to have been awarded The been awarded have to is proud The University Higher and Further for Prize Anniversary Queen’s world-leading its of recognition in 2018 in Education 40 years. the last over services health into research and Energy from span areas strengths Our research Humanities and Law, Health, to the Environment, In the current Intelligence. and Artificial Data to has been on growing period, the focus planning through generated income research our annual income, exchange knowledge and other research to student population our graduate grow to increase and to capabilities, our research stimulate staff per member of academic contribution grant have to has continued our research (FTE). In 2018/19, collaborate we on the world, impact measurable boundaries, and have national and disciplines across business with industry, relationships built strong static has remained income Research and society. FTE has continued per academic income but grant that confident remain in 2018/19 and we grow to 2020. for targets will overall meet we By 2020, grant income per academic staff staff FTE per academic income grant 2020, By increased. will have at target, has met its milestone The University £95k approximately Grant income per staff per staff income FTE: Grant Aim Aim Progress Progress

STRATEGIC PLAN UoA STRATEGIC PLAN 11 2019 168 194 2018 158 172 2017 185 158 2016 188 141 2015 172 137 Rankings and the QS World University Rankings in Rankings University World and the QS Rankings Steps aspirations. been in line with 2019 has not the University’s that ensure to being taken are league well in global equally reflected are strengths rankings. in national are as they tables Progress 2014 178 137 THE QS Aim To be in the top 100 universities in 100 universities be in the top To tables league major international 2020 by The University continues to monitor performance performance monitor to continues The University the University’s While rankings. international in key to has continued in UK rankings performance in the rank the University’s in 2018/19, improve University (THE) World Times Higher Education Reputation The University has pledged to to has pledged The University the number of increase significantly students it degree full-time Scottish as among classed areas from recruits 20% in Scotland deprived the most (SIMD20) as part commitment of its higher to access improve to education. announced Boyne George Professor government a to surpass efforts 10% of entrants recruiting by target 2019. September by areas these from further to committed The University the by set on targets improving to pledging by government Scottish of ahead years two meet the target deadline. 2021 the government’s has the University years In recent 4 and 5 per between only recruited SIMD20 areas, of students from cent proportion low the very due to largely as such classified areas of postcode an importantin the north-east, area. recruitment its meet help the University To willbe provided places more target Widening Access students from for including through backgrounds will be and applications clearing, SIMD20 students from accepted of 15 deadline the UCAS after funding will be In addition, January. applicants assist to available made costs with travel and offerholders recruitment the University’s to related example for and events, activities Day. or Articulation Open Day accommodation free Furthermore, for the be offered to will continue for students from of study year first SIMD20 areas. UNIVERSITY TARGETS UNIVERSITY TARGETS INCREASED WIDENING RECRUITMENT ACCESS A new partnership with Aberdeen with Aberdeen partnership A new the Club will strengthen Football schools links with local University’s in higher participation and encourage education. with the is working The University Trust FC Community Aberdeen throughout in communities (AFCCT) support providing the north-east, successful the Trust’s and input to engagement and community school pupils to encourage to programmes university. to coming consider Business the University’s Experts from of a football the example School use skills in help pupils develop club to and economics, numeracy business, Widening the University’s while visits campus organise Team Access of a University that demonstrate to all. is open to education Aberdeen increases also The partnership students, opportunities for placement skills development opportunities for young FC staff, Aberdeen for the AFC Youth through footballers coaching and potential Academy, football the University’s support for teams. UNIVERSITY AND ABERDEEN FC TEAM UP IN WIDENING ACCESS DRIVE Learning Teaching & Teaching A unique PhD opportunity for 100 A unique PhD opportunity for and Sciences students in Biological thanks to is available Geosciences University link with Queen’s a new Belfast. the launched institutions The two & University Belfast University Queen’s and Research Doctoral of Aberdeen in programme (QUADRAT) Training the £5m from by supported November Council. Research Environment Natural the universities by This will be matched which will equip the posts, create to students with the skills, outlook, and holistic understanding purpose and translate communicate lead, to research cross-disciplinary innovative associated meets the challenges that of management with the sustainable environment. the natural will receive applicants Successful they whereby training, “T-shaped” around excellence disciplinary develop gain also but project research a specific and a diverse, of knowledge a breadth that ensure to skills base transferable as research competitive are they paths, of career a range across leaders or inside or outside science be that academia. NEW COLLABORATION NEW COLLABORATION £5M TO RECEIVES ENABLE 100 DOCTORAL STUDENTS

DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH UoA 13 ADVANCING OUR UNDERSTANDING Expat Aberdonian businessman Dave Dave businessman Aberdonian Expat donated and his family Cormack up a set to than £270,000 more to programme scholarship new widening students from enable the study at to backgrounds access of Aberdeen. University the years, three the next Over the through donated scholarship, Development of Aberdeen University students a will support two Trust, the at degree a business through year School.Business BUSINESSMAN GIFTSBUSINESSMAN TO £270,000 OVER TO WIDEN ACCESS HIGHER EDUCATION The University of Aberdeen’s Chapel of Aberdeen’s The University the 2018 at stage centre Choir took York, in New Ball UNICEF Snowflake prestigious most one of the world’s galas. fundraising sang students alongside University the at Sheryl Crow performer headline of the work is a celebration which gala, and an children UNICEF does for that about awareness raise opportunity to face. they issues the critical raised has Ball 2004 the Snowflake Since UNICEF USA. It also $34m for over honour the an opportunity to provides humanitarian to made contributions public figures. notable by causes Harrison In 2018, the George presented was Award Humanitarian the and, in tribute, Starr Sir Ringo to a special for choir joined Sheryl Crow Comes ‘Here of the Beatles’ rendition the Sun.’ At the inaugural ceremony, Principal ceremony, At the inaugural said: “This Boyne, George Professor the serve to founded was University with the of the north-east, people be open it should that guiding principle to all. created have “With this in mind, we and recognise to Award the Principal’s pupils with school local encourage reach and ambition to the potential this striving for keep to university or their background no matter goal, circumstances.” individual A new award that aims to recognise recognise aims to that award A new among local potential academic reach with ambitions to schoolchildren has been launched. university of Excellence Award The Principal’s one to awarded will be annually 5 and one National pupil at school north-east at Higher level pupil at on the and builds schools, secondary its to strengthen efforts University’s and in Aberdeen links with schools Aberdeenshire. PRINCIPAL’S AWARD ENCOURAGES LOCAL LOCAL ENCOURAGES AWARD PRINCIPAL’S UNIVERSITY AIM FOR TO SCHOOLCHILDREN UNIVERSITY CHOIR ‘COME TOGETHER’ FOR CHARITY BEATLES MEDLEY BEATLES FOR CHARITY TOGETHER’ ‘COME CHOIR UNIVERSITY The International Study Centre (ISC) Study Centre The International help 2019 to in March launched was life to students assimilate overseas in Scotland. and higher education the at which is based The centre, provides Campus, of the King’s heart students overseas for pathway a new level embark on degree who wish to some but require study in Scotland meet entry support to additional studying to or adjust requirements and living in the UK. Study by is managed The ISC for Students an Office Group, provider pathway (OfS) registered in preparing experience with global study. university students for INTERNATIONAL STUDY STUDY INTERNATIONAL CENTRE The University’s new on-demand new The University’s in 2019 launched website learning of online a range and showcases and courses learning and blended for route a streamlined provides applications. students enable online courses These convenient study when it is most to them. for available also are courses Blended worlds – the best of both offering and study where opportunities to as well when it suits individuals, and labs University to as access and teaching, face-to-face facilities, networking. ON-DEMAND LEARNINGON-DEMAND ABERDEEN AT The University has been ranked joint has been ranked The University student overall 15th in the UK for National in this year’s satisfaction of ten a rise (NSS), Student Survey year. on last places has seen the University This year, in a number improvement significant in Teaching notably most of areas, 20th in the UK, of 21 a rise (ranked (20th, Community Learning places), up 36), (6th, Resources up 15), Learning and Management and Organisation (9th, up 5) NATIONAL STUDENT STUDENT NATIONAL SURVEY In its Enhancement Led Institutional In its Enhancement Assurance the Quality Review, (QAA) Higher Education for Agency for the University commended supporting the needs of an effectively student population diverse increasingly and diversity and championing equality the institution. The University across for commendations awarded was in Student Support, work ongoing Widening Access Student Engagement, alongside Policies and Communication and Arrangements Processes Quality and Enhancement. Self-Evaluation for QAA SCOTLAND REVIEW QAA SCOTLAND Y T I S D O 19 O 0 GUIDE 2 UNIVER G SCOTTISH UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR The University was ranked 31st in ranked was The University it of the impact in terms the world Times the new by has on society Impact University Higher Education on the based which are Rankings, 18 Sustainable Nations’ United The rankings Goals. Development as 5th in the Aberdeen placed also consumption responsible for world and production. Aberdeen was ranked 34th in the ranked was Aberdeen in the UK and 5th in Scotland Guide 2020, University Guardian climbing 17 places. Guide University In The Complete named was Aberdeen 2020, rankings in the 30 universities within the top UK. Aberdeen was named Scottish named Scottish was Aberdeen in the Times of the Year University Times Good University and Sunday performance A strong Guide 2019. saw indicators key several across from climb 14 places the University - 26th in the UK rankings 40th to a university by move the biggest 40, top year’s last in appeared that on the shortlist it for which placed of the Year. UK University Learning Teaching & Teaching RANKINGS • • • • The University has seen significant significant has seen The University tables league in national improvements this year.

DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH UoA 15 LIVE ON THE LAWN and this year celebrate to has been plenty There thank say to event an exciting hosted we in March be named helping us to students for our to you of the Year. University Scottish and Hall Lawn Elphinstone saw on the Lawn Live free activities, variety of fun-filled with a filled music and a wonderful live and refreshments, food held we such a success, It was atmosphere. carnival our staff! thank and celebrate to another GRADUATION a special always are ceremonies Graduation welcomed and in June 2019 we time on campus, which is run by campus, our Qatar students from (AFG), to Group the Al Faleh partner organisation their degrees. receive to Aberdeen the at students graduating The AFG College undergraduate part of the first were ceremony of the 2017 cohort management business intake. inaugural When complete it will transform the learning the learning it will transform When complete thousands of students and for experience in involved get to children school encourage subjects. science are ambitious concepts on campus Elsewhere of heart the historic revitalise to being examined the after possible are proposals The College. King’s £60m of investment secured recently University bond, of which £50m is placement a private via College. of King’s the regeneration for available for proposed are spaces educational New wing – and the Senate The Stack Tower, Cromwell used. either little, or poorly are that areas inside the underway is also work Regeneration traditional four wing where South Quad King’s in the 1970s reconfigured last theatres lecture large two for way make to being overhauled are spaces. teaching collaborative to shape a new chapter in the chapter shape a new to history University’s its and improving campus the King’s REVITALISING the heart is at community the local to connections spaces enhance to of an ambitious £100m project and learning. teaching for of projects, a wide-portfolio Incorporating by will be financed plans the transformational (bond). placement a private via borrowing on a new underway is already work Building Drive on St Machar Hub. Located Teaching Science building, student Hub and Noble the Fraser near Hub Teaching the Science Library, Rice Sir Duncan at the University project major building is the first opened in 2016. Institute the Rowett since 2019 and the building was cut in May sod The first 2021. will open in September

FEATURE UoA 17 FEATURE “Some of the proposals in development will in development proposals “Some of the the years over has been ‘lost’ that estate transform As our campus. of heart the very at exists and yet we life, to back spaces as bringing neglected well will that better connectivity creating at looking are will be unknown that of our campus open up areas many. to “Thisto bring greater of our vision phase is the first of our Old the heart to and cohesion vibrancy it can best the very it and make campus Aberdeen decades. two our next for plan be as we making significant also are the same time we “At and this is indicative posts in academic investment bring the best and brightest of our ambitions to disciplines across work to Aberdeen to thinkers from challenges, research major global solve to of AI in the power harnessing to transition energy healthcare.” learning teaching, “This in investment significant in our chapter will shape the next and research story.” success centuries-old Future projects will also include New King’s, King’s, New include will also projects Future being interior of the remodelling with potential further learning modern create to considered environments. the same at is ongoing regeneration The campus - strategy new a create to time as consultation the of shape the direction 2040 - to Aberdeen – and it follows 20 years the next over University recruitment largest-ever the University’s on from posts academic 50 new which saw campaign created. successes upon the recent willbuild The strategy Times’ as the Times and Sunday of the University holder 2019, for Year of the University Scottish Higher and Prize for Anniversary of the Queen’s in the 160 ranking its top and Education Further Rankings University World Times Higher Education 2019. appointments will join the academic The new including areas, academic multiple across University and artificial data health, environment, energy, and humanities and law. intelligence, is part staff of a in academic The investment as status the University’s enhance to commitment in research. leader a world George Professor Chancellor, and Vice Principal said: “ThisBoyne, dynamic time and is an exciting the University at be studying and working to and bold investment with big of Aberdeen, ahead. regeneration ABERDEEN CARDIOVASCULAR CENTRE AND DIABETES LAUNCHED 70 around welcomed The University Aberdeen of the the launch guests to Centre and Diabetes Cardiovascular in November. (ACDC) Medical the University’s Experts from are Institute School and the Rowett to their expertise bringing together and diabetic cardiovascular enhance and research through care patient education. a encompasses research The Centre’s reduce to how of themes from variety and cardiovascular risk in diabetes treatments, new developing to diseases, future and training diagnosis improving researchers. who is Nixon, Graeme Professor alongside of the ACDC co-director said: “We Delibegovic, Mirela Professor we that in Aberdeen here fortunate are renowned many internationally so have of areas in the working researchers and and diabetes, disease cardiovascular all bring to placed well therefore, are, centre. one collective into this expertise in issues these at look to “It is impossible also patients diabetics as many isolation Our disease. cardiovascular from suffer opportunity perfect the will offer centre and knowledge the sharing of for our researchers between collaboration from of backgrounds, a variety from those to disease, studying heart those on obesity and its links with focussing diabetes.” New types of combined oral oral of combined types New both - containing contraceptives and newer of oestrogens doses lower with a associated – are progestogens in young cancer ovarian risk of reduced women. the universities at Researchers and Copenhagen of Aberdeen of newer the influence investigated (combined contraceptives hormonal on products) and progestogen-only ovarian specific of and types overall age. of reproductive in women cancer and published Dr Lisa Iversen Led by that in the BMJ, the study showed with strengthened effect this positive and persisted periods of use longer the stopping after years several for important reassurance pill, providing worldwide the 100 million women for contraception using hormonal who are day. every on appeared Phil Hannaford Professor programme Horizon flagship the BBC’s the when it considered in November Pill: How question: ‘The Contraceptive Aberdeen’s is it?’ He discussed Safe the to how regard in findings chances women’s affects contraceptive cancer. of developing NEWER CONTRACEPTIVE NEWER CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS LINKED TO REDUCED OVARIAN RISK IN YOUNG CANCER WOMEN Research The University of Aberdeen is included of Aberdeen The University of Universities consortium in a national £5 million to been awarded have that of academic, a network bring together stakeholders. and policy industrial is part of a programme ORE Supergen the being funded by of initiatives Sciences Engineering and Physical and brings (EPSRC) Council Research of areas research the related together wind. and offshore tidal wave, leading the UK’s maintain Its aim is to address to and in the field position and environmental any technical, which require challenges interdisciplinary and national at response a co-ordinated level. regional of the University from Dr Beth Scott of the will be a co-director Aberdeen Scott Dr Hub. SuperGen ORE EPSRC new this have to thrilled said: “I am absolutely collaborate opportunity to incredible of extremely with such a range directly engineering and dedicated talented design and bring in helping to colleagues large to approach a sustainable forward energies of renewable extraction scale our oceans.” from £5M INVESTMENT TO TO £5M INVESTMENT STATUS UK’S MAINTAIN LEADER IN AS GLOBAL OFFSHORE RENEWABLE ENERGY

DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH UoA 19 NEW RESEARCH GETTING UNDERWAY WORLDWIDE STUDY STUDY WORLDWIDE REVEALS AIR POLLUTION UNBORN BABY LINK TO GROWTH air pollution is linked to Exposure during pregnancy, growth babies’ to study. new a landmark to according of Aberdeen the University at Scientists of worth a decade’s over reviewed to the world around from research which mothers’ to the extent establish air pollution, diet, alcohol to exposures growth. fetal affects and chemicals evidence insufficient was there While or chemicals alcohol poor diet, that evidence the study found factors, were dioxide nitrogen to exposure that size, head fetal in smaller resulted months of three in the last particularly pregnancy. the who led Turner, Steve Professor looked we said: “In our research study, the measured the studies that all at to exposures of mothers’ effects including air substances everyday diet on the size and alcohol, pollutants, of the unborn baby. of the studies the evidence “In all in trimester in the third that clear was dioxide nitrogen to exposure particular, growth.” fetal reduced A University research partnership aims partnership research A University toxic to exposure how determine to of high rates to might contribute metals in South Asia. disease heart of the University from A team Department of Chemistry, Aberdeen’s will Feldmann, Joerg Professor by led Risk of Acute support the Bangladesh Led study. (BRAVE) Events Vascular it is a of Cambridge, the University by of thousands study of case-controlled is investigating citizens that Bangladeshi high rates the country’s for the reasons disease. heart of coronary will study toenail The researchers thousands of individuals from samples of exposure rates determine to in order compounds. toxic and other arsenic to said: “Coronary Feldmann Professor a greater at is increasing disease heart than in any other in South Asia rate few are but there globally, region this issue. explore studies that countries, South Asian all “Of has the highest probably Bangladesh and diseases of cardiovascular rates for neglected is one of the most yet research.” vascular UNIVERSITY TEAM ON MAJOR EMBARK DISEASE STUDY HEART ASIA IN SOUTH Scientists from the University of University the Scientists from Ghana are of and University Aberdeen rich biodiversity Africa’s use aiming to drugs. life-saving create to has been awarded The University Research the Medical from £0.7m and the Department for Council fund an to Development International Leaders Research African MRC/DFID Kyeremeh Dr Kwaku for Fellowship of Ghana. the University from with Dr Hai will work Dr Kyeremeh from Jaspars Marcel Deng and Professor Marine Biodiscovery the University’s will that (MBC) on a project Centre antiparasitic antibiotic, develop to seek the exploring by drugs and anticancer of Ghana. biodiversity microbial huge advantage take aims to The project in expertise existing of the team’s free-living and isolating cataloguing of sources a variety from microbes plants, sediments, including soils, and crustaceans. fish, crabs mollusc, SCIENTISTS EXPLORE EXPLORE SCIENTISTS BIODIVERSITY AFRICAN LIFE-SAVING CREATE TO DRUGS He organised the event to raise funds raise to the event He organised Space Breathing – for – and awareness Suicide by and Touched Scotland suffering which help those Scotland, and those issues health with mental one. loved suicide of a by the affected Engineering Mechanical year The fourth do something to inspired student was school former two losing after suicide. to classmates as a student life that said: “I know Lewis and be difficult man can and a young where know just don’t you sometimes of £21,000 to the target turn. I set to and my classmates myself mark the age as well be. However, or will soon are more funds, I think it is even as raising and to awareness raise important to it is ok that out there the message get be ok.” not to Leading Aberdeen anatomist, Professor Professor anatomist, Aberdeen Leading Regius appointed was Simon Parson, Chair of Anatomy. the who leads Parson, Professor the University department at anatomy academic seventh is the of Aberdeen, it since in Aberdeen the title hold to in by Sir John Struthers held first was Regius Chairs just two are There 1863. in the UK, with the otherof Anatomy being in Glasgow. is the focus research Parson’s Professor motor of the childhood pathology Muscular Spinal disease, neurone he has shown where Atrophy, of non-neuronal the importance of the disease. in the cause pathologies ROYAL APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT ROYAL PARSON FOR PROFESSOR Four University of Aberdeen academics academics of Aberdeen University Four Society of The Royal to elected were (RSE). Edinburgh Karl Professor Senior Vice-Principal Greggs, Tom Professor Leydecker, and Professor Redpath Steve Professor new the 62 among were Jan Skakle 2019. for fellows and Jaspars Marcel Professors In addition Vice-Presidents became Andy Porter the for of the RSE, with responsibility portfolios and Business International respectively. NEW ABERDEEN VICE- AMONG PRINCIPAL UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS RSE BY RECOGNISED University of Aberdeen student Lewis of Aberdeen University by his 21st birthday Hazel marked gig as part of a fundraising hosting two £21,000 for raise to a campaign charities. Scottish UNIVERSITY STUDENT UNIVERSITY STUDENT GIG IN ORGANISES OF BIRTHDAY PLACE CELEBRATIONS People Tributes were paid to Professor James Professor paid to were Tributes of Aberdeen the University Hutchison, the world’s who invented academic who scanner, full body MRI first of 77. the age at away passed team, with a dedicated Along as Jim, known Hutchison, Professor whichbuilt the ‘Mark 1’ machine on patient its first scanned successfully August 28, 1980. a ‘game-changing’ He helped patent as spin-warp known technique, adopted imaging, which was and is still used the world throughout of thousands of in hundreds today globally. MRI machines behind MRI was The technology a small by 1970s in the developed worldwide, number of teams and Aberdeen at including those in the UK. ButNottingham Universities who was Hutchison, Professor it was Medical the University’s to appointed Professor in the 1960s by team Physics full- who built the first John Mallard, that with a team along body scanner, Edelstein. included Dr William INVENTOR OF FIRST OF FIRST INVENTOR MRI FULL BODY AWAY PASSES MACHINE

DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH UoA 21 DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH DISTANCE STUDENTS STUDENTS DISTANCE OLD TIME AT ENJOY ABERDEEN CAMPUS Three distance learning PhD students learning distance Three spent time experiencing Malawi from as part the University at student life the between of a unique partnership and Zomba Theological University College. provides in 2016, the alliance Created leaders church opportunities for study for to Africa sub-Saharan across Dr Ken a MTh Ministry Studies. Rev of the University coordinator Jeffrey, Ministry Studies, said: “In for Centre Alum Dr Robert Laws Aberdeen 1875, in Mission Christian the first founded in the role a crucial and played Malawi and I there, people of local education than 100 years more that am delighted its is maintaining the University later, ties with Malawi.” Mark Calder, who completed both who completed Mark Calder, and a PhD in of Research a Masters departed the University, at Anthropology Chapel on the College King’s from Running Home of his planned leg second around which included routes Challenge, and the north of England. Scotland took on St Mungo’s leg 45-mile The first to Abbey Dunfermline from route Cathedral. Glasgow Embrace for money raising Mark, 36, was East, a charity which supportsthe Middle to returning helping refugees projects State, the Islamic by cities occupied the for His passion in Iraq. particularly peace- when he researched grew region and the predicament in Syria building the southern across people of young after regions Mediterranean and eastern his doctorate. completing The spin-out company is dedicated is dedicated The spin-out company of patients the outcome improving to fungal life-threatening from suffering of class a new developing by infections drugs antifungal human antibody-based limitations the severe overcome to therapies. with current associated showcased Challenge The Converge and much- technologies emerging needed industry innovations. KING’S COLLEGE START LINE FOR ULTRAMARATHON CHALLENGE LINE FOR ULTRAMARATHON START COLLEGE KING’S A University scientist was one of 23 was scientist A University in as a finalist shortlisted entrepreneurs her life for Challenge the 2018 Converge MycoBiologics. business, science Dr Fiona Rudkin, who is part of the for Centre Council Research Medical the University at Mycology Medical her business established of Aberdeen, better in a bid to MycoBiologics life-threatening and treat diagnose infections. fungal ABERDEEN ACADEMIC NAMED AS FINALIST IN 2018 IN FINALIST NAMED AS ACADEMIC ABERDEEN CHALLENGE CONVERGE

UNIVERSITY CELEBRATES CELEBRATES UNIVERSITY INTERNATIONAL DAY WOMEN’S The University held its sixth held The University Day Women’s International in March. conference included Aberdeen- Speakers ever the first born Annie Wallace, a play to cast person transgender in a character transgender regular UK soap. leading The University welcomed Scottish Scottish welcomed The University an event, McDermid to Val crime writer with the charity jointly organised in money raise to of Women, Wellbeing health. support of women’s of the the work showcased The event health, women’s in improving University Women’s for Centre including a new of excellence a centre Research, Health £167m in the forthcoming be based to within the Hospital Family Baird which will campus, health Foresterhill embed a unique opportunity to provide alongside research pioneering clinical care. medical ACCLAIMED SCOTTISH SCOTTISH ACCLAIMED AUTHOR SPEAKS OUT WELLBEING ON WOMEN’S

R

E

T

R A

H

C E R C E U G E N D Every individual School within School individual Every now of Aberdeen the University Bronze an Athena SWAN holds the University’s underlining Award gender advancing to commitment equality. Charter Athena SWAN HE’s Advance the to commitment recognises in equality of gender advancement and support professional academic, departments and recognises roles, to action and institutions taking to barriers identify and overcome all. for progression career significant has made The University in the working improvements the Since of its staff. conditions application Athena SWAN original these in 2012 it has enhanced various launching by conditions including: making equality initiatives for mandatory training and diversity networks several introducing staff; all disability, women, senior (parents, and postgraduate staff menopause, to and striving students LGBT); and selection promotions ensure gender a balanced have committees representation. EVERY SCHOOL AT AT SCHOOL EVERY UNIVERSITY NOW SWAN ATHENA HOLDS AWARDS BRONZE Corporate The administrative fee paid by students paid by fee The administrative was the University from graduate to a following abolished in February Donna by championed campaign then the Aberdeen who was Connelly, Association Students’ University Officer. Education effect immediate into came The move cohort of students and in June the first a pay without the need to graduated £45 fee. that tickets the demand for Such was Elphinstone from moved graduations creating marquee, a grand to Hall students and their for space additional their success. toast to families is one said: “Graduation Donna Connelly of a student’s of the best experiences fees and graduation University time at them barrier to be an unnecessary can with their achievements celebrating and friends. I’m delighted their family and with the Principal worked have to the scrapping to agree to the University of As a graduate fee. of the graduation this that I know myself the University decision will benefit students and is a forward.” step welcome UNIVERSITY SCRAPS UNIVERSITY SCRAPS FEE GRADUATION

DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH UoA 23 FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS Top chefs at the University were named were the University at chefs Top triumphingthe best in the UK after and catering university a national at competition. hospitality Chef) (Executive andMark Donovan gold won (Chef Manager) Doug Shewan Organisation Caterers the University at of besttitle the take to event (TUCO) in the UK. team catering in-house total, in awards four The pair won a scooping award, including the overall their baking skills for and silver bronze and Doug taking Culinaire in the Salon and go in in a ‘grab bronze another challenge’. CHEFS MARK AND DOUG IN UK NAMED BEST A new online tool which will enable staff which will enable online tool A new and concerns report and students to and violence based incidents of gender easily support more relevant access to the University. by launched was the between The joint initiative University and the Aberdeen University (AUSA) aims to Students Association of reports make to people empower which they or harassment violence sexual campus. on or off or experience witness in Higher Safe part of the Equally It forms which aims campaign (ESHE) Education in violence gender-based eradicate to Higher Education. UNIVERSITY LAUNCHESUNIVERSITY TO SYSTEM SUPPORT GENDER-BASED TACKLE VIOLENCE of the University to the wider world the wider world to of the University Public Prize for the Principal’s through Engagement. said he was Boyne George Professor the excellent celebrate to delighted many colleagues, so done by work in factors one of the key which was of the Year University the Scottish 2019 award. The team awarded the University the University awarded The team including areas, in five commendations working partnership strong developing on focus with its students, a strategic and education higher to widening access of quality development the significant and support self-evaluation to processes enhancement. STAFF CELEBRATED AT UNIVERSITY AWARDS UNIVERSITY AT CELEBRATED STAFF Staff at the University were recognised recognised were at the University Staff Prizes ceremony. awards a special at in excellence from ranged awarded across service outstanding to academia and professional various the University’s teams. support service recognise to made also were Awards an outstanding made who have those the work showcasing to contribution UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN COMMENDED BY UK BY COMMENDED OF ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY EXPERTS QUALITY INDEPENDENT The UK’s independent quality body independent quality The UK’s effectively the University commended supporting the needs of an increasingly and student population diverse diversity and championing equality the University. across Higher for Agency Assurance The Quality of a team (QAA) appointed Education thereview to experts independent five year. this academic earlier University in 2017 by the University’s the University’s LAUNCHED in 2017 by OFFICIALLY the Grants team, and Innovation Research an increasingly to in response created was Academy in which environment research competitive to be expected are and their staff universities research conducting and collaborative, innovative and around locally both an impact generates that the world. that of development programme A comprehensive objectives, strategic Aberdeen’s to linked is directly with the is a partnership Academy the Grants significantly Schools which aims to University’s that and ensure environment the research enhance of stages in the early those - particularly researchers nurture need to the support they – have their career can that and ideas pipeline of creativity a constant funding. external for applications robust to lead help and support provides Academy The Grants life grant of the research elements practical with all of early the development facilitating from cycle: applications and refine and helping develop ideas a key impact, and realising the research delivering to The University of Aberdeen The University THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN GRANTS ACADEMY WAS SET WAS ACADEMY THE UNIVERSITY GRANTS OF ABERDEEN OF SUPPORT FRAMEWORK A STRUCTURED PROVIDE UP TO CAREER. THEIR ACADEMIC THROUGHOUT FOR RESEARCHERS

FEATURE UoA 25 FEATURE 153 Conversations on registered for the for registered is a series of facilitated sessions of facilitated is a series 883 colleagues colleagues funders visit registered for a for registered impact, training sessions and workshops on a wide on and workshops sessions training impact, as idea such been organised, of subjects have range of funding, writing, identification grant preparation, the library support, accessing submission grants preparation, interview applications, of successful and mock panels and impact preparation rebuttal exchange. and knowledge Conversations On aimed at bringing together researchers from from researchers bringing together aimed at in a interest with a shared the University across interdisciplinary an requires that topic chosen to linked exclusively, but not Mainly, approach. is the series Goals, Development the UN Strategic The UKRI funding stream. with a major associated with this its success maximise is trying to University in capacity of building importance the given stream countries. developing REF for prepare help researchers to Meanwhile, of a range has organised the University 2021, Unit each from the submission ensure to events, including as possible is as strong of Assessment that system on PURE - a web-based sessions outcomes, of research-related a wide range captures metrics and of key analysis and activities, impact studies. case impact with industry is of working The importance research of our as an important facet recognised such as the Knowledge and activities landscape sessions, lunch and learn (KTPs) Partnership Transfer UK opportunities with a Innovate introduce aim to upon KTPs. focus said Director, and Innovation Research Liz Rattray, by received been well had Academy the Grants during a time that Schools and researchers both higher education for challenging particularly was research. awareness. about raising is all Academy “The Grants programme has a comprehensive The University its strategic to linked directly of development the Grants it focus, try and give and, to objectives to collaborating and the Schools are Academy pipeline of applications. identify a constant improve can we how at looking always are “We encourage actively and we Academy the Grants us send asking them to with academics, engagement sit on a funding panel or if they especially any ideas, glean can we Any information Panel. Review a Peer important is very their network to is relevant that much appreciated.” and very campaign Where Great Minds Work Together element of REF 2021. It is important that researchers researchers It is important that of REF 2021. element and the research a vision about who will use have of stage the next into will feed the outcomes how REF. as for as well their research, of and knowledge the expertise Harnessing in their field leaders already who are academics Academy. of the Grants objective key is another announced Boyne George Principal Earlier this year, 50 leading be recruiting would Aberdeen that to strategy as part of the University’s academics in research. leader as a world its status enhance The is one of the biggest single investments the investments single is one of the biggest and staff, academic in recruiting has made University academic multiple across spread posts comprises data health, environment, including energy, areas, law. and humanities and intelligence, and artificial focus on interdisciplinary the University’s It reflects of the strand a key and research, teaching collaboration promote ambitions to University’s research big global solve to disciplines across challenges. for Marion Campbell, Vice-Principal Professor said: “While the aim of the Grants Research, of all prospects the career enhance is to Academy career earlier at is those its main target researchers, to build assistance need significant who may stages portfolio. grant research their external has environment the research years, “In recent will and only competitive more increasingly become challenging. It is extremely more get to continue the harnesses the University important that and academics established of its more expertise and early this with mid-career and shares researchers researchers. career of Research, with the School Directors “Working has researcher career early every that sure make we familiar are they as ensuring that as well a mentor, is the science portal, that with the submission and in the right way and packaged timely robust, We peer review. to respond to how know they that the importance understand they sure make also just not are We activities. of public engagement of the development on the bid, but also focussed the individual.” fundinginternal manages Academy The Grants and pump-prime research opportunities to - including the Global grants exchange knowledge Pump Priming Internal Fund Research Challenges Institutional Trust the Wellcome (GCRF-IPPF); Fund Facilities the Core (ISSF); Support Fund Strategic Support Impact Scheme, the REF 2021 Voucher Scheme – Enhancement and the Research Award deadlines. on upcoming academics and advises the through and get for prepare help researchers To help maximise and to process, application grants’

A NEW SCOTTISH HUB WHICH WILL TRANSFORM THE A NEW SCOTTISH OPENED DECOMMISSIONING TO TRADITIONAL APPROACH 2019. THE UNIVERSITY IN JANUARY AT Transforming the future of Transforming

FEATURE UoA FEATURE 27 “Over the next decade, our oil and gas sector and gas our oil decade, the next “Over market on a decommissioning must capitalise must £17 billion and we reach to is forecast that supply Scottish class our world that ensure its competitive develop to chain continues champion of a recognised become capabilities, world develop and to excellence, decommissioning be exported. can that expertise leading up investing through “The Government, Scottish City Region Deal, £250 millionin the Aberdeen to to is committed Government, the UK alongside and dynamic this innovative alongside working of Centre a Decommissioning establish to sector chain here supporting the supply to and Excellence in Scotland.” sector GBE, Chairman of private Sir Ian Wood body development and funded economic led in Opportunity North East, said: “Innovation the oil maximise will help to decommissioning which is the region, opportunity and gas for Strategy. Renaissance the Economic to central aims of Excellence Centre The Decommissioning on efficiency, impact a transformational have to driving industry and safety, effectiveness cost as a major our region and establishing innovation worldwide. knowledge of decommissioning centre chain supply active This will help anchor a globally long the for in the region jobs with high value term.” of Aberdeenshire leader Jim Gifford, Councillor Joint and chair of the City Region Deal Council is fundamental said: “Decommissioning Committee, see to pleased and I am of our region, the future to supporting essential another the City Region Deal generation which will anchor a new of work strand here. of talent “The research on an established model will build of the sort help deliver which, if it can base of on the cost required savings projected impact. It will a huge will have decommissioning, look to the world for reason another yet provide and excellence for and Aberdeenshire Aberdeen to that is built on a principle The Centre expertise. leveraging of our City the heart Region Deal, sits at as partnering across as well as well knowledge the Centre watching to forward look We sectors. and develop.” grow is a significant technical technical is a significant Decommissioning Decommissioning a valuable and also challenge, and operational and chain companies supply opportunity for the and across in Scotland developers technology meet domestic to the capability develop UK to demand.and global of the Centre with companies, In partnership technology and deploy will develop Excellence at the decommissioning effective cost delivers that gas production oil and and during life end of field decommissioning piece’ including ‘small operations, techniques. and research on the established It will build of the University at capability development decommissioning of in the areas Aberdeen modelling, predictive technologies, of and the economics assessment environmental decommissioning. Oceanlab the University’s at is based The Centre which corridor, in the Energetica located facility, Peterhead. to Aberdeen from stretches said: “This new Minister, UK Energy Perry, Claire is a great Excellence of Centre Decommissioning City Region the £250m Aberdeen of how example sector, support the oil and gas is helping to Deal of the Oil & Gas work on the impressive building recently. I visited that Centre Technology and challenge is a global “Decommissioning chain which industry the UK supply opportunity for £23 billion over up to be worth could estimates between collaboration The years. five the next is technology on innovative industry and academia and Strategy Industrial the government’s to central and developed in decommissioning advancements export new to will lead the Centre by supported create helping to UK businesses opportunities for of the future.” jobs high-skilled the high value, said: Minister, Energy Scottish Wheelhouse, Paul be one of the to continues “Decommissioning facing challenges and operational technical biggest of an industry-led The creation the North Sea. where of Excellence, Centre Decommissioning to with academia in partnership industry works will help challenges, and future the current tackle for only not advantage the competitive create decommissioning but for industry, the oil and gas sector. in the wider energy challenges At the forefront of utilising utilising of the forefront At HEALTH RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN AT RESEARCHERS HEALTH AND OF UTILISING BIG DATA THE FOREFRONT ARE AT SEEK SOLUTIONS INTELLIGENCE (AI) AS THEY ARTIFICIAL AND GLOBALLY. LOCALLY CHALLENGES HEALTHCARE TO

FEATURE UoA 29 FEATURE on physical and mental health as people age, age, people as health and mental on physical of experience patients’ understand and better and stroke cancer, example, in, for care health services. rheumatology big data of the use benefitting from area Another is technology where screening, and AI is breast in diagnosing radiologists assist to being developed problems. huge are “There explained: Black Professor programme. screening on the NHS breast pressures be trained can a computer that is evidence There on breast identify problems effectively very to with working are and we scans, mammography to tools develop to partners industry and clinical look and accurately rapidly to support radiologists identify problems.” to scans at leading is also approach learning’ This ‘machine of limb diagnosis radiological for AI solutions to fractures. the Scottish in funding from £240,000 by Backed and Opportunity North East (ONE), Government work to apply to been invited have companies and Canon NHS Grampian the University, alongside front-line improve to Europe Research Medical management decision making and patient clinical and such as accident facilities, care in unscheduled departments. emergency research into integrated AI fully and With big data the University disciplines, multiple across activities in this area capabilities its research has bolstered the Maxwell, to upgrade a £750,000 through super-computer. University’s has Maxwell Services, Research Digital by Managed 1,200 over to equivalent power the computational and one petabyte in tandem, PCs working desktop big accommodate to of storage (1 million gigabytes) projects. data many across of ways, in a variety be used It can collected data imaging processing - from disciplines modelling and environmental to MRI Scans, from has on greenhouse land use the effect simulating emissions. gas ideally which are GPU processors, Incorporating in AI and deep learning, problems solving to suited a manage to the University allows the upgrade underlining its projects, number of big data larger of research. this area to commitment Centre for Health Data Science Science Data Health for THE UNIVERSITY’S Centre of £15.8m centre new in a role a key is playing of AI in on the application focused excellence diagnostics. digital Intelligence Artificial for Centre The Industrial brings (iCAIRD) Diagnostics in Digital Research of 15 collaboration a pan-Scotland together NHS, the and industry. academia, from partners for Centre the who heads Black, Corri Professor the work that explained Science, Data Health in on working will focus in Aberdeen place taking industry patients, teams, with clinical partnership for the benefits of AI realise to and academia from of disease diagnosis accurate and more faster images. radiology data and clinicians, researchers She said: “For important an increasingly including AI are analytics for ensuring tool effective and potentially and efficient targeted, more are services healthcare Of equal meet the needs of patients. to adaptable is that in a way data is using patients’ importance and accurate.” secure safe, acceptable, to computers use “We continued: Black Professor us in making decisions in many aspects life, of assist of it happening. unaware almost are we and often and making better use is no different care Health is record is within the NHS health that of the data and health. care improving to crucial is AI technology that it is critical “However and accountable is explainable safely, developed support decision making, to when used and is evaluated. rigorously in iCAIRD understand to seeking are we “What of in the way provide need to we is what in the and governance infrastructure information, with comfortable feel people make to of data use and pathway and care AI as part of their diagnosis and safe transparent, are the AI tools that ensure to effective.” to underpin access helping to One measure with NHS partnership is an innovative data vital of the Grampian the creation to leading Grampian to researchers (DaSH), allowing Haven Safe Data and controlled in a highly datasets access remotely way. secure of numbers vast between linkages enables This also – the Aberdeen dataset cohort and a large datasets the University by – which is held Birth Cohorts born of the children all and which has followed and the period 1950-56 1936, in 1921, in Aberdeen DaSH has helped Already and age. grow as they disease, kidney from outcomes predict researchers and education life of early the impact understand

Dr Armstrong said the record, detailing the detailing said record, the Dr Armstrong a chantry Gray, of Andrew property’ ‘moveable of St Nicholas parish church in Aberdeen’s chaplain find in the a significant who died in 1504, was drink. of our national history of of the development the story “Thisreframes said. he “The references earlier only whisky,” Scotch of the within the context from are aquavite to much has been while IV, of King James court about the origins of whisky in an imaginedassumed croft. Highland that evidence is clear here have we “But what 1500s within in the early being produced whisky was at where Aberdeen of renaissance the thriving heart just been founded had university this time our own of humanism, communities and the educational growing. and medicine were science the records in suggestions tantalising also are “There been located. have the still may about where as known in a street property had Gray Andrew name this distinct place Scots In Middle Guestrow. in which ‘gast’ written as ‘gastraw’, usually was reference first So the very or wraith. ghost means on a street been have to a whisky still is likely to with spirits.” associated whisky Scotch for of the record The discovery the period insights into is just one of many new in recent Records Burgh the Aberdeen arising from years. previously have researchers University a settle in to stepped a king that demonstrated of details revealed in Aberdeen, on piracy dispute Scotland to sail from ship recorded ever the first the insights into and offered World the New to the plague. to response region’s the inform to of the Records The potential being is also games of video development Hepburn, Dr William historian by investigated Economy Creative an AHRC holds who currently ‘Playing called a project for Fellowship Engagement how exploring are and songwriters in the Archives’ to be used can contain they material the historical music. new create

exercise to unpick the complex unpick the complex to exercise A PAINSTAKING recognised hand written entries of the UNESCO of everyday details which contain Records, Burgh of Robert during the reigns in Aberdeen life III, James I, James II, James III, and James IV was researchers. University by undertaken and in partnership Armstrong, Dr Jackson Led by the original for who care with the City Archives than 1.5million more deciphered team the registers, a digital create to and Scots of Latin words of the with images which, together transcription now has volumes, eight earliest from pages original Aberdeen in the resource accessible been made (www.abdn.ac.uk/aro). Online: 1398-1511 Registers can life medieval into glimpse this precious It means in the world. anywhere from be viewed now with tasked one of those who was Hawes, Dr Claire words more which run to the registers, transcribing stumbled of Shakespeare, works than the complete aquavite for stellatour ‘ane to a reference across immediately was and her interest wattir’ and ros piqued. for word Scots the Middle was aquavite “I knew this in to a reference that “and explains, she whisky,” 1505 must be among the first.” the realise quick to were The researchers to able were investigating, and, after significance explicit ever earliest was the this that confirm making whisky in a still for to found reference to reference and the third-earliest Scotland, 1494. from dating - the first ‘aquavite’ Was Aberdeen the birthplace of the birthplace Aberdeen Was origins in Aberdeen. and points to its early early story of Scotch whisky early story of Scotch which has reframed the which resulted in a significant findresulted in a significant City Archives to the world City Archives ‘jewel in the crown’ of the‘jewel in the A project to open up theA project to

FEATURE UoA 31 FEATURE “A preliminary version of our public-facing search search of our public-facing version preliminary “A and the students, and Digital by developed was site platform that progress us to enabled IT Services in opens up this jewel that a website and launch the world. to crown Aberdeen’s exciting this is yielding that see already can “We from £15,000 been awarded have and we results to Brothers Chivas company whisky Scotch hope to and we research this exciting continue furtherthe origins of whisky in of details uncover stories.” and related Aberdeen, Dr Armstrong says that by opening up access to this to opening up access by that says Dr Armstrong to yet are further online, stories resource precious together. and pieced be uncovered in understanding progress huge made have “We the end of from but this is far Records the Burgh others how see to It will be fascinating the story. with this work to able are Aberdeen in and beyond collection. wonderful Registers of the Aberdeen “The online presentation with the excellent possible made Online was and IT Digital own support of the University’s ofteam by a efforts and outstanding Services, students. science computing ABERDEEN’S FAMOUS FAMOUS ABERDEEN’S BRING HELPS BESTIARY GETTY PRESTIGIOUS LIFE EXHIBITION TO one of the Bestiary, The Aberdeen of its kind in examples beautiful most time the first UK for the left the world, 800 years than more its creation since an exhibition at stage centre take to ago Angeles. in Los the J. Paul at in an exhibition It featured 45 from 115 loans Getty where Museum and the US, were institutions in Europe as part of Book of Beasts: showcased World, in the Medieval The Bestiary of thousands of tens which attracted visitors. in the 12th and popular were Bestiaries provide to and used 13th centuries but few messages, moral Christian the high standard to produced were which is manuscript, of the Aberdeen of the best examples one considered costly and its lavish of its type due to illuminations. of Senior Curator Beth Morrison, Getty the J. Paul at Manuscripts Bestiary said: Museum, “The Aberdeen famous most one of the is, of course, When I asked its beauty. due to a very I received the loan, for Aberdeen excited were - they welcome warm and ambition of about the breadth the and understood the exhibition play.” it could important role Dr Phillip Cooke, Head of Music and Head Dr Phillip Cooke, said in Composition, Senior Lecturer part an integral was Ogston Professor the University of music-making at greatly support had continued whose of musicians. generation a benefited support has not Ogston’s “Professor events been of the high-profile only his name - such as the bear that Music Prize, a Ogston prestigious - but calendar highlight of the musical both endeavours other countless to and supporting many and large, small bursaries scholarships, students through and prizes. of token a small was “This concert and a recognition Derek to appreciation he has given service of the incredible his career. throughout the university to as one of Derek have to proud are We friends and benefactors.” our closest National Youth Choir of Scotland and of Scotland Choir Youth National Orchestra, National Scottish Royal Bell. Christopher by conducted mark the centenary to Composed War, World of the end of the First poignant tribute and the ‘reflective by words new to set was peace’ to Davies. Grahame distinguished poet Dr and actor well-known On campus, John Bett and acclaimed director broadcaster and songwriter singer, and of staff a cast led Fiona Kennedy Centenary War students in The Great the featured which also Remembered, the from choir and pipers University Corps. Training Officers’ through guided the audience The event and some of the war the outbreak as occurred that of the major battles of end the deadlock sides tried to both Loos, one at including warfare, trench own with the University’s synonymous in which many ‘student U-Company or wounded. killed were soldiers’ students staff, The names of the 342 during the First who fell and alumni on out on crosses laid were War World Remembrance for Lawn Elphinstone the over all from and musicians Sunday as part struck up in unison of the world by spearheaded initiative Peace for Play academic. a university Culture MUSICAL TRIBUTE CELEBRATES DISTINGUISHED DISTINGUISHED TRIBUTE CELEBRATES MUSICAL MEDIC OF ABERDEEN UNIVERSITY CAREER 70-YEAR The University marked a century since since century a marked The University with a War World the end of the First including number of important events renowned by work of a new the premier of Aberdeen and University composer by attended Mealor, Paul professor, of The Duchess Highness Her Royal of The University Chancellor Rothesay, of Aberdeen. Requiem: The Souls of The Righteous at St time the first for performed was the by Edinburgh in Cathedral Mary’s MARKING THE OF WW1 CENTENARY Music students celebrated the Music students celebrated and outstanding career ‘distinguished Ogston, Derek of Professor contribution’ with the who has been associated event a special at years 70 for University in June. James Aburn, a music by Organised of the director student and assistant the concert chapel choir, University his for Ogston Professor thanks to gave the discipline. support to continued

DEDICATED TO THE PURSUIT OF TRUTH UoA 33 ENRICHING CULTURAL LIFE The 2019 May Festival welcomed back welcomed Festival The 2019 May who Jon S Baird graduate Aberdeen his hit film discuss to stage centre took & Ollie.Stan the University to returned The director edition of the Director’s a special for one of the which formed Cut series, of programme highlights of a packed events. History With themes including; Culture, Music, the Environment, and Heritage, and and Wellbeing Health Science, offered again once the Festival Word and tastes. ages all for something a May featured also time it the first For which programme Community Fest Powis at events of range a wide offered and Tillydrone Centre Community Church. SHEDDING LIGHT ONSHEDDING LIFE PICT A stunning video, based on research by on research based A stunning video, one what has revealed the University may Pictish forts known of the earliest like. looked have located a fort video illustrates The new to close Dunnicaer, called stack, on a sea Dunnottar Castle. the famous the University from Archaeologists and required in 2016 the site excavated to mountaineers experienced help from which measures outcrop the rocky scale with sheer drops 20 x 12 metres most at sides. on all of a Pictish evidence uncovered They fourth abandoned in the late settlement sea when the century, fifth or early been joined to have to likely was stack the land. how visualise fully to This video helps in the fourth looked have may the fort life further bring to to and helps century the Picts. of the lives The University’s acclaimed Chapel acclaimed The University’s classic lead on hand to Choir was of including O Little Town favourites Angels Hark the Herald Bethlehem, and In Faithful All Ye Sing and O Come Midwinter. the Bleak raised also of Carols The Celebration cancer support world-class funds to the University. at underway research STAN & OLLIE DIRECTOR TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT MAY FEST MAY AT CENTRE STAGE TAKES & OLLIE DIRECTOR STAN The University brought together former former together brought The University supported concert a carol students at including faces of famous a host by and alumnus actor Game of Thrones Iain Glen. at place took of Carols The Celebration London Church Parish St Marylebone and presenter and included actor and broadcaster singer Robinson, Tony Charlotte and actress Fiona Kennedy readings. gave who each Emmerson, STARS COME OUT FOR UNIVERSITY OF UNIVERSITY OUT FOR COME STARS OF CAROLS CELEBRATION ABERDEEN’S STATEMENT

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL UoA 35 STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL The charitable aims of the University as registered as registered the University aims of The charitable of Higher the advancement are: with the regulator community of citizenship or of health, Education, of the arts, and the advancement development, or science. culture heritage, the by principally is regulated The University under a Financial Council Funding Scottish with complies The University Memorandum. out in the funding set grant of the conditions has Council Funding The Scottish arrangements. with each Agreements Outcome developed working institutions are that ensure to university priorities. Government’s in support of the Scottish on its regularly report to is required The University ensure to outcomes, agreed against performance of grant. meet conditions to it continues that Review Council/OSCR Funding Scottish Principal of the previous the retirement Following Sir Ian Diamond, Professor and Vice-Chancellor, (SFC) and the Scottish Council Funding the Scottish a commenced have (OSCR) Charity Regulator of whether the terms establish to joint review for and value met the governance this retirement SFC. the out by set requirements money compliance the University’s will assess The review of grant and conditions terms with the SFC’s outcome out in the institution’s (including as set Memorandum). and in the Financial agreement Scottish Charity of the the Office In parallel, of is undertaking a review (OSCR) Regulator were that of the retirement whether the terms of with the requirements consistent are agreed charity law. Body Governing of the with the provisions In accordance Acts and the Higher (Scotland) Universities Act, the (Scotland) Governance Education Ordinance. out by is set of Court composition and has a majority of 25 members consists Court by as recommended of independent members The of Good HE Governance. Code the Scottish 42. on page is listed of Court membership of Primary a Statement has adopted Court a wide- undertakes Responsibilities and routinely sector against of its effectiveness review ranging an externally undertook The Court guidance. in 2016/17 and of its effectiveness review facilitated in procedures to revisions resulting implemented 2017/18. the student body and by is elected The Rector of Court. president is the ordinary under statute the exercise to has opted Rector The current the Senior respects, other In all preside. right to for as being responsible is recognised Governor The University of Aberdeen is committed to the to is committed of Aberdeen The University relevant governance of corporate highest standards This summary sector. education the higher to has the manner in which the University describes in the 2017 Scottish out set applied the principles In the Governance. of Good Higher Education Code with the complied the University opinion of Court, Code of the 2017 Scottish and provisions principles through Governance of Good Higher Education In 19. of requirement with the exception the year in October Senate University this, the to relation of limits on the number introduce to 2019 agreed members of Assessor Senate that periods of office serve. may Court and Regulation Governance Constitution, Bull on Papal by established was The University Scottish of the four 1495 and is one 10 February University of the Court Ancients. The University with perpetual corporate is a body of Aberdeen The University seal. and a common succession of and framework powers status, its derives Acts (Scotland) the Universities from governance under made Ordinances, the 1858 - 1966 and by In addition, of Court. Acts, and Resolutions these of the Higher the requirements is subject to Court is Act 2016. Court (Scotland) Governance Education and body of the University governing the executive direction, and strategic its mission for is responsible health, financial arrangements, administrative and students and, in association staff of wellbeing and maintaining establishing for with the Senate, and probity. conduct of academic high standards Acts define the (Scotland) The Universities and the General the Senate of the Court, powers functions of which has clear each Council, and within the governance and responsibilities is Court business. of the University’s management and management with the administration charged and of the University, and property of the revenue any decision of the Senate review to has the power the University’s for It is responsible on appeal. its reviewing and for control of internal system exconsists of which The Senate, effectiveness. staff and students, academic is elected officio and and superintendence the regulation for responsible and for and student discipline of teaching was Council The General research. promoting Act 1858 (Scotland) the Universities by established questions consideration into take with the right to of the well-being and prosperity the affecting and certain of the University Graduates University. automatically are staff of University categories Council. of the General members virtue of charity by is an exempt The University (Scotland) Investment the Charities and Trustee of the with the Office Act 2005, and is registered under number SC013683. Charity Regulator Scottish committees during 2018/19 is listed on page 43. 43. on page during 2018/19 is listed committees have committees these appropriate, Where decisions take to Court authority from delegated formally and major decisions are matters on certain delegates when Court Similarly, Court. to reported decisions between take to individuals to powers to reported formally such decisions are meetings, Court. Court responsibilities, of its strategic In respect the from advice and recommendations receives The Committee Committee. and Resources Policy the University’s Court to recommends alia inter and monitors budgets capital and revenue annual budgets. the approved to in relation performance Committee and Nominations The Governance of on matters Court advise to role has a standing reviews on its behalf, conduct, and to governance The Committee governance. of the University’s annually of effectiveness a review undertakes of Code the Scottish against benchmarking through and through Governance Good Higher Education The of governors. questionnaire appraisal an annual considering for has responsibility also Committee membership in Court vacancies for nominations of Court membership in the and vacancies sub-committees. has a majority of independent The Committee the Senior Governor by chaired It is not members. member of Court, independent another but by Committee of the role remit and the which reflects committee of a nominations that beyond extending and which in 2018/19 of governance matters into undertake to the Chair of the Committee enabled in described of independent intermediary the role The of Good HE Governance. Code the Scottish Court of the need for is cognisant Committee mix of an appropriate in its membership have to has adopted Court and diversity. skills, experience within its on Diversity of Intent a Statement of 50:50 gender which includes a goal membership, female were of members 48% In 2018/19, balance. independent the appointed while male, and 52% balanced. gender also was membership the leadership and effectiveness of Courtas and of and effectiveness the leadership Accordingly, of Chair. role the wider such performs at University the represents Governor the Senior and Chairs of Scottish of the Committee meetings of in matters Governor as the leading acts internally in this of the Senior Governor role The governance. Council, Funding the Scottish by is recognised regard define to Protocol a Rector’s has adopted and Court and Senior Governor. of Rector roles the respective his Mr Martin Gilbert announced During 2018/19, of Senior Governor. the role from retire to intention as and election process a recruitment Following Governance the Higher Education by required Act was 2016, Ms Esther Roberton (Scotland) 1 April 2019. from Senior Governor appointed of Interests a Register maintains The University of senior and of members of Court of members on the University’s is available which management, routinely are individuals In addition, website. a Court to in relation any interest declare to asked and any significant item agenda and committee of the Senior commitments the external to change and the Governance to be reported would Governor Committee. Nominations and encouraged invited are of Court Members in governor participate to intervals regular at and internally both organised events development HE. such as Advance organisations through Strategy Corporate the University’s approving for is responsible Court delivery on the progress and monitoring Plan Strategic The Financial objectives. strategic of the Plan’s University’s on the 94 reports 56 to on pages Review against and progress during 2018/19, performance 7. on page is provided targets strategic of the Court Committees Key but much year, times each four least meets at Court by instance in the first is addressed of its work (since Board the Operating in particular, committees, the Committee), and Resources 2019 the Policy July and the and Nominations, Audit, the Governance committees. Remuneration with constituted formally are committees All of these on the University available of reference terms key of these The membership website.

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL UoA 37 STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL thresholds are set to align with risk appetite ratings ratings with risk appetite align to set are thresholds approves also risk. individual Court each applied to and the risk appetite University’s the annually of the individual each applied to score appetite This process Risk Register. risks within the Strategic for guidance control with the internal aligns Code. in the UK Corporate directors reports detailed considers The Audit Committee together auditors, and external the internal from of the improvement for with recommendations and risk control of internal systems the University’s management’s University alongside management, The Audit plans. and implementation responses of the review is one of high level role Committee’s risk management control, internal for arrangements investigate It has authority to money. for and value It also of reference. within its terms any matters the Scottish from reports and considers receives the University’s affect as they Council Funding the regulatory to adherence and monitors business attend executives senior While requirements. as necessary, of the Audit Committee, meetings The Committee. of the members not are they on a presentations receives regularly Committee or developments business of University area key In legislation. or relevant policy in higher education colleagues welcomed also the Committee 2018/19, and North- University the Robert Gordon from a Joint Audit Committee for College East Scotland of on the issues which focused event development Security. and Cyber Brexit of the the provisions endorses fully The University Memorandum. Financial Council’s Funding Scottish firm of Internal an external retains The University years five every least at appointed Auditors The process. tendering a competitive through process such a tendering undertook University it reappointed of which during 2018/19 as a result with effect Auditors firm of Internal its previous years, of three a period for 1 August 2019, from further one year two for renew to with the option on an annual receives, Court periods. The University including audit activity, on internal basis, a report and of the adequacy an independent assessment of internal systems University’s of the effectiveness and financial including risk management control, the internal 2019, 31 July to the year For control. the University’s that concluded audit report with some satisfactory generally were systems required. improvements its Policy through recognises The University Disclosure on Public Interest and Procedure of legitimate the raising that (Whistleblowing) Court or of students, members staff, by concerns in the interests public and which are the general of the or students, or its staff of the University, be which should public, is a practice general encouraged. The Remuneration Committee determines the determines Committee The Remuneration of the most of service conditions and remuneration Committee the Principal. including The staff, senior but also has a majority of independent members Court of members staff non-executive includes two Association. of the Students’ and the President further obtains the Committee appropriate, Where annually twice least It meets at independent advice. a year. once least at Court to and reports agreed 9) is (grade staff senior for policy The pay and subsequently Committee the Remuneration by the approval, Following Court. at approved staff senior all to issued are of the policy details a salary for application for including the process pay agreed the nationally uplift. to In addition for of £0.1m a budget set the Committee award, policy The pay awards. pay 2019 discretionary for of awards 2019 included consideration for The Remuneration performance. exceptional the gender address to steps took also Committee gapreducing the of staff this cohort for gap pay staffsenior All staff. professorial experienced for for a to apply of the opportunity notified were Heads criteria. on the agreed uplift based salary asked also were of Schools and Directorates in their areas staff for remuneration review to All applications recommendations. make and to the by considered were and recommendations a maximum of the to approval for Committee the Remuneration budget. In addition, £0.1m for the salaries and approves reviews Committee Team, of the Senior Management members new benchmark national consideration into taking & UCEA (Universities by provided information the and also Association) Employers Colleges of in the application/CV demonstrated experience candidate. the successful Control and Internal Audit, Risk Management an independent by is chaired The Audit Committee which membership and has a lay member of Court experience. relevant with directly includes members with the University’s year, times a It meets five all at in attendance auditors and external internal meetings. and reports oversees The Audit Committee of the of the effectiveness its view Court to the arrangements, risk management University’s the Senior by of which is overseen operation but with Risk being a (SMT) Team Management agenda. on the Audit Committee item regular SMT and via Court to reports The University on its risk management Audit Committee basis in accordance on a bi-annual arrangements includes This Framework. with its Risk Management the Strategic risks included in of all consideration which on those focus with a particular Risk Register, tolerance noting threshold; their tolerance exceed 0.00% 1,979 2018 0.00% 1,765 2019 Hours spent on paid TU Hours activities time paid facility % of total spent on paid TU hours activities Hours spent on paid facility spent on paid facility Hours time Table 4: Paid trade union activities trade 4: Paid Table Senior Officers officio, ex Court who is a member of The Principal, decisions the implementing for has responsibility and consultation discussion initiating for of Court, and for development future on the University’s presented are proposals appropriate ensuring that body and as the Designated the governing to terms of the the under of the University Officer the University between Memorandum Financial ensuring for Council, Funding and the Scottish of the of the terms cognisance takes Court that its decision making. in all Memorandum Financial Court and of officer is the principal The Secretary within acts Court ensuring that for is responsible The procedures. proper and follows its powers Court to independent advice provides Secretary and collective about their individual members be discharged. should they how and responsibilities Going Concern to likely and the factors activities The University’s and performance development, its future affect Its cash Review. out in the Financial set are position in the detail set out in more and liquidity are flows Statements. the Financial to Notes the University that considers Court The University operational in continue to resources has adequate future. the foreseeable for existence Conclusion it has in place that view is of the Court Overall, and arrangements of governance set a robust responsibilities. fulfil its to procedures Esther A Roberton Court of the University Senior Governor 2019 10 December 2018 32.0 29.9 2018 - 32 - - 0.05% £52,000 £115.0m 2018 2019 20.0 18.4 2019 - 20 - - 0.04% £49,000 £116.1m 2019 % of pay bill spent on facility bill spent on facility % of pay time Total cost of facility time of facility cost Total Total pay bill pay Total Trade union representatives (No.) union representatives Trade Trade union representatives (FTE) union representatives Trade Percentage of Working Hours of Working Percentage 0% 50% 1 to 99% to 51 100% Table 3: Total pay bill and facility time costs (April time costs bill and facility pay 3: Total Table March) to Table 2: Percentage of union representatives of union representatives 2: Percentage Table time hours spent on facility working Trade Union Facility Time Reporting for the Time Reporting for Union Facility Trade 2019 March 2018 to period April Background unions: the following recognises The University Unite (UCU), Unison, Union College and University and Prospect. right to a statutory have Union representatives and union duties for trade time off reasonable rights Whilst these union activities. trade for trade time for of paid level a reasonable for allow paid time to extend not union duties, this does has a activities. The University union for trade off Agreement and Recognition Working Partnership of the framework out the formal which sets the arrangements and details approach partnership time time. Facility and facility consultation for of paid or unpaid time off from is the provision Trade undertake to role normal an employee’s Union as a Trade Union duties and activities representative. Union Act 2016 and Section 13 of the Trade Time Publication (Facility Union The Trade annual that 2017 requires Regulations Requirements) time within of facility and cost on the amount data below: is detailed the University and full-time union representatives 1: Trade Table equivalents

STATEMENT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND INTERNAL CONTROL UoA

39 STATEMENT OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF COURT STATEMENT To ensure that the University’s constitution, constitution, the University’s that ensure To and in the Acts, Ordinances as enacted 1858-1990 the University affecting Resolutions and is followed legislation, and subsequent enable to is available advice appropriate that happen. this to in staff all authority for be the employing To the University. behaves the University that ensure To the for and with respect responsibly ethically, large. at society and for environment and business financial be the principal To that ensure to authority of the University, approve to kept, are books of account proper to statements, and financial budget the annual the funding requirements to adherence ensure Council, Funding by the Scottish specified the for responsibility overall have and to and and estate property assets, University’s their use. and monitoring the establishment ensure To and accountability, of control of systems controls and operational including financial as to so and management, and risk assessment and of the University the solvency maintain its assets. safeguard to in place are processes that ensure To the performance and evaluate monitor against of the University and effectiveness performance and key plans approved be benchmarked which should indicators, institutions, comparable other against possible. wherever

8. 9. and Effectiveness Accountability Controls, 10. 11. 12. 7. To approve the mission and strategic vision and strategic the mission approve To andincluding institutional of the University, and plans, and business academic longer-term ensure and to indicators, performance key of stakeholders, the interests meet they that and local alumni, including students, staff, and funding bodies. communities national of the and values name the good safeguard To University. as chief the Principal, to delegate To the academic, authority for executive, and human estate financial, corporate, and of the University, management resource such management and monitor establish to and under by functions be undertaken as shall the authority of the Principal. provision of educational the quality ensure To of decisions of the Senate the review through regulate to powers under its statutory made of and discipline the teaching and superintend research. promote and to the University authority and, as legal be the University’s To for in place are systems that ensure such, to obligations, legal meeting the University’s and contracts arising from including those in the made commitments legal other name. University’s legacy, any property, for as trustee act To bequest or gift in support ofendowment, which of the University, and welfare the work of of the University within the control is not Trust. Development Aberdeen Strategic Direction Direction Strategic 1. 2. Obligations Supervisory 3. 4. Responsibilities Corporate 5. 6. Court adopted a Statement of Primary Responsibilities which was which Responsibilities of Primary a Statement Court adopted are: responsibilities primary 2018/19. Court’s during in operation

STATEMENT OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF COURT UoA STATEMENT OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF COURT 41 ensure suitable accounting policies are policies are accounting suitable ensure and applied consistently; selected are that judgments and estimates make and prudent; reasonable standards accounting whether applicable state any material subject to been followed, have in the and explained disclosed departures and statements; financial ability University’s and parent the Group assess as disclosing, concern, as a going continue to concern; going to related matters applicable, and basis of accounting concern using the going the liquidate to either intend they unless cease or to University, or the parent Group but alternative no realistic or have operations, do so. to Funding the Scottish funds from that ensure for the purposes for only used are Council and in accordance been given have which they with the Memorandum with the Financial and any other Council Funding Scottish Council Funding which the Scottish conditions time prescribe; time to from may whatever funds, from any other that ensure the or the Group by administered source, been have specific purposes, for University in purposes those applied to properly and any legislation with relevant accordance them; to attached and conditions terms other and financial appropriate are there that ensure safeguard to in place controls management sources; other public funds and funds from and of the University the assets safeguard and prevent to steps reasonable take hence and fraud; detect effective efficient and the economical, secure and resources of the University’s management expenditure. give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of of affairs of the state view a true and fair give total the surplus or deficit, and of the University and cash and expenditure income comprehensive year. for that flows University and parent the Group When preparing to: required Court is statements, financial • • • • • as it control such internal for is responsible Court the preparation enable to is necessary determines material from free are that statements of financial or error. fraud whether due to mis-statement, to: steps reasonable has taken Court • • • • • To ensure that arrangements are in place to place in are arrangements that ensure To the of management the proper promote staff of students, and security safety health, by the University. affected and others in leadership institutional provide To there ensure and to diversity and equality policies and procedures appropriate are and staff in which all support a culture to and the University across thrive students can and regulatory legislative which meet relevant requirements. with the in consultation provision, make To of students. welfare the general for Senate, for in place are procedures that ensure To of conflicts grievances, with internal dealing disclosure. and public interest interest and evaluate monitor to processes establish To of the and effectiveness the performance and its sub-committees and Court University in as is conducted business that ensure to with in accordance open a manner as possible, corporate in higher education best practice of public and with the principles governance on Standards the Committee up by drawn life in Public Life. the appointment of through ensure, To of skills and a balance persons, lay co-opted Court of the membership amongst experience meet its primary responsibilities. to as chief executive, appoint the Principal To for arrangements suitable put in place and to his/her performance. monitoring and to Court to appoint the Secretary To separation is an appropriate there that ensure between in the lines of accountability and managerial Court to responsibilities within the University. responsibilities 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. of Senior Executives Monitoring 19. 20. matters financial Responsibility for accounting proper keeping for is responsible Court accuracy, with reasonable which disclose, records, at any of the University position the financial the financial that ensure it to time and enable with the in accordance prepared are statements of Recommended the 2019 Statement Statutes, and Further for Accounting (SORP): Practice accounting relevant and other Higher Education Reporting the Financial including FRS 102 standards, in the UK and Republic of applicable Standard and conditions within the terms In addition, Ireland. between agreed Memorandum of a Financial of and the Court Council Funding the Scottish its through Court, of Aberdeen, the University prepare to required is holder, office designated year which financial each for statements financial 42 MEMBERSHIP OFMEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES UoA MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES 43 Maggie Chapman Maggie Rector January 2015 Member since of the is the Convener Maggie Convention Independence Scottish and communications and a strategy Co-convener She was consultant. for Party Green of the Scottish and is a former years, several Councillor. Edinburgh up in Zimbabwe, Born and brought study to Scotland to she moved University. Edinburgh Zoology at Napier Edinburgh at She taught in the and has worked University rights, in disabled sector third and human rights. equalities, Esther Roberton Senior Governor April 2019 Member since has an extensive Esther Roberton non-executive of senior record track with in Scotland, roles leadership appointments including Chair of NHS Further the Scottish NHS Fife, 24, and SACRO, Council Funding Education Other charity. justice the community include the roles non-executive senior and the Scottish Government Scottish and Industry. Development for Council a member of previously also Esther was of Dundee. of the University the Court an In 2018, Esther completed of the regulation independent review and her report, services of legal is currently the Future, Fit for Scottish the by being considered involved actively She was Government. Scotland’s secure to in the campaign of the as Co-ordinator Parliament Convention, Constitutional Scottish and as a member of the Consultative the developed that Group Steering Parliament. the for orders standing Professor George Boyne Boyne George Professor officio) (ex Principal August 2018 Member since became Boyne George Professor of the and Vice-Chancellor Principal on 1 August of Aberdeen University 2018. has spent the Boyne Professor in career majority of his academic Vice-Chancellor, Pro was He Wales. of Arts, of the College Head and a Sciences Humanities and Social Executive member of the University 2012. since University Cardiff at Board of Cardiff Dean previously He was School, and Business University’s on the expert is a world-leading public sector of performance has Boyne Professor organisations. of of the Academy been a Fellow 2010. since Sciences Social Gary McRae Independent Member 2019 October Member since and of the University Gary is a graduate in He trained of Bath. of the University Accountant as a Chartered Aberdeen in which he in industry a career before and in Strategy positions senior has held at Finance/Development Corporate Defence British Aerospace PLC, Dowty he created where PLC, and then Laird globally which grew Technologies Laird of £1 billion. in excess revenues to Gary has PLC, Laird from retiring Since a number of non-executive undertaken the Senior and is currently roles Director Chair Independent Director/Deputy FT Hospitals and non- Hampshire at SAS International at Director executive Research Harvey the William and at Foundation. Dariya Koleva Dariya Member Student AUSA Nominated 2019 July Member since at Officer is the Education Dariya Students’ University the Aberdeen the student She represents Association. academic to related matters body on all She and learning. teaching experience, and Court is a member of University University and sits on various Senate she where committees, appointed students and of the on behalf speaks into taken are their views sure makes the University. by account of Arts with a Master graduated Dariya Relations and International in Politics in of Aberdeen the University from 2019. Jenny Fernandes Member Staff Non-Academic Elected 2017 September Member since of the University Jenny is an alumna as Head and has worked of Aberdeen for the past Office of its International at she worked that Prior to 14 years. and Queen of Glasgow the University She studied in University. Margaret as a and worked States the United 2006 and in Japan. Between teacher Chair and as Vice 2010 she acted Chair of the Scottish subsequently Group, International Universities and in 2018 joined the Executive of BUILA (British Universities Board Association). Liaison International Colin Duncan Duncan Colin Independent Member 2012 May Member since Aberdeen from graduating After joined Marks & Colin in 1969, University in 30 years spending the next Spencer, becoming After management. senior with mentor business a high growth his own he ran Enterprise, Scottish As a former consultancy. business member of NHS non-executive and as a member of & Arran, Ayrshire Scotland for Commission the Accounts in experience considerable he gained remuneration, chairing governance, audit, HR, committees. and appeals Business Joining the University in Council of the General Committee from Convener elected was 2006, Colin with an Hons 2010 – 2014. He graduated the Studies from BSc in International Open University. Eleanor Bentley Eleanor Independent Member 2019 September Member since Accountant is a Chartered Eleanor of of the University and a graduate She is an experienced Aberdeen. with extensive Director Finance governance, of corporate experience in management risk and financial having public companies, international with positions a number of senior held companies and service operators both sector. in the oil and gas Member of the is a Council Eleanor Accountants of Chartered Institute and is a member of their of Scotland She is a Committee. Nominations and a Ballet of the Scottish Patron a member of The Foyer, Board former in the North East of enterprise social Scotland. Professor Nuala Booth Nuala Professor Independent Member 2014 October Member since member of staff is a former Nuala and Sciences of Life in the College a personal she held Medicine, where prior Thrombosis chair in Molecular in 2010. She made her retirement to research to contributions significant of 35 during her career and teaching She continues the University. at years on degradation in research her interest to which is relevant clots, of blood of thrombosis. the diseases

MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES UoA MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES 45 Professor Joachim Schaper Joachim Professor Assessor Senate 2017 October Member since studied Theology, Joachim the at and Assyriology Philosophy and Theology of Tübingen University of Cambridge. the University at Clare at Fellow a Research He was of Cambridge University College, in as a Privatdozent and taught of the University at Testament Old 2005. In 2005 1999 to from Tübingen as a Reader he joined the University appointed was Testament, in Old Chair in 2006, and a Personal to the Chair of Hebrew to translated in 2012. and Semitic Languages Dr Martin Mills Member Staff Academic Elected 2017 September Member since in Martin Lecturer is Senior the University at Anthropology and the academic of Aberdeen, Court. Heto representative staff member of as an elected served in both years fourteen for Senate and Science the Schools of Social and Philosophy. History Divinity, specialist active He is a research political and Chinese on Tibetan Martin has affairs. and religious since University Aberdeen at worked at worked previously 2000, having St of Edinburgh, the Universities and Sussex. Andrews Anne Minto OBE Anne Minto Independent Member August 2015 Member since in a and has worked Anne is a lawyer in the roles senior number of global engineering, industries, oil and gas on the Centrica served and latterly as the Committee Executive plc Director Human Resources Group until 2011. 2002 from a non-executive She is currently and of Tate on the boards director Holdings and EXL plc Services Lyle on the she served Inc. Previously and Northumbrian plc of Shire boards Anne is Chair of plc. Group Water and Resources Policy the University’s the University and also Committee Trust. Development of Aberdeen an OBE in 2000 for awarded She was the engineering industry. to services Iain Mackay Independent Member 2017 October Member since Officer Chief Financial Iain became (GSK) on 1 plc of GlaxoSmithKline Director He is an Executive April 2019. and a member of the GSK Board Team. Executive of the Corporate Group joining GSK,Prior to Iain was of HSBC Holdings Director Finance as he served that and before plc, of HSBC Officer Chief Financial Inc. and Holdings North America (Asia-Pacific) Officer Chief Financial of An alumnus plc. of HSBC Holdings (MA) and an Honorary the University Chairman Iain is currently Graduate, of of the Audit and Risk committee and a Foundation the British Heart of Trustees. member of the Board Lyndsay Menzies Lyndsay Independent Member 2017 October Member since is CEO of Eight Million Lyndsay winning content an award Stories, Prior agency. marketing and digital CEO of 8MS she was founding to which merged bigmouthmedia, Publicis by be acquired with LBi to with the in 2012. Credited Groupe the agency at excellence operational part an integral she was 13 years, for Winner growth. of its phenomenal has Lyndsay awards, of numerous digital global of the largest some led such as IKEA, brands for campaigns and British Corporation Hilton Airways. David MacFarlane MacFarlane David Independent Member August 2012 Member since accountant chartered is a retired David in experience than 35 years’ with more and as a director management financial recently, Most sector. in the oil and gas of Dana director finance he was the takeover to Subsequent Petroleum. a career of Dana in 2010, he developed working director as a non-executive both of companies, with a portfolio and private. listed Lindsay Tibbetts Lindsay Assessor Senate 2019 October Member since of the Tibbetts is a Fellow Lindsay Accountants of Chartered Institute and (FCA) and Wales in England of the Deputy Dean appointed was Business of Aberdeen University August 2018. Prior to School from for leader programme this she was and Accountancy the undergraduate programmes, and Finance Accountancy and lead accreditation programme induction school of the business leader degree her first She obtained event. Coventry in Modern Studies from training before Polytechnic, (Lanchester) and later Accountant as a Chartered the University from an MBA obtaining as qualified a of Birmingham. Having she in practice Accountant Chartered internal of European a series into moved audit roles. Dr David Watts Watts Dr David Member Union Nominated Trade Staff) (Academic August 2017 Member since He and historian. scientist is a social David and is based in 2007 joined the University has long David Institute. in the Rowett of branch in the Aberdeen been active Union, taking and College the University in the Universities interest a particular Scheme. In 2017 he was Superannuation union trade academic as the first elected interests His research nominee on Court. networking insecurity; include: food food and drink enterprises; among food of the histories practices; consumption and nutrition. He is an elected cooperation David Academicus. member of Senatus and Coventry Bristol at worked previously College. Rural Scotland’s and at universities David Steyn Steyn David Senior Independent Member August 2011 Member since Partners Cervino is a partner at David of Good and a director Limited His involvement Limited. Growth when he started with the University of the University joined the board USA Development of Aberdeen with York in New whilst based Trust he was where AllianceBernstein, David is a Officer. Chief Operating Portrait of the National patron life Gallery. Jenny Shirreffs MBE Jenny Shirreffs Independent Member 2012 October Member since and volunteer Jenny is a prominent in sector the charitable to contributor to service voluntary Jenny’s Aberdeen. with recognised was the community of She is a Burgess the MBE in 2009. a Commander the City of Aberdeen, of St John, a Deputy of the Order of the City of Aberdeen, Lieutenant Club of the Rotary President and Past a Founder St Machar, of Aberdeen Performing of Aberdeen Director in as being involved Arts, as well artsmany other and charitable organisations. Brian Paterson Brian Member Union Nominated Trade Staff) (Non-Academic August 2011 Member since has been a member of theBrian in the Department staff technical performing 1992 of Chemistry since support duties, and research teaching a secondment as completing as well a for Improvement with Business has also Brian years. period of three union representative been a trade as a served 1999 and previously since the University to Trustee nominated and Life Superannuation of Aberdeen Scheme (UASLAS). Assurance Iain Percival Independent Member 2016 October Member since of the University from Iain graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Geology. Aberdeen in Shell Petroleum Dutch He joined Royal the for working and spent 34 years 1973 across in a number of positions company as the global ending his career the world, During this time Engineer. Chief Petroleum - Watt Heriot from graduated he also in Engineering with a Masters University with a MBA. Brunel University and from a in creating role a key Iain played programme ambassador campus and Shell, and in the University between engineering petroleum a new establishing In 2012 he was degree. undergraduate in the professor named an honorary and Engineering.Schools of Geoscience

MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES UoA MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES 47 Cecilia Wallback Cecilia Student President 2019 July Member since the student body represents Cecilia the Aberdeen at as Student President Association Students’ University (AUSA) and a Chair of the AUSA She sits on the Board. Trustee as on several as well Student Council, committees, appointed University and Senate, including Court of students to the views representing sits on the also Cecilia the University. Board. Trustee Nursery Rocking Horse of with a Master graduated Cecilia the University from Arts in Psychology in 2019. of Aberdeen Professor Neil Vargesson Professor Assessor Senate 2019 October Member since in Developmental Neil is Professor of Aberdeen the University Biology at a member of Senate and was the School 2008-2013 representing since and again Sciences of Medical of the School 2016 representing and Sciences Medicine, Medical of the Nutrition. Neil is a Fellow and Academy Higher Education and Undergraduate both teaches students and taught Postgraduate Coordinator Programme is Degree Biology Developmental for on is focused His research courses. birth defects how understanding caused those about, specifically come medicines, such as thalidomide, by and he has as drug safety as well and international national advised regarding and Agencies Governments his research.

POLICY & RESOURCES COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE RESOURCES POLICY & (from 2 July 2019, formerly the Operating Board) Ms A Minto (Chair) Ms A Minto 30.09.19) (to Mr J Hall N Booth Professor 01.08.18) (from G Boyne Professor 31.10.19) (to M Delibegovic Professor 28.02.19) (to P Hannaford Professor 31.10.19) C Inglis (to Mrs 1.03.19) (from K Leydecker Professor and a 13.09.18 from attendance (in Mr D MacFarlane 31.07.19) to 01.01.19 member from Ms L Menzies 30.06.19) Mr L Ogubie (to Dr Watts) to (As alternate Mr B Paterson 30.09.19) Dr R Shanks (to 1.07.19) (from Ms C Wallback Dr D Watts MEMBERSHIP: COMMITTEE REMUNERATION (Chair) Mr D Steyn Mr C Duncan 31.03.19) Mr M Gilbert (to 01.10.19) (from Mr I Mackay 31.07.19) (to K McPhail Mrs 30.06.19) Mr L Ogubie (to Mr B Paterson Mr I Percival 01.04.19) (from Ms E Roberton 30.09.19) Dr R Shanks (to 01.10.19) L Tibbetts (from Mrs 01.07.19) (from Ms C Wallback COMMITTEE AND NOMINATIONS GOVERNANCE MEMBERSHIP: of meetings for except 30.09.19 (Chair to Mr J Hall and 22.11.18) 12.11.18 01.101.19) (Chair from Mr C Duncan 01.08.18) (from G Boyne Professor and 22.11.18 Dr Mills to to (alternate J Fernandes Mrs 23.11.18) member from 31.03.19) Mr M Gilbert (to 28.02.19) (to P Hannaford* Professor 01.03.19) (from K Leydecker* Professor 31.10.19) (to Ms L Jack Mr I Mackay only) and 22.11.18 of 12.11.18 meetings K McPhail (for Mrs to and as alternate 22.11.18 Dr M Mills (to 23.11.18) from Fernandes Mrs 30.06.19) Mr L Ogubie (to 01.04.19) (from Ms E Roberton J Schaper Professor J Shirreffs Mrs and 22.11.18) of 12.11.18 meetings (Chair for Mr D Steyn 01.07.19) (from Ms C Wallback MEMBERSHIP: AUDIT COMMITTEE (Chair) Mr D MacFarlane 10.09.19) (from Ms E Bentley Ms L Macfarlan M McNeill Mrs Mr P Milne

UNIVERSITY COURT MEMBERSHIP: COURT UNIVERSITY Rector Ms M Chapman Principal 01.08.18) (from G Boyne Professor & Senior Governor Assessor Chancellor’s 31.03.19) Mr M Gilbert (to Senior Governor 01.04.19) (from Ms E Roberton Senatus Assessors: 31.10.19) (to M Delibegovic Professor 30.09.19) (to Dr N Oren J Schaper Professor 30.09.19) Dr R Shanks (to 01.10.19) L Tibbetts (from Mrs 01.10.19) (from N Vargesson Professor Member Staff Academic Elected Dr M Mills Member Staff Non-Academic Elected J Fernandes Mrs Nominee Union Trade Academic Dr D Watts Union Nominee Trade Non-Academic Mr B Paterson Association Students’ President, 30.06.19) Mr L Ogubie (to 01.07.19) (from Ms C Wallback Nominee Association Students’ Second 30.06.19) (to D Connelly Mrs 01.07.19) (from Ms D Koleva Independent Members 01.08.19) (from Ms E Bentley N Booth Professor Mr C Duncan 30.09.19)** (to Mr J Hall 31.10.19) (to Ms L Jack Mr D MacFarlane Mr I Mackay 31.07.19) K McPhail (to Mrs 01.10.19) (from Mr G McRae Ms L Menzies Ms A Minto Mr I Percival J Shirreffs Mrs Mr D Steyn*** As at date of signing there was a vacancy for a Senate a Senate for a vacancy was of signing there date As at an Independent Member of Court. and for Assessor available when not the Principal to * As alternate 02.07.19 ** Senior Independent Member to 03.07.19 *** Senior Independent Member from

MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES UoA MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES 49 and 1 of 1 1 of 2 2 of 3 2 of 2 2 of 3 2 of 3 2 of 4 2 of 4 4 of 4 4 of 4 0 of 3 4 of 4 0 of 4 (4 in year) (4 Committee Governance Governance Nominations 1 of 1 1 of 1 5 of 5 5 of 5 3 of 4 5 of 5 4 of 5 3 of 4 4 of 5 4 of 5 (2 in year) Committee Remuneration 1 of 1 7 of 7 5 of 7 3 of 7 7 of 7 5 of 7 7 of 7 5 of 7 5 of 6 6 of 7 6 of 7 Policy & Policy (7 in year) Resources Resources Operating Operating Board, now Board, Committee Audit 5 of 5 5 of 5 4 of 5 4 of 5 (5year) in Committee 1 of 1 1 of 1 1 of 1 1 of 4 3 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 4 of 5 4 of 5 5 of 5 4 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 2 of 4 4 of 5 4 of 5 5 of 5 5 of 5 4 of 5 4 of 5 4 of 5 4 of 4 Court (5year) in University Member Mr D Steyn Ms L Macfarlan M McNeill Mrs Mr P Milne Mrs J Shirreffs Mrs Ms L Menzies Mrs A Minto Mrs Mr I Percival Ms K McPhail Mr I Mackay Mr D MacFarlane Ms L Jack Mr J Hall Ms D Koleva N Booth Professor Mr C Duncan Mrs D Connelly Mrs Ms C Wallback Mr L Ogubie Mr B Paterson Dr D Watts Mrs J Fernandes Mrs Dr M Mills Professor J Schaper Professor Mr Martin Gilbert Professor M Delibegovic Professor Dr N Oren Dr R Shanks Ms E Roberton Professor G Boyne Professor Ms M Chapman ATTENDANCE OF COURT AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS AT UNIVERSITY COURT AND UNIVERSITY COURT MEMBERS AT AND COMMITTEE OF COURT ATTENDANCE 2019 JULY 31 FOR THE YEAR MEETINGS COMMITTEE TO

MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES UoA MEMBERSHIP OF COURT AND KEY COMMITTEES 51 Risk Processes Management Risk Structures Management Risk Aberdeen Management at RISK

RISK MANAGEMENT UoA RISK MANAGEMENT 53 It also includes a detailed risk management process process risk management includes a detailed It also risk identification, methods for which prescribes for and arrangements control, and monitoring Schools, applies to The Framework assurance. it where projects, and capital Services Professional Project as partUniversity’s used of the tool is a key Methodology. Management a develop to process As part of the ongoing 2040, the University to strategy University new of the Risk review will be undertaking a detailed year the coming over Framework Management at risks identified all in particular, that, ensure to both and that relevant, remain level a strategic the new and opportunities arising from threats understood, identified, documented, are strategy and managed. monitored Risks Strategic Framework, As part of its Risk Management Risk a Strategic has in place the University of strategic underpin areas designed to Register, of linked delivery facilitate and to importance, on the based level, institutional at objectives (2015-20). In Plan Strategic current University’s risk of 10 key it is comprised form, its present of risk though with the pending review areas, risks the strategic arrangements, management to be re-considered will also in place currently objectives. strategic with future align they ensure as risk areas of the 10 key A short description with a summary of the along now, stand they one, each for in place arrangements management overleaf: table in the is given Why Risk Management? in an increasingly that is recognition There and competitive challenging complex, will inevitably the University environment incur which of activities a range undertake in which these of risk. The way levels varying risk an effective through managed, risks are function, to will be fundamental management the period; effective over success the University’s that the likelihood will reduce risk management on the their impact and reduce realised, risks are University. Aberdeen at Risk Management is the University risk at of The management Risk as part of the institution’s undertaken on which is based Framework, Management in risk standards recognised internationally as best practice. accepted widely management, part of a forms Framework The Risk Management structure governance corporate wider institutional risk management and includes an institutional on risk appetite, statement a University policy, risks. individual for ratings with risk appetite along RISK

Appetite and Risk Strategic Risks STRATEGIC STRATEGIC THEME People; Research; T&L People; Research; T&L People; Research; T&L People People; Research; T&L People; Research; T&L Research People; Research; T&L People; T&L T&L RISK MANAGEMENT Risks linked to E&D fall under the remit of the Senior Vice-Principal of the Senior Vice-Principal under the remit E&D fall to Risks linked within the University’s units dedicated via managed and are Student which includes Human Resources, of People, Directorate functions. Support and Student Experience Financial control is exercised via the University Court, informed by by informed Court, University the via is exercised control Financial and Senior Audit Committee Committee, and Resources its Policy component a key is also Planning Financial Team. Management function. planning within the wider strategic The University engages regularly and constructively with the and constructively regularly engages The University the and UK. engages also It Scotland Universities via sector and and UK Governments, Scottish Council, Funding Scottish abreast kept is it to ensure the Home Office bodies like affiliated and regulation in policy, changes to and responds understands of, legislation. The health and safety of staff and students is at the forefront of forefront at the and students is of staff and safety The health business-as- simple from undertakes, the University initiative every The University abroad. major activities to day, each activities usual and its Health expand to further investment approved has recently on wellbeing. emphasis placed additional with team, Safety The quality of the University’s physical and digital environments environments and digital physical University’s of the The quality Management Programme the Capital via managed is proactively rep:ort which both Committee, Strategy and the Digital Committee is The University Committee. and Resources Policy via Court to of the £80million in the modernisation over investing currently science-based for planned projects with transformative estate, core. of the historic School and modernisation the Business teaching, The University is working to strengthen its international position, position, its international strengthen to is working The University international recruitment, on international focus with particular it ensure to It is working and student mobility. partnerships markets, in established position support market its to continues and opportunities in existing both new explore to working while recruitment increased on both focuses Growth markets. new ongoing by supported campuses and overseas Aberdeen to and a wider programmes online PGT new of both development opportunity. market to portfolio of the PGT alignment Academic recruitment strategies aim to support research support research aim to strategies recruitment Academic risks are and the associated performance Research excellence. the and in turn, via Research, for the Vice-Principal via managed has institutional This committee Committee. Policy Research oversight and providing strategy shaping research for responsibility preparations. REF2021 for The University promotes itself as an attractive destination for for destination an attractive as itself promotes The University running It is currently home and internationally. at both scholars, excellent attracting aimed at campaign recruitment a major global to Aberdeen. staff academic An excellent student experience is fundamental to institutional institutional to is fundamental student experience An excellent Student Experience a dedicated by and is overseen success Investment Education. for the Vice-Principal by led Committee, is an and digital, physical both infrastructure, in student-facing of students retention to enhance efforts as are priority, ongoing University. the across support structures comprehensive through The University seeks to grow student numbers through diverse diverse through student numbers grow to seeks The University recruitment, international increased widening access, by activities, The modes of study. different offering and by online delivery is being on student recruitment will have Brexit that impact been put in place. have strategies and mitigating closely monitored RISK DESCRIPTION RISK DESCRIPTION Equality and diversity are fundamental fundamental are and diversity Equality people. to approach the University’s to significant carry Activities in this area to key benefits and are reputational ensuring compliance. Failure to achieve targets linked to to linked targets achieve to Failure sustainability will impair the financial meet its strategic in its ability to University areas. all across objectives Compliance with different legislative and and legislative with different Compliance bodies underpins a number regulatory including financial areas, business of core sustainability, infrastructure sustainability, performance research internationalisation, and student recruitment. Failure to foster a culture which places which places a culture foster to Failure of our the core at and safety health and will undermine the staff activities adverse have and may student experience impacts. reputational The quality of the physical estate and estate physical of the The quality the to is key IT infrastructure the linked and staff to and image, brand University’s the wellbeing and to student recruitment and students. of our staff This risk spans international market market This risk spans international student recruitment, position, and collaborations research partnerships, objectives achieve to Failure TNE projects. affect will potentially areas these across sustainability and the University’s financial term. long compete ability to Poor performance in areas like research research like in areas performance Poor and the Research generation income will have (REF2021) Framework Excellence impacts, reputational and financial adverse and student staff both affect and may and retention. recruitment The ability to attract and retain excellent excellent and retain attract The ability to high quality achieving to is imperative staff research, like areas key across performance the student and and learning, teaching experience. Failure to deliver a high-quality student a high-quality deliver to Failure the University’s will affect experience successfully and its ability to reputation student a high-quality and retain attract base. Failure to attract and retain target target and retain attract to Failure will carry areas all across student numbers risks. reputational and financial significant STRATEGIC RISK STRATEGIC AREA Equality and Equality Diversity Financial Financial Sustainability Governance and Governance Risks Business Core Health and Safety Health Infrastructure Infrastructure Sustainability Internationalisation Research Research and Performance Impact Staff Recruitment Staff and Retention Student Experience Student Recruitment

RISKS LINKED TO THE THEMES UoA RISK MANAGEMENT 55 HIGH OPEN MODERATE Based on these appetite ratings, the University the University ratings, appetite on these Based poses that any activity avoid to seek will generally financial to: organisational threat a significant of and wellbeing safety sustainability; the health, allto meet and students; and its ability its staff by required requirements, and legislative regulatory will be the University the SFC. However, bodies like of risk where higher levels accepting open to more of strategic areas opportunities under key are there student recruitment, example: for importance, student and the wider performance research risk varying of these account Taking experience. the University the collective, across ratings appetite general for risk in defines its appetite therefore that accepting while open, to as moderate terms context. to according will change appetite the relative risks; for example, major campus major campus example, for risks; the relative or in arrangements, partnership investments, under TNE. initiatives overseas different pursuing Risk Appetite risk accepting for appetite The University’s under depending on the risk area will change involved. and the specific objectives consideration to applied are ratings risk appetite Consequently, reflect to in place currently of the 10 risk areas each across risk to attitude varying the University’s as below. contexts, different AVERSE AVOID Risk Appetite Matrix Risk Appetite These risks are not exhaustive; the University the University exhaustive; not are risks These major risks arising from of account takes also which transcend sector the across developments at the current In particular, risk areas. different the to inherent time, this includes threats the from emerge to likely are which University as a with the EU changing relationship UK’s security cyber risks to of Brexit, consequence the funding environment, to relating and threats affect adversely to the potential which have The performance. and research education both the opportunities where will embrace University to outweigh considered benefits are strategic STRATEGIC RISK AREA STRATEGIC Equality and Diversity Equality Sustainability Financial Business and Core Governance and Safety Health Sustainability Infrastructure Internationalisation and Impact Performance Research and Retention Recruitment Staff Student Experience Student Recruitment STRATEGIC STRATEGIC THEME People; Research; T&L People; Research; T&L People; Research; T&L People People; Research; T&L People; Research; T&L Research People; Research; T&L People; T&L T&L RISK MANAGEMENT Risks linked to E&D fall under the remit of the Senior Vice-Principal of the Senior Vice-Principal under the remit E&D fall to Risks linked within the University’s units dedicated via managed and are Student which includes Human Resources, of People, Directorate functions. Support and Student Experience Financial control is exercised via the University Court, informed by by informed Court, University the via is exercised control Financial and Senior Audit Committee Committee, and Resources its Policy component a key is also Planning Financial Team. Management function. planning within the wider strategic The University engages regularly and constructively with the and constructively regularly engages The University the and UK. engages also It Scotland Universities via sector and and UK Governments, Scottish Council, Funding Scottish abreast kept is it to ensure the Home Office bodies like affiliated and regulation in policy, changes to and responds understands of, legislation. The health and safety of staff and students is at the forefront of forefront at the and students is of staff and safety The health business-as- simple from undertakes, the University initiative every The University abroad. major activities to day, each activities usual and its Health expand to further investment approved has recently on wellbeing. emphasis placed additional with team, Safety The quality of the University’s physical and digital environments environments and digital physical University’s of the The quality Management Programme the Capital via managed is proactively rep:ort which both Committee, Strategy and the Digital Committee is The University Committee. and Resources Policy via Court to of the £80million in the modernisation over investing currently science-based for planned projects with transformative estate, core. of the historic School and modernisation the Business teaching, The University is working to strengthen its international position, position, its international strengthen to is working The University international recruitment, on international focus with particular it ensure to It is working and student mobility. partnerships markets, in established position support market its to continues and opportunities in existing both new explore to working while recruitment increased on both focuses Growth markets. new ongoing by supported campuses and overseas Aberdeen to and a wider programmes online PGT new of both development opportunity. market to portfolio of the PGT alignment Academic recruitment strategies aim to support research support research aim to strategies recruitment Academic risks are and the associated performance Research excellence. the and in turn, via Research, for the Vice-Principal via managed has institutional This committee Committee. Policy Research oversight and providing strategy shaping research for responsibility preparations. REF2021 for The University promotes itself as an attractive destination for for destination an attractive as itself promotes The University running It is currently home and internationally. at both scholars, excellent attracting aimed at campaign recruitment a major global to Aberdeen. staff academic An excellent student experience is fundamental to institutional institutional to is fundamental student experience An excellent Student Experience a dedicated by and is overseen success Investment Education. for the Vice-Principal by led Committee, is an and digital, physical both infrastructure, in student-facing of students retention to enhance efforts as are priority, ongoing University. the across support structures comprehensive through The University seeks to grow student numbers through diverse diverse through student numbers grow to seeks The University recruitment, international increased widening access, by activities, The modes of study. different offering and by online delivery is being on student recruitment will have Brexit that impact been put in place. have strategies and mitigating closely monitored RISK DESCRIPTION RISK DESCRIPTION Equality and diversity are fundamental fundamental are and diversity Equality people. to approach the University’s to significant carry Activities in this area to key benefits and are reputational ensuring compliance. Failure to achieve targets linked to to linked targets achieve to Failure sustainability will impair the financial meet its strategic in its ability to University areas. all across objectives Compliance with different legislative and and legislative with different Compliance bodies underpins a number regulatory including financial areas, business of core sustainability, infrastructure sustainability, performance research internationalisation, and student recruitment. Failure to foster a culture which places which places a culture foster to Failure of our the core at and safety health and will undermine the staff activities adverse have and may student experience impacts. reputational The quality of the physical estate and estate physical of the The quality the to is key IT infrastructure the linked and staff to and image, brand University’s the wellbeing and to student recruitment and students. of our staff This risk spans international market market This risk spans international student recruitment, position, and collaborations research partnerships, objectives achieve to Failure TNE projects. affect will potentially areas these across sustainability and the University’s financial term. long compete ability to Poor performance in areas like research research like in areas performance Poor and the Research generation income will have (REF2021) Framework Excellence impacts, reputational and financial adverse and student staff both affect and may and retention. recruitment The ability to attract and retain excellent excellent and retain attract The ability to high quality achieving to is imperative staff research, like areas key across performance the student and and learning, teaching experience. Failure to deliver a high-quality student a high-quality deliver to Failure the University’s will affect experience successfully and its ability to reputation student a high-quality and retain attract base. Failure to attract and retain target target and retain attract to Failure will carry areas all across student numbers risks. reputational and financial significant STRATEGIC RISK STRATEGIC AREA Equality and Equality Diversity Financial Financial Sustainability Governance and Governance Risks Business Core Health and Safety Health Infrastructure Infrastructure Sustainability Internationalisation Research Research and Performance Impact Staff Recruitment Staff and Retention Student Experience Student Recruitment Year ended 31 July 2019 ended Year FINANCIAL

FINANCIAL REVIEW UoA FINANCIAL REVIEW 57 0.6 Research grants grants Research & contracts, £54.2m, 23.7% Other income, 14.9% £34.1m, (3.9) (2.0) Tuition fees, fees, Tuition 27.4% £62.6m, 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 2016/17 2017/18 2015/16 0.3 Underlying Surplus/Deficit (£m) Surplus/Deficit Underlying 1.0 Funding council council Funding grants, 34.0% £77.6m, (1.1) 2.0 0.0 £m (3.0) (2.0) (4.0) Our underlying surplus is representative of our surplus is representative Our underlying are there however position, financial improving and the Aberdeen, that a number of challenges The expected face. currently in general sector government cuts to term of real continuation within overseas competition funding, increased such as the increases costs additional markets, Scheme Superannuation the Universities to and the continuing pension contributions (USS) the to contribute all Brexit surrounding uncertainty actively are We is facing. the University pressures remain we that to ensure our finances managing management Effective position. in a sustainable additional with £60m of along of our finances, during placement a private via secured borrowing sufficient are reserves cash that will ensure 2018/19, ambitious investment meet the University’s to for sufficient funds whilst maintaining programme, activities. operating to £9.0m by has increased the year for Income £228.5m. to £2.9m by increased have Body grants Funding an increase to attributable which is mostly £77.6m, and 2.9% (£0.9m) of 2.1% teaching in funding for funding. strategic Other research for (£0.7m) £0.5m (23.2%). by increased have funding streams with £62.6m to 12.1% by increased have fees Tuition £19.8m, £0.5m to by increasing & EU fees Scottish main changes The other 2017/18. from or 2.7% to £0.4m by decreased Rest of UK fees that are £6.2m or by increased £8.6m and Non-EU fees Non- 2019. 31 July to in the year £32.0m to 23.9% £0.6m by increased income course bearing credit student uplift to a considerable due to or 47.3% Sources of Income 2018/19 (£228.5m) of Income Sources 847 3,791 509 2018 1,130 13,417 £000 9,730 2018 2,166 (1,347) £000 219,471 (3,878) (7,478) (7,478) (1,052) (225,602) (226,949) - 119 135 614 922 2019 £000 43,595 (44,157) (501) 2019 £000 (9,407) (43,795) 228,494 (44,157) (272,651) (54,065) (228,856) * Pension provision movements consist of staff costs of £42.6m (2018: of £42.6m costs of staff consist movements provision * Pension of costs operating (2018: £1.1m), £0.9m costs interest of £0.1m), credit of £0.2m (2018: £0.5m) £0.3m (2018: £0.3m) and income The Group’s reported results for the year are: the year for results reported The Group’s Comprehensive (loss)/income (loss)/income Comprehensive the year for (Deficit) before other gains and other (Deficit) before losses of in respect (loss)/gain Actuarial pension schemes Pension provision movements provision Pension expenditure Total Other (losses)/gains Expenditure before pension before Expenditure movements provision Income Scope of the Financial Statements of the Financial Scope been have which Statements, The Financial on a prepared been have the Court, by approved the consolidated basis and represent consolidated the and its subsidiary, of the University results The statements Ltd. Institute Research Rowett (FRS) Reporting Standard with Financial comply (SORP) Practice of Account and the Statement 102 2015. and Higher Education Further for Accounting Performance Financial Underlying surplus/(deficit) Underlying Pension provision movements* (Note 21a) (Note movements* provision Pension Impairments Changes in tuition fee assumptions in tuition fee Changes Provisions for onerous contracts and contracts onerous for Provisions costs pre-establishment Voluntary severance and early and early severance Voluntary schemes retirement (Deficit) before other gains and losses gains and other (Deficit) before Our financial management emphasis is on the management Our financial non-controllable exclude that results underlying such as items significant individually and other and of investments of the value the movement year for the surplus pension deficits. The underlying with a underlying is £0.6m compared 2019 31 July to follows: as year for the prior deficit £3.9m Residences Residences - & Catering 5.1% £13.9m, Aministration & Central & Central Aministration - £26.8m, 9.8% Services Pension adjustments - adjustments Pension 15.6% £43.6m, Research grants - £41.6m, 15.3% grants Research Other services - Other services £13.8m, 5.4% Premises - £27.5m, 10.1% - £27.5m, Premises Academic Services - Services Academic 8.7% £23.7m, Academic Departments - Academic £81.8m, 30.0% How we spend our resources we How Other Gains and Losses appreciated portfolios investment Our non-current the due to mainly during the year, £1.4m by of our endowment performance strong continued of (£2.5m), whilst the value and pension portfolios slightly. fell in our spin-out companies the holdings housing in the Aberdeen downturn The continued in a further £1.6m (2018: has resulted market of our investment in the value reduction £0.9m) were properties Surplus investment properties. of gain in a small resulting the year during sold £0.1m. Schemes in Respect of Pension Loss Actuarial the to is attributed loss The majority of the £9.4m and Life Superannuation of Aberdeen University deficit the scheme Scheme. Overall Assurance £22.1m. £11.3mto by increased Management Treasury Borrowing rates, interest low of prevailing advantage Taking £60m of and received secured the University placement private a successful from borrowing The funds were 2019. in May completed which was and are of 3.12% rate interest a blended at secured in 2044, instalments 2049 equal in three repayable placement the private to and 2054. In addition with Barclays facility has a £40m loan the University and down drawn which has been fully Bank Plc, investment. fund our capital to has been used of £10.0m, instalments due in four are Repayments respectively and 2036 2031 2026, 2021, in September the from being funded repayment with the first placement. private undertaken exercise As part of the governance approved Court placement, the private around reporting and finance targets covenant internal been embedded within our have that requirements the University This requires Regulations. Financial of the Barclays repayment aside funds for set to set to this is repaid, and once initially, facility 15% 15% 15% 16% 24% 26%

27%

Operating costs, costs, Operating 26.0% £70.9m, & finance Depreciation 8.3% £22.7m, costs, 28%

Funding council grants council Funding 15.6% £42.6m, Other income Pension adjustments, adjustments, Pension 34% 34% 33% 34% 27% 25% 25% 22% Tuition fees and educational contracts and educational fees Tuition Research grants and contracts grants Research Staff costs, £136.5m, 50.1% costs, Staff Income categories Income numbers on our 2018 Summer School operated by by operated Summer School on our 2018 numbers Centre. the Language of £54.2m income and contracts grants Research in the £56.1m from (3.3%) £1.9m by decreased attributable is mainly The decrease year. previous and a income, Council in Research fall a £1.4m to grant research government in EU £1.3m reduction income. with £34.1m £1.2m to by increased Other income income. in Student residences a £0.8m increase a as £0.7m by has increased income Investment as balances and investment of higher cash result returns. portfolio endowment as improved well Total expenditure increased by £45.7m or 20.1% to or 20.1% £45.7m by increased expenditure Total £272.7m. by increased have of £179.1m costs Staff from resulting with the increase (31.7%), £43.1m The Universities in pension provisions. movements 2017 valuation Scheme (USS) Superannuation of £41.3m charge in a non-cash resulted exercise respect of with a further £1.3mcosts in staff to excluding costs, Staff pension schemes. our other of £136.5m were movements pension liability £0.5m higher than in the previous approximately by increased of £70.9m expenditure Other year. include a Costs during the year. £2.3m 3.4% or of pre- repayment the of £0.3m for provision of an overseas is respect costs establishment of third-party and £0.8m in respect campus contracts. student accommodation Sources of Expenditure 2018/19 (£272.7m) of Expenditure Sources 2019 2018 2017 2016

FINANCIAL REVIEW UoA FINANCIAL REVIEW 59 Cash & -deposits £95.7m Investments - Investments £71.4m Other - £19.9m Endowments - £52m Endowments Unrestricted reserves - reserves Unrestricted £283.7m Reserves Creditors - Creditors £58.3m Deferred Deferred - grants £98.7m Buildings & equipment etc - £528.1m & equipment etc Buildings Loans & leases - Loans & leases £125.6m - Provisions £96.8m Liabilities Assets Group Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2019 31 July Sheet as at Balance Group Science Teaching Hub and the University continues continues Hub and the University Teaching Science Non-current infrastructure. in its digital invest to placement the private excluding investments, the due to £2.7m by increased funds, have performance. market strong continued net current had the Group 2019, 31 July As at with £12.3m 31 as at of £3.2m compared liabilities £5m is in part to due 2018. This improvement July in short funds being invested placement of private of include £2.0m in respect Debtors deposits. term 2018. As with many research- in July of land the sale research for income prepaid universities, intensive of £18.0m) is a main element of £18.5m (2017: grants Creditors due within one year. falling our creditors include capital also one year due within falling in of £4.0m and an accrual be released to grants of £4.8m. leave annual of untaken respect Than More Due After Amounts Falling Creditors: One Year £58.6m to by increased have creditors Long term in the increase reflecting year during the £218.9m of borrowing comprise The creditors borrowing. as (£24.2m) obligations lease (£100.0m) and finance of in respect income as £94.6m of deferred well organisations. government from grants capital £20m; 1.67% 24 months 24 £15m; 1.45% £10m; 1.29% 18 months £10m; 1.26% 15 months £5m; 1.25% 12 months Investment Profile Investment £m 30 25 20 15 10 5 - Financed from the private placement, plans for the for plans placement, the private from Financed Campus in Old King’s of our historic regeneration As the funds will be not underway. are Aberdeen in been invested have these immediately, required with UK banks in accounts deposits term longer borrowing additional some of the offset to order the new from derived income prior to charges, the interest towards contributing developments costs. and repayment into entered has previously The University with £26.2m residence, of for halls leases finance in 2037. expiring an agreement for outstanding was of £2.1m payment 2018, the final In October student residences. for lease on another made Cash Flow of inflow a cash generated activities Operating of account taking After £16.2m (2018: £17.3m). and income investment expenditure, capital was inflow cash Group the overall costs, borrowing year. £4.3m, which is in line with the previous of Creditors Payment of payment for policy has no single The University negotiated arrangements but abides by creditors in the year paid was No interest with is suppliers. Debts of Commercial Payments under the Late Act. (Interest) Assets Non-Current by increased assets of non-current The value The increase £654.5m during the year. to £49.4m term of £55.0m in longer the placement is due to of the private as part of the investment deposits With during the year. funds received placement the next for phase in a planning the University of £13.3m additions investment, of capital round of charges by depreciation been offset have of investment in value £18.8m and the reduction has begun on the of £2.3m. Work properties aside funds to repay the private placement. The placement. the private repay to aside funds debt with external comply must also University internal all covenants; and gearing cover service 2019. at 31 July as satisfied were tests and external Provisions & Pension Schemes & Pension Provisions to £53.0m by increased have provisions Pension cover provisions The during the year. £94.7m of the contractual value fair the discounted the for £27.5m) (2018: of £69.4m contributions and Scheme (USS), Superannuation Universities of the respect (2018: £10.8m) in a further £22.1m and Life Superannuation of Aberdeen University (UASLAS). Scheme The Strathclyde Assurance surplus a small to (SPF) has returned Fund Pension in the been recognised but this has not of £0.4m, sheet. further A £3.2m (2017: balance University’s the payment against has been provided £3.4m) a number of former pensions to of enhanced employees Northern College exercise valuation The UASLAS triennial scheme during the year completed 2016 was 31 July for inresulted and a deficit of £9.0m and reported to 17.5% from increasing contributions employer during held was A member consultation 24.2%. of the approval the summer of 2018 and, following will continue the scheme Court, by consultation pension benefits on a defined benefit offer to 1 January From rate. accrual basis with a lower 18.3%, to reduced contributions employer 2019, of payment recovery deficit and include an annual has secured the University addition, In £725,000. the full reported for facility a pension guarantee exercise valuation 2019 triennial deficit. The 31 July underway. is currently in which the scheme is a multi-employer USS The 2017 employer. is a participating University completed formally was of USS valuation actuarial multi-employer and the total during the year to £7.5bn. significantly increased pension liability due report, annual in our 2017/18 As disclosed was deficit our USS liability, this increased to to 31 year in the significantly increase to predicted to £41.9m by increased 2019 and the provision July which is line with our expectations. £69.4m a Joint exercise, the 2017 valuation to In parallel (JEP) the Expert assess Panel to established was in its report and this panel delivered valuation to unable was Trustee 2018. The USS September and a 31 March JEP recommendations all accept In has been undertaken. exercise 2018 valuation options possible three announced USS 2019, May of which would all exercise, the 2018 valuation for contributions from employer’s reduce significantly the under with those 2019 compared October with UUK, a consultation Following 2017 exercise. Union (UCU) and the Chair of & College University (JNCC) Committee agreed has Negotiating Joint the and employee in employer resulting an option that will respectively and 9.6% of 21.1% contributions an which point either at until 2021, in place remain

FINANCIAL REVIEW UoA FINANCIAL REVIEW 61 Securing £60m of investment via the private the private via of investment Securing £60m develop us to bond has allowed placement of our the re-development for plans exciting being plans Campus, with these College King’s around from students in attracting instrumental the for our targets achieving and to the world ahead. years to being established also are Ambitious plans Work of the campus. heart the historic revitalise collaborative large two on underway is already wing of the King’s within the south spaces teaching the private funded by work, Additional Quad. aims as the University is being explored placement, in the under utilised spaces educational develop to within the Campus. Enhancement facilities the Business for being explored also are proposals its student double to School, which is expected decade. the next over population into enter to us will allow improvements These streams our income diversify and to markets new us to and allow generation cash which will improve as our longer- the future for invest to continue 2040 is finalised. vision towards term updated schedule of contributions from the 2020 the 2020 from of contributions schedule updated of a rate contribution or a combined valuation option This willintroduced. be 34.7% minimum of the by imposed main conditions includes three debt be subject to universities in that Trustee, USS the scheme leaving on monitoring, a moratorium and that valuation of the 2020 until completion security pari passu request would Trustee the USS to an institution look should debt 75 section for and continues, debt. The JEP work secured raise their consider USS that asked have Universities out the 2020 whilst carrying recommendations valuation. been has now valuation The 2018 actuarial has plan recovery deficit and a new completed other 2019 and with all July 31 As at been agreed. resulted have this would unchanged, assumptions of a decrease of £39.9m, provision in a revised As end provision. year the current from £29.5m the year after concluded was the 2018 valuation the for as a basis be used this cannot end date, 2019. 31 July as at calculation provision Plans and Future Outlook HE intuitions other as with many Aberdeen, and an uncertain a challenging face to continues financial environment. on focus to will continue With this in mind, we and productivity increasing generation, income financial long-term to ensure efficiencies achieving sustainability. portfolio an exciting developed have We our to including enhancement of initiatives, that and on-line tuition programmes, overseas on our effect a positive have beginning to are plans has approved Court student recruitment. as well targets which include ambitious income in fifty invest to fund investment as a strategic appointments, which will support academic new over growth and revenue performance academic fund investment The strategic years. three the next deliver to support the potential to will be used Excellence in the Research performance enhanced and income in research and increases Framework into entered also have We income. net tuition fee Foundation with an International a partnership for pathways opening up alternative provider, Aberdeen. study at students to overseas a £100m has announced The University Campus. the King’s for plan regeneration Teaching Science of the new Construction and will underway already £38m, is Hub, costing the beginning of the 2021/22 for completed Hub, Teaching The Science year. academic will facilities, of the art laboratory including state many of for facilities the main teaching provide subjects. our science-based

reasonableness of estimates made by those charged charged those by made of estimates reasonableness of of the value in respect such as with governance, carrying and the pension obligations defined benefit and disclosures related and assets of fixed value of basis concern of the going the appropriateness All of these statements. of the financial preparation economic of the future depend on assessments and prospects future and the Group’s environment significant of the most is one Brexit performance. of this the UK, the date and at for events economic levels to unprecedented subject are its effects report of with the full range of outcomes, of uncertainty We applied a standardised unknown. effects possible uncertainty to that response in firm-wide approach future and the University’s the Group when assessing no audit However, and performance. prospects the unknowable predict to be expected should a group for implications future possible or all factors Brexit. to in relation the case and this is particularly Going concern the financial has prepared Court The University do basis as they concern on the going statements or the University the Group liquidate to intend not have and as they their operations, cease or to and the University’s the Group that concluded They realistic. this is that means position financial no material are there that concluded also have doubt significant cast have could that uncertainties concern as a going continue their ability to over of the of approval the date from a year least at for period”). concern going (“the statements financial have if we you to report to required are We basis of concern going of the the use that concluded is an undisclosed or there is inappropriate accounting doubt significant cast may that uncertainty material least period of at a basis for of that the use over of the financial of approval the date from a year of the University In our evaluation statements. risks the inherent considered we conclusions, Court’s model, including the impact business the Group’s to risks might affect those how and analysed of Brexit, resources financial and the University’s the Group the going over operations continue or ability to these in report to nothing have period. We concern future all predict cannot as we However, respects. events and as subsequent conditions or events with inconsistent are that in outcomes result may the time they at reasonable were that judgements a material to of reference the absence made, were a guarantee is not report in this auditor’s uncertainty in will continue or the University the Group that operation. Other information of Aberdeen the University for Court The University which information, the other for is responsible in the Annual of the information all comprises and statements Report than the financial other have been prepared in accordance with the in accordance been prepared have (Scotland) Investment Charities and Trustee 14 of the Charities Act 2005 and regulation 2006 (as Regulations (Scotland) Accounts amended). give a true and fair view of the state of the of the state view and fair a true give at 31 July as affairs and the University’s Group’s and the University’s 2019 and of the Group’s and and losses gains and expenditure, income cash and of the Group’s in reserves changes then ended; year for the flows in accordance prepared been properly have 102 including FRS standards, with UK accounting in applicable Reporting Standard The Financial and with the the UK and Republic of Ireland, – Practice of Recommended 2015 Statement and Higher Education; Further for Accounting and • • • REPORT OF THE AUDITOR ON THE FINANCIAL OF THE AUDITOR REPORT STATEMENTS Opinion of the statements the financial audited have We the year for (“the University”) of Aberdeen University the Consolidated 2019 which comprise ended 31 July of Comprehensive Statements and University and the Consolidated and Expenditure, Income the in Reserves, of Change Statements University the Sheets, Balance and University Consolidated and the related Statement Cash Flow Consolidated policies. including the accounting notes, statements: In our opinion the financial Basis for opinion opinion Basis for under section as auditor been appointed have We Investment of the Charities and Trustee 44 (1)(c) in accordance you to Act 2005 and report (Scotland) Act. under that made with the regulations with our audit in accordance conducted We on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs Standards International are Our responsibilities law. (UK)”) and applicable our ethical fulfilled have We below. described of the independent and are under, responsibilities requirements with, UK ethical in accordance group that believe We Standard. Ethical including the FRC is a sufficient obtained have we the audit evidence our opinion. basis for and appropriate the UK exiting due to of uncertainties The impact Union on our audit the European are of Brexit the effects to related Uncertainties our audit of the financial understanding to relevant the and challenge All audits assess statements. Court of the University of Aberdeen of the University Court Independent auditor’s report to the report auditor’s Independent

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT UoA INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT 63 funds provided by the Scottish Funding Council Council Funding the Scottish by funds provided with the in accordance been applied have with Higher Education Memorandum Financial Institutions. funds from whatever source administered administered source whatever funds from specific for or the University the Group by applied to been properly have purposes in managed and, if relevant, purposes those and any legislation with relevant accordance them; to attached and conditions terms other section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006. KPMG LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of • conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always will with ISAs (UK) always in accordance conducted when it exists. misstatement a material detect are and or error fraud from arise can Misstatements or in aggregate, individually if, material considered the influence to be expected reasonably could they on the basis of taken of users decisions economic statements. the financial is provided of our responsibilities description A fuller at: website on the FRC’s www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities AND REGULATORY LEGAL ON OTHER REPORT MATTERS of our engagement under the terms required are We matters. on the following report to respects: material In our opinion, in all • THE PURPOSE OF OUR AUDIT WORK AND TO AND TO OF OUR AUDIT WORK THE PURPOSE RESPONSIBILITIES OUR WE OWE WHOM Court the University to solely is made This report with in accordance of Aberdeen the University for Act 1966 (Scotland) 12 of the Universities paragraph as charity trustees, role Court’s and, in the University of the Charity 44(1)(c) with section in accordance Act 2005 and (Scotland) Investment and Trustee (Scotland) 10 of the Charities Accounts regulation work amended). Our audit 2006 (as Regulations the to might state we that so has been undertaken of Aberdeen the University for Court University them to state to required are we matters those purpose. no other and for report in an auditor’s do not we law, permitted by extent the fullest To other anyone to responsibility or assume accept the for Court and the University than the University this for our audit work, for of Aberdeen University formed. have the opinions we or for report, Derbyshire David Auditor Statutory of KPMG LLP, and on behalf for Accountants Chartered AB10 1JB Aberdeen Place, Albyn 37 2019 10 December

we have not received all the information and the information all received not have we our audit. for require we explanations the University has not kept proper accounting accounting proper kept has not the University or records; agreement in not are statements the financial or records; with the accounting based solely on that work, we have identified have we work, on that solely based in the other misstatements material or information; in the given in our opinion, the information in any material Report is inconsistent Strategic statements. with the financial respect • • • • • our audit opinion. Our opinion on the financial Our opinion on our audit opinion. information the other cover does not statements audit opinion an express do not we and, accordingly, of any form below, stated as explicitly except or, thereon. conclusion assurance information the other read is to Our responsibility on our based whether, consider and, in doing so, work, the information audit statements financial with or inconsistent misstated is materially therein or our audit knowledge. statements the financial if: you to report to required are We We have nothing to report in these respects. in these report to nothing have We of Aberdeen’s the University for Court University responsibilities out on set in their statement fully more As explained the University for Court 40-41, the University pages the preparation for: is responsible of Aberdeen for being satisfied and statements of the financial such internal view; a true and fair give they that the enable to is necessary as it determines control free are that statements of financial preparation fraud whether due to misstatement, material from University’s and parent the group assessing or error; as disclosing, concern, as a going continue ability to and concern; going to related matters applicable, unless basis of accounting concern using the going parent or the the group liquidate to it either intends or has no realistic operations, cease or to University do so. but to alternative responsibilities Auditor’s assurance reasonable obtain to are Our objectives as a whole statements about whether the financial whether due misstatement, material from free are our opinion in an issue and to or error, fraud to is a high level assurance Reasonable report. auditor’s an audit that guarantee but does not of assurance, We have nothing to report in these respects. respects. in these report to nothing have We by report to required are on which we Matters exception Regulations (Scotland) Under the Charities Accounts you to report to required are amended) we 2006 (as in our opinion: if, FINANCIAL

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS UoA STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME AND EXPENDITURE - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 6565 - - - (3) 261 (111) 2018 1,842 1,249 3,819 2,755 3,655 £000 6,574 6,574 13,255 (1,237) 18,635 31,286 74,752 55,842 136,124 56,079 136,013 68,449 (7,283) (6,681) (6,681) 219,469 226,752 University - 162 261 (111) 1,251 (681) 2,361 (936) 2018 2,755 6,975 3,655 3,047 £000 9,730 9,730 13,255 18,635 31,286 74,752 55,842 136,124 56,079 136,013 68,646 (7,478) 219,471 (3,687) (3,687) 226,949 Consolidated Year ended 31 July 31 July 2016 31 July ended 31 July Year - - - 33 973 596 1971 2019 3,774 2,267 £000 (1,180) 31,482 62,613 77,618 18,837 42,561 54,210 179,126 70,635 (9,407) 136,565 (55,730) 272,372 (53,463) (53,463) (43,882) 228,490 (44,056) (44,056) University - - 86 596 (374) 1,975 2019 1,368 3,774 2,267 £000 (1,581) 31,482 62,613 77,618 18,837 42,561 70,914 54,210 179,126 (9,407) 136,565 (56,332) 272,651 (44,157) 228,494 (54,065) (54,065) (44,658) (44,658) Year ended 31 July 31 2017 ended 31 July Year Consolidated 15 21a 15 13 14 12 10 11 9 8 7 7 7 5 6 Note 1 2 3 4 Total comprehensive (deficit)/income for the year for the (deficit)/income comprehensive Total Total comprehensive (deficit)/income for the year for the (deficit)/income comprehensive Total year for the (deficit)/income comprehensive Total the year for income comprehensive Endowment year for the (deficit)/income comprehensive Unrestricted Actuarial gain in respect of pension schemes - joint venture of pension schemes in respect gain Actuarial Actuarial (loss)/gain in respect of pension schemes - University of pension schemes in respect (loss)/gain Actuarial (Deficit) for the year for the (Deficit) Taxation (Deficit) before tax (Deficit) before Share of operational deficit in joint venture deficit in joint of operational Share Gain on non-current investments Gain on non-current Unrealised (loss) on revaluation of investment properties of investment on revaluation (loss) Unrealised (Deficit) before other gains/(losses) and share of operating of operating and share gains/(losses) other (Deficit) before venture of joint surplus/(deficit) assets of fixed on disposal Gain/(loss) Interest and other finance costs finance and other Interest expenditure Total Depreciation Other operating expenses Other operating Expenditure in pension provisions movements excluding – costs Staff Movement in pension provisions Movement Total staff costs staff Total Total income Total Endowment and investment income investment and Endowment donations and Endowments Income contracts and educational fees Tuition Funding body grants Funding and contracts grants Research Other income Statement of Comprehensive Income and Expenditure Expenditure and Income of Comprehensive Statement 2019 31 July ended Year - - - - 9,730 6,574 £000 13,417 Total 13,255 (6,681) (9,407) (9,407) (3,687) 335,611 (53,463) 379,930 373,356 (44,658) (54,065) (44,056) 389,676 379,946 326,467 ------£000 (5,493) (5,493) (5,382) (5,382) (5,382) (5,382) (4,896) 185,913 180,531 (4,896) (4,896) 177,579 175,635 183,072 reserve 188,454 Revaluation Revaluation 9,201 5,493 5,382 5,382 £000 13,417 4,896 12,357 13,255 (9,436) (6,442) 149,711 (9,407) (9,407) 98,877 156,916 140,510 (46,323) (46,925) (50,834) (50,839) 144,559 106,077 (9,407) Unrestricted ------2,755 2,755 2,755 2,755 2,267 2,267 2,267 £000 2 267 51,955 51,955 46,933 46,933 49,688 49,688 Endowment Income and expenditure account and expenditure Income Balance at 1 August 2017 at Balance University statement expenditure and the income from Surplus/(deficit) Total comprehensive income/(deficit) for the year for the income/(deficit) comprehensive Total reserves expenditure and income between Transfers year for the income/(deficit) comprehensive Total 2019 31 July at Balance income Other comprehensive year for the income/(deficit) comprehensive Total Balance at 1 August 2017 at Balance statement expenditure and the income from Surplus/(deficit) income Other comprehensive reserves and expenditure and income revaluation between Transfers 1 August 2018 at Balance statement expenditure and the income from Surplus/(deficit) income Other comprehensive 2019 31 July at Balance Consolidated reserves and expenditure and income revaluation between Transfers year for the income/(deficit) comprehensive Total reserves and expenditure and income revaluation between Transfers Other comprehensive income Other comprehensive Balance at 1 August 2018 at Balance statement expenditure and the income from Surplus /(deficit) Consolidated and University Statement of Changes in Reserves in Reserves of Changes Statement and University Consolidated 2019 31 July ended Year

CONSOLIDATED AND UNIVERSITY STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN RESERVES - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA 67 BALANCE SHEETS AS AT 31 JULY 2019 67 - - 141 277 1,190 2018 69,113 £000 3,897 18,138 30,911 41,674 149,711 32,052 49,190 493,511 64,977 180,531 49,688 42,864 160,269 379,930 379,930 (15,787) 583,063 598,850 University - 141 277 1,190 2018 21,213 £000 3,897 17,812 51,301 37,184 41,674 31,350 49,688 156,916 52,704 65,000 183,072 42,864 160,269 494,634 605,105 389,676 389,676 (12,296) 592,809 Consolidated - 233 277 2,112 2019 £000 3,607 5,000 51,955 17,687 34,184 57,104 30,352 94,676 63,805 (6,701) 98,877 488,191 175,635 96,788 126,395 642,121 218,866 326,467 326,467 648,822 University David Beattie MA, CPFA Beattie David of Finance Director 233 277 2,112 2019 £000 3,607 5,000 17,438 51,955 19,656 35,704 63,829 94,676 34,887 60,593 177,579 335,611 335,611 (3,236) 96,788 489,314 108,978 106,077 218,866 651,265 654,501 Consolidated 20 21a 21b 22 23 19 18 17 16 14 15 13 13 13 13 Note Esther A Roberton Court of the University Senior Governor Revaluation reserve Revaluation Total net assets Total reserves Unrestricted reserve and expenditure Income funds Total Less: Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year more due after amounts falling Creditors: Less: Provisions provisions Pension Other provisions Restricted reserves Restricted reserve – endowment reserve and expenditure Income Total assets less current liabilities current less assets Total Net current liabilities Net current Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash due within one year amounts falling Creditors: Less: Investments Trade and other receivables (including debtors over one year: one year: over (including debtors receivables and other Trade £1.0m 2018: £1.0m) Current assets Current Stock Non-current investments Non-current in joint venture Investment Investment properties Investment Intangible assets Intangible Non-current assets Non-current assets Tangible assets Heritage The Accounts set out on pages 65 to 94 were approved by the University Court on 10 December 2019 and signed on its behalf by: 2019 and signed on its behalf on 10 December Court the University by approved 94 were 65 to out on pages set The Accounts Balance Sheets as at 31 July 2019 31 July as at Sheets Balance MA, MLitt, PhD, AcSS MA, MLitt, Boyne PhD, George Professor and Vice-Chancellor Principal - 62 45 115 681 (62) 936 847 (96) 1,251 2018 1,385 2,166 1,070 4,327 11,343 £000 2,526 2,970 (1,251) (1,187) 4,329 4,329 27,021 (1,339) (1,795) 31,350 (2,361) 18,635 17,269 (3,626) (3,047) (3,687) (11,690) (4,355) (8,585) (13,889) - - 119 374 377 (92) 482 (86) 1,581 1,975 4,136 (377) 2019 1,875 1,407 (1,119) £000 (1,751) 2,870 4,354 4,354 (1,975) 31,350 18,837 (1,368) (1,309) 60,613 43,595 16,243 35,704 (3,340) (4,466) 54,780 (13,346) (44,658) (60,000) (66,669) 5 5 13 13 12 15 14 14 10 10 10 23 23 20 Note 9 & 13 6 & 22 6 & 22 Cash flow from operating activities operating from Cash flow year for the Deficit items non-cash Adjustments for Depreciation Capital element of finance lease and service concession payments concession service and lease of finance element Capital Increase in cash and cash equivalents in the year equivalents and cash in cash Increase Impairment of fixed assets Impairment of fixed (Gain) on investments Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year at equivalents Cash and cash Decrease in debtors Decrease (Increase)/Decrease in stock (Increase)/Decrease Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year at equivalents Cash and cash Movement in cash and cash equivalents and cash in cash Movement Increase in creditors and other provisions and other in creditors Increase Increase in pension provisions (excluding actuarial gain or loss) gain actuarial (excluding in pension provisions Increase Unrealised deficit on revaluation of investment properties of investment revaluation deficit on Unrealised Share of operating deficit in joint venture deficit in joint of operating Share activities or financing investing Adjustments for income Investment Interest payable Interest Endowment income Endowment Capital grants received/released during the year received/released grants Capital Profit on sale of fixed assets of fixed on sale Profit activities operating from inflow Net cash Cash flows from investing activities investing from Cash flows assets of fixed sales from Proceeds Capital grant receipts grant Capital Investment income Investment Disposal of non-current investments of non-current Disposal deposits from /Withdrawal (Additions to) assets fixed acquire to made Payments New non-current asset investments investments asset non-current New Cash flows from financing activities financing from Cash flows paid Interest payments concession service and lease of finance element Interest Endowment cash received cash Endowment New unsecured loans and leases loans unsecured New Repayments of amounts borrowed Repayments Consolidated Cash Flow Statement Statement Cash Flow Consolidated 2019 31 July ended Year

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA

69 STATEMENT OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES STATEMENT Restricted donations - the donor has specified that the - the donor has specified that donations Restricted objective. a particular for must be used donation - the donor has permanent endowments Unrestricted invested to be permanently the fund is specified that benefit of the general for stream an income generate to the University. c. Basis of consolidation c. Basis include the University statements financial The consolidated The results 2019. 31 July to the year for and its subsidiary the period of during or disposed acquired of subsidiaries expenditure and income in the consolidated included are of the date or up to acquisition of the date from account on fully eliminated are and profits sales Intra-group disposal. in undertakings is included A list of subsidiary consolidation. 30. note include the do not statements financial The consolidated Students’ University of Aberdeen and expenditure income Development of Aberdeen or the University Association or dominant control exert does not as the University Trust organisations. decisions of these policy over influence for accounted are and joint ventures companies Associated using the equity method. recognition Income funding a. Grant Funding Scottish including grants revenue Government in recognised are grants and research grants block Council recognises the periods in which the University over income to is intended which the grant for costs the related is deferred grant part of a government Where compensate. and within creditors income as deferred it is recognised due and due within one year creditors between allocated as appropriate. than one year more after non-government from grants) (including research Grants is when the University in income recognised are sources conditions related and performance the income to entitled of performance in advance received been met. Income have as deferred being met is recognised conditions related to sheet and released on the balance within creditors income met. are as the conditions income and endowments b. Donations restrictions with donor imposed and endowments Donations to is entitled University when the in income recognised are reserve within the restricted is retained the funds. Income in line with such restrictions it is utilised until such time that reserves general to is released which point the income at transfer. a reserve through in income recognised are with no restrictions Donations the funds. Investment to is entitled when the University in recorded are of endowments and appreciation income either and are arise which they for the year for income the terms to according income or unrestricted restricted fund. endowment the individual applied to and endowments of donations main types four are There reserves: identified within 1. 2. In the preparation of the consolidated financial statements, statements, financial of the consolidated In the preparation that and assumptions estimates has made management as and liabilities for assets reported the amounts affect for and the amounts reported sheet date the balance at could Actual results during the year. and expenses income principally used are Estimates estimates. these from differ and mortality valuation economic when determining liabilities scheme pension defined benefit for assumptions fixed of tangible value the carrying for and in accounting and impairment, and of depreciation way by assets, by properties, of investment value the fair for accounting required is also Estimate 13). (note revaluation of annual way 21b. in note disclosed provisions, of other in respect Critical accounting judgments include the evaluation of the of the the evaluation judgments include accounting Critical as a multi-employer (USS) Scheme Superannuation Universities meets the the USS that has judged The University scheme. set reasons for the scheme definition of a multi-employer The below. pension schemes for policy out in the accounting of the USS in calculation that determined has also University of contributions the schedule 2019, 31 July at end provision year This judgment reflects be used. should the 2017 valuation from completed. been formally has not the 2018 valuation that the 21a and 28 to has been included in notes disclosure Further respect of this judgment. in statements financial b. Critical accounting judgments and estimates accounting b. Critical management requires statements of financial The preparation the affect that estimates judgments and adopt make to reporting period. during the statements financial a. Basis of preparation a. Basis of accordance in prepared been have statements The financial (SORP): Practice of Recommended with the Statement in (2015) and Higher Education and Further for Accounting The (FRS) 102. Reporting Standard with Financial accordance has applied public benefit entity is a and therefore University Charities of FRS102. requirement public benefit the relevant Scottish Charity Regulator of the with the Office registered and of the Charities remit within the statutory fall (“OSCR”) of Act 2005 and, in respect (Scotland) Investment Trustee Charities Accounts the preparation, statements financial 14 of amended). Regulation 2006 (as Regulations (Scotland) their prepare to universities allows the 2006 Regulations SORP. with the accordance in statements financial with the accordance in prepared are statements The financial of revaluation by the (modified convention cost historical and equity investments endowment properties, investment investments). and all is sterling of the group The functional currency thousand the nearest to presented been amounts have pounds. of its including details of the University, position The financial and their borrowings term and its long liabilities net current on pages Review the Financial set out in is covenant, financial on to be prepared continue statements The financial 61. 56 to that considers Court basis as the University concern a going continue in to resources financial has adequate the University future. the foreseeable for existence operational of preparation Basis

LIFE-CHANGING ACHIEVEMENT UoAUoA 71 LIFE-CHANGING ACHIEVEMENT 71 an amount equal to the lower of their fair value and the and the value their fair of the lower to equal an amount the start of at payments lease of the minimum value present the lease. the apportioned between are payments Minimum lease reduction liability. of the outstanding and the charge finance during the period each to allocated is charge The finance of periodic rate a constant produce as to so term lease liability. of the balance on the remaining interest costs Borrowing period in the as expenditure recognised are costs Borrowing incurred. are in which they arrangements concession Service are arrangements concession service under held assets Fixed of the value the present Sheet at the Balance on recognised into brought are when the assets payments minimum lease liability. financial with a corresponding use are arrangement concession under the service Payments and charges finance costs, service between allocated liability the financial reduce to repayments liability financial of the arrangement. the life nil over to assets Fixed depreciation accumulated less cost at stated are assets Fixed of fixed items Certain impairment losses. and accumulated replacement depreciated to been revalued had that assets are the SORP to of transition the date on or prior to cost being the revalued on the basis of deemed cost, measured reserve A revaluation of transition. the date amount at of unrestricted component as a separate disclosed remains reserves. and depreciation cost historic between The difference is transferred deemed cost on revalued based depreciation and expenditure the income to reserve the revaluation from period. reporting in each reserve a. Land and buildings for or deemed cost cost at stated are Land and buildings Subsequent the SORP. to transition prior to acquired those cost. at is recorded expenditure capital rental for held and buildings is land property Investment in use than for rather appreciation or capital income measured are properties Investment services. delivering with value fair at and subsequently cost at initially in the surplus or deficit in the recognised movements not are Properties Income. of Comprehensive Statement market to according annually revalued but are depreciated year. each 31 July at conditions of assets reviews impairment performs The University that indicate in circumstances or changes events whenever An impairment be recoverable. not amount may the carrying amount of an asset, when the recoverable is recognised loss and its value net realisable which is the higher of the asset’s amount. than its carrying is less in use, value its after asset fixed a tangible to in relation incurred Costs the extent to capitalised are or construction purchase initial to the benefits future the expected increase they that Restricted expendable endowments - the donor has the donor - endowments expendable Restricted than the purchase other objective a particular specified and the assets, fixed of tangible or construction the capital. use to has the power University the donor has - permanent endowments Restricted to invested to be permanently is the fund that specified particular a be applied to to stream an income generate objective. Finance leases Finance the risks all assumes substantially the University where Leases classified are asset of the leased of ownership and rewards in the balance recognised with the asset leases as finance and leases of finance way by acquired assets sheet. Leased at recognised initially are liabilities lease the corresponding e. Capital grants e. Capital over in income recognised are grants capital Government grants Other capital of the asset. life useful the expected is entitled when the University within income recognised are conditions related any performance the funds subject to to being met. benefits Employment and benefits such as salaries employment Short term in the as an expense recognised are absences compensated the University. to service render in which the employees year accrued are leave, annual example for benefits, Any unused amount the University as the additional and measured entitlement. of the unused as a result pay to expects leases Operating on a charged are leases of operating in respect Costs Any lease term. the lease basis over straight-line the minimum lease over spread are or incentives premiums term. d. Other income to is credited or services of goods sale the from Income and Income of Comprehensive Statement the Consolidated the supplied to are or services goods when the Expenditure been have of the contract terms or the customers external satisfied. the Consolidated to is credited income Investment on a and Expenditure Income of Comprehensive Statement basis. receivable agent as paying and disburses receives University the Funds the income from excluded of a funding body are on behalf is the University where of the University and expenditure benefit economic minimal risk or enjoys minimal to exposed the transaction. to related 4. income fee c. Tuition a is not which of any expenditure gross is stated income Fee the Consolidated to and is credited waiver or a fee discount period in the over and Expenditure of Income Statement amount of the the studying. Where which students are payment prompt for a discount by is reduced, tuition fee net of the is shown receivable income waiver, a fee or by gross for accounted are and scholarships Bursaries discount. income. from deducted and not as expenditure 3. Investments that spin out companies including investments, Listed assets as fixed in, held has an interest the University with value market at shown are assets or endowment or Deficit. in the Surplus Investments recognised movements investments and cost at shown are undertakings in subsidiary balance in the consolidated shown are in joint ventures The University’s assets. of net share sheet as the attributable is Ventures respect of Joint of any surplus or deficit in share Other account. and expenditure income in the recognised of date maturity with a include term-deposits investments sheet date. the balance than 12 months from more Stock of the lower at is valued in progress, including work Stock, is provision necessary, Where value. and net realisable cost stock. and defective slow-moving obsolete, for made and development Research the University by incurred costs and development Research incurred year written off in the are behalf on its own is that software of any equipment or with the exception policy. accounting in line with the University’s capitalised Taxation of charity within the meaning is an exempt The University Act 2005 and, (Scotland) Investment Charities and Trustee of Section 506(1)as such, is a charity within the meaning of Act 1988. The University Taxes and Corporation the Income and & Customs HM Revenue as a charity by is recognised of the the Office of charities by on the index is recorded a charity within It is, therefore, Charity Regulator. Scottish Act the Finance 6 to 1 of Schedule of Paragraph the meaning exempt is potentially the University 2010 and accordingly, received gains or capital of income in respect taxation from of the sections 478-488 by covered within categories of Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation Tax Corporation such income that the extent to Gains Act 1992, Chargeable purposes. charitable to applied exclusively are or gains tax. corporation to liable are companies Subsidiary of in respect exemption no similar receives The University on inputs is included in VAT Irrecoverable Added Tax. Value of in respect VAT Any irrecoverable of such inputs. the costs cost. in their is included assets fixed tangible equivalents Cash and cash on demand repayable in hand, deposits Cash includes cash are on demand if they repayable are Deposits and overdrafts. without penalty. hours within 24 available in practice liquid investments highly short term, are Cash equivalents with amounts of cash known to convertible readily are that value. in risk of change insignificant currency Foreign of the rate at recorded are transactions currency Foreign assets Monetary of the transaction. the dates at exchange sterling into translated are currencies in foreign and liabilities differences exchange Foreign rates. end year financial at of in the Statement recognised are arising on translation and Expenditure. Income Comprehensive f. Intangible assets Intangible f. over amortised are software) (i.e. computer assets Intangible 15 years. exceeding not life, economic useful their remaining e. Repairs and maintenance maintains asset fixed a tangible that ensure to Expenditure is of performance standard recognised its previously Income of Comprehensive in the Statement recognised has a The University in the period in which it is incurred. on an which is reviewed programme, maintenance planned basis. annual d. Heritage assets d. Heritage exhibits, a number of collections, holds The University artistic or scientific of historical, assets and other artefacts, have 2011 31 July before acquired assets Heritage importance. or of cost estimates reliable since been capitalised, not benefit basis. Acquisitions on a cost- available not are value of in the case or, cost at capitalised 1 August 2011 are from of obtaining the cost where will be valued assets, donated of the to the user than the benefit greater is not value in policy accounting In line with the statements. financial heritage capitalising for of equipment, the threshold respect irreplaceable are that assets is £20,000. Heritage assets be attributed, can value which no reliable and for originals depreciated not are assets Heritage be capitalised. will not mean value and high residual life economic their long since be material. not would any depreciation that c. Depreciation are buildings Freehold depreciated. is not land Freehold life economic useful the expected over depreciated years. 30 and 75 between normally the University, to useful anticipated asset’s a depreciable material, Where and future and the accumulated annually is reviewed life adjusted. are charges depreciation of course in the assets fixed on tangible Depreciation first are when the assets provided is only construction is provided No depreciation use. operational into brought properties. on investment for of equipment, on the value is provided Depreciation line basis, normally including IT equipment on a straight years. 2 – 10 between b. Equipment costing and furniture including computers Equipment, of related group or item individual than £20,000 per less other items All of purchase. year written off in the is items, are leases under finance acquired Assets capitalised. are of the element capital and the assets included in fixed as a liability. is shown commitments leasing University. The cost of any such enhancement is added is added enhancement any such of cost The University. asset fixed the tangible amount of carrying the gross to concerned.

LIFE-CHANGING ACHIEVEMENT UoAUoA 73 LIFE-CHANGING ACHIEVEMENT 73

plan contribution a. Defined benefit is a post-employment contribution plan A defined contributions fixed pays the University under which plan or constructive no legal entity and will have a separate into for further amounts. Obligations pay to obligation are plans contribution pension defined to contributions in the statement the income in as an expense recognised employees. by rendered are services periods during which plan b. Defined benefit plans benefit post-employment are plans Defined benefit Under defined plans. contribution than defined other the to provide is obligation the University’s benefit plans, and former employees, and to current benefits agreed than less or more cost benefits will risk (that actuarial set on assets returns risk (that and investment expected) expectations) from fund the benefits will differ aside to The Group the University. by borne, in substance, are under defined its obligations for a liability recognise should This net defined benefit assets. net of plan benefit plans, of benefit amount as the estimated is measured liability in their service for in return earned have employees that its determine to periods, discounted and prior the current assets. of plan bid price) (at value the fair less value, present sheet the balance at is the yield rate discount The liability the currency bonds which match rated on AA credit date of the pension liabilities. the duration to and approximate actuary using a qualified by is performed The calculation the calculation method. Where unit credit the projected to is limited asset of the recognition in a net asset, results the recover to is able which the University to the extent in the future contributions reduced surplus either through refunds. or through scheme c. Multi-employer USS is a multi-employer sectionThe defined benefit of the individual to attributed not are The assets scheme. is set. The rate contribution and a scheme-wide employers risks associated actuarial to exposed is therefore University identify its share to and is unable employers with other on a of the scheme and liabilities assets of the underlying section 28 by basis. As required and reasonable consistent therefore the University benefits”, “Employee of FRS 102, were scheme as if it defined benefit the USS for accounts result, the amount scheme. As a contribution a defined represents expenditure and the income to charged The University the scheme. to payable contributions for liability and provision expense an immediate recognises that payable which are of contributions value the present deficit funding obligations. from arise Reserves or unrestricted. restricted as classified are Reserves which, include balances reserves endowment Restricted as a held are the University, to endowment through must hold fund which the University restricted permanently include balances reserves Other restricted in perpetuity. and a specific purpose the donor has designated where of these in the use is restricted the University therefore funds. schemes Pension the are staff the University’s for schemes The principal and the Scheme (USS) Superannuation Universities’ Assurance & Life Superannuation of Aberdeen University the to contributes also Scheme (UASLAS). The University is or includes scheme (SPF). Each Fund Pension Strathclyde years every three valued plan which is a defined benefit actuaries. A small independent qualified professionally by schemes. other pension remain in number of staff Other financial instruments Other financial meeting the definition of instruments not Other financial fair at initially recognised Instruments are Basic Financial financial other recognition initial to Subsequent value. with changes value fair at measured instruments are hedging except in the Surplus or Deficit recognised hedging relationship. instruments in a designated Basic financial instruments Basic financial at initially recognised are debtors and other Trade Trade costs. transaction attributable less price transaction transaction at initially recognised are creditors and other initial to Subsequent costs. transaction plus attributable price using the amortised cost at measured are they recognition in the losses any impairment less method, interest effective normal beyond is deferred If payment debtors. of trade case of value the present at then it is measured terms, business of instrument rate a market at discounted payments future debt instrument. a similar for and call balances cash comprise equivalents Cash and cash and on demand repayable are that Bank overdrafts deposits. management cash part of the University’s an integral form equivalents and cash of cash included as a component are statement. flow of the cash only the purpose for Provisions, contingent liabilities and contingent assets and contingent liabilities contingent Provisions, when statements in the financial recognised are Provisions or constructive) (legal obligation has a present the University of a transfer that it is probable of a past event, as a result the obligation settle to required benefits will be economic of of the amount be made can estimate and a reliable is a provision as recognised The amount the obligations. of money the time value where value present to discounted market current reflects used rate The discount is material. any and reflects of money of the time value assessments liability. to the risks specific of a note, way by disclosed are liabilities Contingent met and includes is not the definition of a provision where obligation; than a present rather possible scenarios: three of economic outflow than a probable rather a possible the possible measure reliably to benefits; an inability outflow. economic where of a note, way by disclosed are assets Contingent a arising from asset than present rather is a possible, there past event. 510 168 452 579 330 567 366 877 1,335 3,401 2018 11,831 9,018 4,772 3,424 £000 4,477 9,655 £000 7,098 2,358 4,996 6,859 14,823 22,617 18,269 46,010 74,752 25,859 55,842 56,079 416 186 324 782 5,211 4,129 2019 7,752 1,966 9,623 3,583 3,704 17,914 £000 2,905 8,594 14,616 10,436 77,618 23,277 62,613 54,210 46,983 32,040 Technology assessment reviews assessment Technology HERU core grant HERU core Strategic Marine Mammal Monitoring Programme for the Moray Firth the Moray for Programme Monitoring Marine Mammal Strategic RESAS main programme RESAS grant HSRU core Alzheimer’s research project research Alzheimer’s Project title Project

Research grants and contracts grants Research Funding body grants Funding Tuition fees and educational contracts educational and fees Tuition

Consolidated and University Consolidated fees Scottish EU fees RUK fees Non-EU fees fees course bearing Non-credit Other contracts Other sources Consolidated and University Consolidated - teaching funding SFC general and University Consolidated councils Research charities UK based authorities and hospital health government, and local UK central Other overseas SFC general funding - research SFC general grant development research Strategic Other SFC grants and public corporations commerce UK industry, bodies EU government EU other Capital grants released from deferred income deferred from released grants Capital National Institute for Health Research Health for Institute National Scottish Government Scottish Scottish Government Scottish RESAS Office Chief Scientist’s Wista Laboratories Ltd Laboratories Wista

Research grants and contracts income includes the following significant grants: significant includes the following income and contracts grants Research body Funding 3.

2. 1.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 7575 - - - - - 4 62 30 312 192 (111) 199 261 601 282 502 289 5,217 2018 1,196 1,057 2018 5,581 18,101 £000 1,249 £000 11,483 8,499 10,665 31,286 107,358 136,013 University - - 5 4 6 6 6 62 20 194 199 261 255 275 502 250 925 1,251 5,217 2019 1,057 2018 5,581 £000 £000 11,483 18,412 8,499 107,511 42,561 10,642 31,286 179,126 Consolidated 54 219 475 377 539 596 6,153 1,971 5,105 2019 1,496 7,483 £000 12,148 31,482 University 54 219 377 479 539 596 6,153 5,105 2019 1,496 1,975 7,483 £000 12,148 31,482 Consolidated

Other income Other

Donations and endowments Donations Investment income Investment Staff costs Staff Staff costs for key management personnel excluding employer’s pension contribution pension employer’s excluding personnel management key for costs Staff Total was £255,000 (2018 year in the financial Boyne, George Professor of the Principal, and pension contributions) of salary (comprising The remuneration (2018: £39,551). £39,673 which was of the workforce remuneration times) the median times (2018: 7.9 6.4 £312,000). Sir Ian Diamond): This was (Professor the to Secretary Principals, Vice Principal, of the Senior Vice comprising Team, Senior Management the University’s are personnel management Key of People. and Director of Finance Director University, Contractual notice payment and related expenses and related payment notice Contractual Social security costs security Social 21a) (note on pension provisions Movement Sub-total Consolidated and University Consolidated Salaries Other pension costs Boyne George – Professor and Vice-Chancellor Emoluments of the Principal Salary USS to contributions Pension Sub-total costs and associated accommodation Benefit in kind – Total Sir Ian Diamond – Professor and Vice-Chancellor Principal Emoluments of the former Salary USS to contributions Pension Donations with restrictions Donations New endowments (note 22) (note endowments New Other investment income Other investment Investment income from endowments (note 22) (note endowments from income Investment Capital grants received/released grants Capital Other grants VAT recovery VAT Health authorities Health Consultancy Residences, catering and conferences catering Residences,

7. 4.

6. 5. 3 7 2 2 5 18 23 113 139 139 123 361 197 (111) 270 445 1,101 2018 2018 £000 3,653 11,632 £000 6,947 2,610 6,359 17,363 25,307 64,863 136,013 Number 1 1 1 - 2018 5 5 9 14 23 114 118 193 417 284 368 7,613 2019 2019 Number 1,096 3,528 12,721 £000 6,206 2,590 17,087 42,561 23,804 65,606 179,126 Number - 53 £000 1 - 2019 Number

Staff costs - continued - costs Staff Compensation arrangements for members of staff earning in excess of £100,000 excess in earning of staff members for arrangements Compensation Number of payments in excess of £100,000 during the year of £100,000 during in excess Number of payments Compensation for loss of office payable to senior post holders: senior to payable of office loss for Compensation £140,000 - £149,999 £150,000 - £159,999 £160,000 - £169,999 Remuneration of other higher paid staff of other Remuneration £130,000 - £139,999 £100,000 - £109,999 £110,000 - £119,999 £120,000 - £129,999 Administration and central services and central Administration Staff costs by activity – Consolidated and University Consolidated activity – by costs Staff departments Academic services Academic Premises and conferences catering Residences, and contracts grants Research Other expenses adjustments cost Pension Average staff numbers by activity - full time equivalent basis activity - full time equivalent by numbers staff Average departments Academic Academic services Academic and contracts grants Research Other expenses Administration and central services and central Administration and conferences catering Residences,

Premises 7. Remuneration of other higher paid staff (which excludes the Principal) is stated excluding salary sacrifice and employer’s pension contributions. pension and employer’s sacrifice salary excluding is stated the Principal) excludes (which higher paid staff of other Remuneration

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 77 - 13 51 94 163 104 488 1,129 1,187 1,339 7,241 2018 9,347 9,766 £000 6,234 3,038 3,656 2,389 5,604 3,655 8,807 17,209 13,048 18,635 68,449 University - 13 53 94 163 104 488 1,129 1,187 1,339 2018 7,438 9,347 9,766 £000 6,234 3,038 3,656 2,389 3,655 5,604 8,807 17,209 13,048 18,635 68,646 Consolidated - 15 63 69 99 179 1,119 506 904 1,751 2019 7,453 3,493 5,952 9,653 5,835 2,224 £000 9,092 3,774 3,280 17,338 13,996 10,408 18,837 70,635 University - 15 72 63 99 179 1,119 506 904 1,751 6,114 2019 7,453 3,493 5,952 9,653 2,224 £000 9,092 3,774 3,280 17,338 13,996 10,408 18,837 70,914 Consolidated

Interest and other finance costs finance and other Interest

Depreciation by activity by Depreciation Other operating expenses expenses operating Other

Premises and conferences catering Residences, Administration and central services and central Administration Academic services Academic Academic departments Academic Research grants and contracts grants Research Other expenses include: (including VAT) expenses Other operating of audit services in respect remuneration auditors External External auditors remuneration in respect of non-audit services in respect remuneration auditors External Internal auditors remuneration in respect of audit services in respect remuneration auditors Internal of non-audit services in respect remuneration auditors Internal Administration and central services and central Administration Academic services Academic Academic departments Academic Premises Interest on pension scheme liabilities (note 21a) (note liabilities on pension scheme Interest Other expenses Loan interest leases Finance

Residences, catering and conferences catering Residences, and contracts grants Research 9. by activity by

8. 10. - (3) (111) (119) 2018 £000 14,101 Total (1,581) £000 13,346 18,837 15,479 (4,729) 26.271 (5,445) 99,662 43,004 113,770 20,904 26.804 80,300 535,992 635,654 641,855 226,752 528,085 University - - - - - 60 350 7,143 3,186 7,083 £000 3,897 3,536 3,607 Assets (111) 2018 14,101 £000 Intangible Intangible 3,047 15,676 26,271 43,004 20,904 26,804 80,300 226,949 - - - Consolidated 5,196 7,087 £000 11,528 13,419 (4,729) (4,729) 54,024 42,496 56,382 42,963 Fixtures, Fixtures, Fitting and Equipment 33 2019 £000 14,531 13,879 42,561 81,826 41,648 27,457 23,667 26,803 ------272,372 277 277 277 277 University £000 Assets Heritage Heritage 86 ------2019 £000 14,810 13,879 42,561 81,826 41,648 27,457 23,667 26,803 (716) 272,651 £000 (1,581) 37,184 37,184 34,887 34,887 Properties Consolidated Investment Investment ------(119) 1,621 1,621 (167) 2,613 £000 3,948 3,948 Assets in Assets Course of Course Construction - - - - 167 £000 3,586 13,291 67,271 53,980 481,485 539,218 535,465 471,947 and Buildings Freehold Land Freehold

Disposal of fixed assets of fixed Disposal Fixed assets - Non-current assets - Consolidated assets - Non-current assets Fixed Analysis of total of total Analysis

Additions Reclassification Revaluation Cost or Valuation Cost At 1 August 2018 Disposals Impairment Depreciation At 1 August 2018 At 31 July 2019 At 31 July the year for Charge 2018 At 31 July Eliminated on disposals Eliminated 2019 At 31 July Net book value 2019 At 31 July Academic departments Academic Academic services Academic Administration and central services and central Administration Premises Residences, catering and conferences catering Residences, Research grants and contracts grants Research Other expenses Pension cost adjustments cost Pension Gain on disposal of fixed assets of fixed Gain on disposal

The gain is in respect of the disposal of surplus investment properties (The 2018 gain was in respect of the disposal of surplus land). of the disposal in respect was (The 2018 gain properties of surplus investment of the disposal is in respect The gain 12.

13. 11. expenditure by activity by expenditure

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 79 - 277 (119) 2018 £000 £000 3,897 Total (1,180) 13,346 18,837 (4,729) 32,052 (5,249) 113,712 493,511 99,604 629,341 529,737 636,139 529,737 522,427 University - - - - 60 350 277 7,143 3,186 2018 7,083 3,897 £000 £000 3,897 3,536 3,607 37,184 Assets 494,634 535,992 Intangible Intangible Consolidated - - 277 5,196 7,087 £000 11,528 2019 13,419 £000 3,607 (4,729) (4,729) 54,024 42,496 56,382 42,963 30,352 488,191 522,427 Fixtures, Fixtures, Fitting and Equipment University ------277 277 277 277 £000 277 Assets 2019 £000 3,607 Heritage Heritage 34,887 489,314 528,085 ------Consolidated (520) £000 (1,180) 32,052 32,052 30,352 30,352 Properties Investment Investment ------(119) 1,621 1,621 (167) 2,613 £000 3,948 3,948 of Construction Assets in Course in Course Assets - - - - 167 £000 13,291 3,586 67,213 53,922 534,284 480,362 538,037 470,824 and Buildings Freehold Land Freehold

Fixed assets - Non-current assets - University assets Non-current - assets Fixed

Tangible assets Tangible assets Intangible Heritage assets Heritage properties Investment The net book value of fixed assets is analysed between: is analysed assets of fixed The net book value At 31 July 2018 At 31 July Net book value 2019 At 31 July At 31 July 2019 At 31 July Eliminated on disposals Eliminated Charge for the year for Charge Depreciation At 1 August 2018 At 31 July 2019 At 31 July Impairment Disposals Revaluation Additions Reclassification Cost or Valuation Cost At 1 August 2018

As part of the transition to FRS102, the University chose to no longer revalue land and buildings and to use the 31 July 2014 valuation figures as the deemed figures 2014 valuation the 31 July use and to and buildings land revalue no longer to chose the University FRS102, to As parttransition of the is The basis of valuation of Aberdeen. University of Estates, BLE, Mr A Donaldson MRICS, Director by performed was The 2014 valuation of assets. cost The 31 Notes. and Guidance Practice Valuation of Asset Statement Surveyor’s of Chartered Institute out in the Royal as set cost replacement depreciated Surveyors. Chartered J & E Shepherd, by reviewed externally was 2014 valuation July and College part of Marischal Foresterhill, at Aberdeen, in Old located which are buildings and recreational related academic academic, owns The University under held of assets value the net book lease, under a finance is held complex of residence Halls of the Hillhead Part complexes. of Residence Halls various (2018: £25.5m). is £24.2m by the University leases finance respect of in £32.1m) (2018: and £30.4m (2018: £37.2m) include £34.9m respectively 2019 at 31 July value net book assets fixed and University Consolidated BLE, Mr A Donaldson by performed 2019 and was out on 31 July carried basis. This was on an annual be revalued to required are that properties investment of Aberdeen. University of Estates, MRICS, Director with the Memorandum terms of the Financial under the be liable, may the University sold, be funds exchequer by financed and buildings any land Should the proceeds. repay to Council, Funding Scottish 13. 43 162 798 (519) (681) (395) 1,368 1,368 2018 (847) 17,417 69,113 £000 £000 3,345 51,301 Total £000 (4,711) 17,812 18,659 23,370 56,309 56,309 73,258 55,000 20,025 126,395 108,978 University - - - 43 557 798 (395) £000 £000 - 18,369 55,841 55,284 55,284 55,841 Other 73,258 55,000 (374) (374) (722) 3,476 £000 19,190 18,160 17,438 (4,506) 22,666 Consolidated - - - 104 104 2019 3,141 3,141 3,037 3,037 £000 Pensions - 25 25 (76) (76) 1,133 1,133 1,082 1,082 £000 Spin-Outs - 1,340 1,340 1,000 1,000 £000 46,574 46,574 48,914 48,914 Endowments

Investment in joint venture Investment Non-current investments Non-current

Less: Restricted funding from SportScotland funding from Restricted Less: assets of gross Share - amounts due with one year Creditors Less: of net assets Share Balance sheet Balance assets Fixed assets Current Consolidated on pension scheme gain/(loss) Actuarial Income and expenditure account and expenditure Income tax Deficit before Other non-current investments consist of: consist investments Other non-current Aberdeen Sports Village Ltd (Joint Ltd Sports Village Venture) Aberdeen CVCP Properties Deposits Term Capital Epidarex Appreciation 2019 At 31 July Impairment Additions University At 1 August 2018 At 31 July 2019 At 31 July Appreciation Additions Consolidated At 1 August 2018 The University holds a 50% share of Aberdeen Sports Village Limited, a company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity. The company provides provides The company a charity. as and registered guarantee by limited a company Limited, Sports Village of Aberdeen a 50% share holds The University pool. This is a joint swimming standard with an Olympic Centre including the Aquatics our students and the wider community, to sporting facilities premier using the for and is accounted as a joint venture is treated The arrangement City Council. and Aberdeen the University by equally owned company venture and sheet of the University balance the consolidated into incorporated are and liabilities assets gross 50% of the company’s equity method, such that gross Income. Comprehensive of Statement consolidated in the University’s is reported 50% of its net income The Group’s subsidiary undertakings are listed in note 30. in note listed undertakings are subsidiary The Group’s the entities and over control is no board there however cost), rights (at 20% of voting out entities which exceed in spin interests has participating The Group withinconsistent are that policies to implement free are investees the a result, As policies. and financial the operating over exerted not is influence significant in sale to a trade with a view investment asset of a fixed is that and investee the investor between of the relationship The substance strategy. the investor’s for as equity. accounted not and are investments asset as fixed disclosed are investments these Therefore, the medium term. (2018: £50.7m) sheet is £53.1m balance in the consolidated value fair at carried assets and pension non-current spin outs of endowments, value The total The movement in the share of net assets from the prior year reflects the University’s share of the loss for the year. for the loss of the share the University’s reflects the prior year from of net assets in the share The movement

15. 14.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 8181 - - 141 2018 5,218 5,617 £000 3,344 2,966 12,920 18,138 12,253 18,528 22,269 64,977 University - - 141 2018 5,617 8,293 £000 3,344 2,966 21,213 12,253 12,920 18,528 22,292 65,000 Consolidated 31 233 5,714 2019 1,377 5.154 4,199 £000 11,942 12,941 5,000 18,910 21,224 17,687 63,805 University - 233 7,714 2019 1,377 5.154 4,199 £000 11,942 12,941 5,000 18,910 21,248 19,656 63,829 Consolidated

Investments Stock Creditors: amounts falling due within one year amounts falling Creditors: Trade and other receivables and other Trade

Term deposits Term Stock of finished goods of finished Stock Trade debtors Trade Prepayments and accrued income and accrued Prepayments Amounts due from subsidiary companies subsidiary Amounts due from Research grants received on account received grants Research on account received Other grants income and deferred Accruals Loans and leases Trade creditors Trade payable taxation and other security Social The consolidated debtor figure includes £1.0m that falls due in over one year (2018: £1.0m). (2018: year one over due in falls £1.0m that includes figure debtor The consolidated amortised cost. at carried are receivables and other included within trade instruments Financial Financial instruments included within creditors are carried at amortised cost. at carried are instruments included within creditors Financial

18. 17.

16. 19. - - % 3,717 1,247 3.130 3.195 5.415 2018 3.190 3,180 3,816 Rate 3.072 3,344 £000 9,045 3.050 19,916 3.000 10,000 24,979 83,065 28,323 95,290 30,000 40,000 99,007 40,000 160,269 University - - 2031 3,717 1,247 2018 3,180 2036 2036 2036 Year 3,816 2054 2044 2049 3,344 £000 9,045 Term 19,916 10,000 24,979 83,065 28,323 95,290 30,000 40,000 99,007 40,000 160,269 Consolidated - - 1,377 2019 1,385 8,126 4,302 3,507 £000 £000 18,531 4,028 4,600 24,218 83,015 10,400 15,000 10,000 10,000 94,648 25,595 20,000 20,000 20,000 98,676 90,000 100,000 218,866 100,000 Amount University - - 1,377 2019 1,385 8,126 4,302 3,507 £000 18,531 4,028 24,218 83,015 10,000 94,648 25,595 98,676 90,000 100,000 218,866 100,000 Consolidated

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than a year than more due after falling amounts Creditors:

Deferred income Deferred years two one and Between years and five two Between or more years In five Loans obligations lease Finance repayable: a. Loans are than one year Less years one and two Between years and five two Between or more years In five b. Finance lease net obligations committed: net obligations lease b. Finance than one year Less c. Deferred income c. Deferred than one year Less years one and two Between Between two and five years and five two Between 3 Bank Loan – Tranche 2 – Tranche Placement Private In five years or more years In five 1 Bank Loan – Tranche 2 Bank Loan – Tranche 4 Bank Loan – Tranche 1 – Tranche Placement Private 3 – Tranche Placement Private Included in loans are the following: are Included in loans Deferred income relates to capital grants received from government bodies. government from received grants capital to relates income Deferred 20. Leases Court of Halls Carnegie respect of the New in Ltd with Prudential arrangement leasing finance a 25 year into entered 2012 the University In December IT equipment for agreement a leasing into entered the University During the year in 2037. which expires under this agreement £25.0m is payable Residence, in 2023. £0.6m which expires for In May 2019, the University raised £60m of borrowing through a private placement, the funds are in three tranches of £20.0m repayable in 25, 30 and 35 years. 25, 30 and 35 years. in of £20.0m repayable tranches in three the funds are placement, a private through £60m of borrowing raised the University 2019, In May respectively. 2036 and 2031 2026, of £10.0m in 2021, instalments in 4 equal repayable are The bank loans

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 83 - 330 904 1,190 2,112 1,362 5,441 (440) (200) £000 9,407 £000 Total 41,674 (5,362) 42.482 94,676 Provisions Total Pension Pension Total - - 60 279 339 ------£000 Other (200) £000 3,400 3,200 Pensions Enhanced Enhanced - 823 823 440 (440) £000 - - 315 Student 330 5,441 9,407 £000 (4,168) 10,750 22,075 Obligations Accommodation Defined Benefit Defined Benefit - - 260 690 950 - - - - £000 589 £000 (1,194) 27,524 Campus 42,482 69,401 International USS Deficit USS Obligations

Provisions for liabilities for Provisions

Consolidated and University Consolidated At 1 August 2018 a. Pension provisions a. Pension Charged to staff costs staff to Charged paid contributions Employer expenses Administrative Movements in year Movements payable Interest contributions in expected Changes loss Actuarial At 31 July 2019 At 31 July Utilised in year Utilised in year Released Consolidated and University Consolidated At 1 August 2018 2019 At 31 July Charged in year Charged b. Other provisions

Further information regarding the USS pension scheme and defined benefit obligation schemes is available in note 28. note in available schemes is and defined benefit obligation pension scheme the USS regarding information Further given is detail of which more agreed been has plan recovery deficit a new valuation, the 2018 actuarial of the completion end, following the year Since of provision in a revised resulted have this would unchanged, the provision calculate to used assumptions other 2019 and with all 31 July 28. As at in note end provision. year the current from of £29.5m a decrease £39.9m, 21. The University has reached agreement with our South Korean partners regarding the campus in South Korea and has provided £1.0m for re-payment of re-payment £1.0m for and has provided in South Korea the campus regarding partners with our South Korean agreement has reached The University 2019. in October repaid The funds were our partners. to costs pre-establishment contracts. student accommodation external to £0.8m in relation for provided has also The University within one year. or reversed be used to expected are provisions above, Other than disclosed 62 358 2018 1,057 1,684 (699) 2,335 3,273 5,493 17,129 4,787 £000 5,407 £000 3,904 30,911 6,849 2,009 13,326 41,526 44,195 Total 46,933 34,184 49,688 49,688 49,688 University 377 550 4,717 2019 6,187 1,340 1,496 (946) 2,019 6,001 5,493 4,354 £000 £000 3,599 2,450 Total 17,527 31,350 44,195 15,642 51,955 51,955 51,955 45,768 49,688 35,704 Consolidated - 10 44 46 99 180 (53) (63) 279 224 270 270 £000 Restricted Expendable 377 603 946 898 6,141 (343) 5,394 £000 28,017 34,158 34,158 32,280 26,886 Restricted Restricted Permanent - - - - 398 540 (540) 17,129 17,129 £000 17,527 17,527 17,527 Permanent Unrestricted Unrestricted

Endowment reserves Endowment Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash

Consolidated and University Consolidated Balance at 1 August 2018 1 at Balance Capital Accumulated income Accumulated New endowments New Investment income Investment Expenditure Net expenditure Increase in market value of investments value in market Increase At 31 July 2019 At 31 July Represented by: Represented Capital Accumulated income Accumulated Prizes Cash flows Analysis by purpose by Analysis Bursaries Scholarships At 1 August 2018 2019 At 31 July Teaching foundations Teaching Unrestricted gains unrealised Unallocated Other restricted purposes Other restricted

22. 23.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 85 85 - - - - (96) 2018 2018 2018 2,601 £000 3,344 3,344 7,785 £000 30,911 30,911 £000 (1,795) 37,412 37,412 (4,552) 43,855 24,979 64,979 10,386 40,000 (6,443) University University - - - - (96) 2018 2018 £000 2019 3,344 3,344 £000 43,193 7,407 (1,795) £000 31,350 31,350 (4,329) 36,973 24,979 64,979 36,973 40,000 (6,220) 30,537 37,944 Consolidated Consolidated - - 613 2019 1,377 1,377 2019 £000 31,411 £000 37,412 31,411 (3,341) 34,184 24,218 94,184 124,218 (6,001) 60,000 60,000 (63,273) 100,000 University University - - 613 2019 1,377 1,377 2019 £000 £000 (3.341) 24,218 36,973 29,891 35,704 29,891 95,704 124,218 60,000 (7,082) 60,000 (64,354) 100,000 Consolidated Consolidated

Capital commitments Capital Reconciliation of net debt of Reconciliation

Consolidated and University Consolidated for contracted Commitments Authorised but not contracted for contracted but not Authorised Repayment of unsecured loans of unsecured Repayment Net debt at 1 August 2018 Net debt at and investments equivalents cash in cash, Movement leases of finance repayment Capital leases finance New New unsecured loans unsecured New 2019 31 July Net debt at in net debt Change Investments one year due within amounts falling Borrowings: loans Unsecured leases finance under Obligations Analysis of net debt of Analysis Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash than one year more due after amounts falling Borrowings: loans Unsecured leases under finance Obligations Net debt

25. 24. 86 - - - - - 5 4 1 - - 21 20 20 (9) 85 89 519 1,106 597 1,378 1,047 2018 £000 £000 2018 (598) £000 Total Payments 1 - 90 - - 3 5 5 7 5 603 (514) 59 110 2019 40 40 141 103 144 £000 Total 302 (62) 2019 3,562 £000 £000 Receipts - - 21 85 (64) £000 Funds Postgraduate Postgraduate 1 - 56 Nature of Nature Transaction Operations Operations/Grants Operations/Grants Operations/Grants Operations/Grants Operations/Grants Operations/Grants Operations/Grants Operations Operations/Grants 384 (329) £000 Funds Undergraduate Undergraduate - - 13 134 (121) Relationship Charity Joint venture Charity Charity Charity Charity Charity Customer/Supplier Charity Charity £000 Childcare Funds Funds Childcare

Amounts disbursed as agent disbursed Amounts Disclosure of related party transactions of related Disclosure

Organisation Aberdeen Performing Arts Performing Aberdeen Aberdeen Sports Village Limited Sports Village Aberdeen Aberdeen University Students Association University Aberdeen British Heart Foundation British Heart Carnegie Trust Cruickshank Botanical Gardens Trust Gardens Cruickshank Botanical Diabetes UK Diabetes Rocking Horse Nursery Rocking Horse Aberdeen Sports Village Limited Sports Village Aberdeen Foundation British Heart Carnegie Trust Outstanding balances owed from/(to) the above related parties at 31 July 2019 were as follows: 2019 were 31 July parties at related the above from/(to) owed balances Outstanding Cruickshank Botanical Gardens Trust Gardens Cruickshank Botanical UK Diabetes Rocking Horse Nursery Rocking Horse Trust Development of Aberdeen University Scottish Education Research Association Research Education Scottish University of Aberdeen Development Trust Development of Aberdeen University Consolidated and University Consolidated At 1 August 2018 Interest earned Interest Allocation received in year received Allocation Expenditure

At 31 July 2019 At 31 July 26.

Due to the nature of the Group and University’s operations and the composition of the University Court being drawn from local public and private public and private local from being drawn Court of the University and the composition operations and University’s of the Group the nature Due to All interest. an have may Court in which a member of University with organisations place will take transactions that it is inevitable organisations, sector and in accordance length arm’s at conducted are an interest have may Court in which a member of the University organisations involving transactions procedures. procurement and normal regulations financial with the University’s for the disclosure: identified were transactions The following 27.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoAUoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 87 87 45 191 103 24.6 24.6 2018 £000 2,608 15,093 18,040 female Mortality Rate Future pensioners Future 43 133 245 2019 2,543 £000 22.1 15,526 22.2 18,490 male Mortality Rate 5 19 Future pensioners Future 27 717 1,895 Active 23.1 22.9 Members Current Current Mortality Rate 8.8% 8.0% pensioners female Variable Variable Variable Employee Employee 20.7 20.7 Current Current Contribution Rate Contribution Mortality Rate pensioners male 1 2 As at 31 July 2019 31 July As at 35.1% 18.4% 23.0% 19.5% 20.9% 3.5% 2.5% 2.5% Rate CARE CARE Employer Pension Pension Increase Final Final Salary Contribution Rate Contribution 3.7% 3.5% Salary Salary Increase Rate Increase 2.1% 2.3% Rate Discount Discount

Pension schemes Pension

Scheme participation and annual pension contribution costs pension contribution and annual Scheme participation Pension Scheme Pension UASLAS SPF STSS USS NHSSS SPF Key actuarial assumptions, if appropriate assumptions, actuarial Key Pension Scheme UASLAS Following completion of the 31 July 2017 valuation exercise, employer and employee contributions increased from 1 April 2019, with a further increase with a further increase 1 April 2019, from increased contributions and employee employer exercise, 2017 valuation of the 31 July completion Following The UASLAS employer contribution rate includes a £725,000 contribution towards the elimination of the funding shortfall. The employer contribution contribution The employer of the funding shortfall. the elimination towards contribution includes a £725,000 rate contribution The UASLAS employer from 1 October 2019 (employer 22.5%, employee 10.4%) and a further increase from April 2020. A 31 March 2018 valuation is underway, the result of of the result is underway, 2018 valuation A 31 March April 2020. from and a further increase 10.4%) employee 22.5%, 2019 (employer 1 October from 1 for the period contribution include a deficit does not rate contribution employer The USS 2019 increases. October the planned change which may plan. recovery the deficit of in respect will be a 5.0% contribution there April 2020 From 2020. 31 March April to 2 1 28. rate reduced from 24.2% to 18.4% from 1 January 2019 following the conclusion of the 2016 valuation exercise. The Employee contribution rate increased increased rate contribution The Employee exercise. valuation of the 2016 the conclusion 1 January 2019 following from 18.4% to 24.2% from reduced rate of the consultation. 8.0% as a result to 7.05% from In calculating USS pension provision at 31 July 2019, the University used the discount rate (1.62%) provided by the British Universities Finance Directors Directors Finance the British Universities by provided (1.62%) rate the discount used the University 2019, 31 July at pension provision USS In calculating of 3%. rate increase salaries (BUFDG) and a future Group Minimum Pension Guaranteed schemes. The defined benefit pension Banking Group’s the Lloyds a judgment involving handed down in England 2018, the High Court On 26 October accrued from amounts women arising for men and in pension benefits differences equalise be amended to should such schemes judgment concluded defined many other to in relation the judgment arise by determined The issues 1990 and 1997. between Minimum Pension under the Guaranteed the evaluate and to understand of the UASLASschemes with the trustees and SPF worked has the University year, schemes. During the benefit pension at 31 July recognized liability of £0.8m has been additional scheme. An each for from the judgment arising defined benefit pension obligation additional of the statement to and charged cost as a past service for has been accounted liability This additional Minimum Pension. of Guaranteed 2019 in respect the schemes, principally other defined benefit For the University’s year. for the costs, within staff statement, and expenditure income comprehensive to the in benefits due changes extent to the in the future, be impacted also 21 may in note statements included within the financial USS, the provision 2019. at 31 July change this potential to estimate currently possible contributions. It is not deficit of employer level the future judgment increase The principal schemes for the University’s staff are the Universities’ Superannuation Scheme (USS) and the University of Aberdeen Superannuation & Life & Life Superannuation of Aberdeen and the University (USS) Scheme Superannuation the Universities’ are staff University’s the for schemes The principal benefit defined The UASLAS (SPF). are and SPF schemes Fund Pension the Strathclyde to contributes also Scheme (UASLAS). The University Assurance Each funded. externally are schemes three elements. All contribution and defined of defined benefit has a combination scheme whilst the USS schemes, schemes. other pension remain in actuaries. number of staff A small independent qualified professionally by years three every fund is valued 27.8 24.5 26.5 26.0 2018 26.1 27.9 24.6 26.6 2019 2017 Valuation Pre-retirement: and 112% of males 0) for 71% of AMC00 (duration females 0) for AFC00 (duration retirement: Post and 101.3% males S1NMA “light” for of SAPS 96.5% females of RFV00 for of 8.5 and parameter CMI_2016 with a smoothing p.a. for of 1.8% rate improvement term a long females p.a. for and 1.6% males Term dependent rates in line with the difference between the between with the difference in line dependent rates Term p.a. 1.3% less curves, yield Linked and Index Interest Fixed CPI – 1.32% to linearly reducing 1-10: CPI – 0.53% Years 21 year by CPI + 1.7% to linearly reducing 11-20: CPI + 2.56% Years 21 +: CPI + 1.7% Years

Pension schemes - continued schemes Pension

Future improvements to mortality to improvements Future Mortality base table Mortality base Females currently aged 45 (years) aged currently Females Males currently aged 45 (years) aged currently Males Females currently aged 65 (years) aged currently Females The current life expectancies on retirement at age 65 are: age at on retirement expectancies life The current Males currently aged 65 (years) aged currently Males rates) (forward rate Discount The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Superannuation The Universities all members), (for defined benefits providing scheme, is a hybrid pension The scheme Scheme. Superannuation in Universities participates The University of the nature of the mutual fund. Because trustee-administered separate in a held are scheme of the assets benefits. The contribution as defined as well actuarial to exposed is set. is therefore The institution rate contribution a scheme-wide institutions and individual to attributed not are the assets scheme, on a consistent of the scheme and liabilities assets of the underlying identify its share to and is unable employees institutions’ with other risks associated a wholly were scheme as if it for the accounts the institution therefore benefits”, “Employee Section 28 of FRS 102 by As required basis. and reasonable scheme. Since to the payable contributions the represents account loss and to the profit result, the amount charged scheme. As a contribution defined deficit, the will fund the overall within the scheme employer each how determines that Plan) (the Recovery an agreement into the institution has entered an the deficit) and therefore to relate they that the extent (to the agreement from arise that payable the contributions for a liability institution recognises is recognised. expense under common of entities of a collection consists plan A group scheme. and a multi-employer plan a group the distinction between makes FRS 102 an (typically) and represents control under common entities not for is a scheme scheme A multi-employer employer. a sponsoring with typically control an into has entered the employer where scheme a multi-employer for Scheme. The accounting Superannuation such as Universities industry-wide scheme that contributions payable for the of a liability recognition results in the will fund a deficit employer the how determines that with the scheme agreement 102. section with 28 of FRS accordance in loss or in profit expense resulting and the the deficit) to relate they that the extent (to the agreement from arise the recognised scheme and has therefore of a multi-employer Scheme meets the definition Superannuation Universities that satisfied are The governors statements. the financial of approving the date at in existence plan the recovery under contributions of the contractual value fair discounted out using the carried which was date), 2017 (the valuation 31 March is at Builder Income of the Retirement valuation actuarial complete available The latest complete. yet but not 2018 is underway 31 March as at unit method. A valuation projected for relevant those reflect disclosures the following and liabilities, assets Builder Income Retirement of USS identify its share the institution cannot Since as a whole. and liabilities assets those requires Pensions Act 2004, which by the regime introduced funding under the scheme-specific the scheme for valuation the fourth was The 2017 valuation valuation At the provisions. technical their cover to assets sufficient and appropriate have which is to funding objective, a statutory adopt to schemes of £7.5 a shortfall billion indicating £67.5 was provisions technical of the scheme’s £60.0 billion and the value was of the scheme of the assets the value date, of 89%. billion and a funding ratio Funding Principles. of set out in the Statement is detail More below. described are valuation in the 2017 used assumptions financial The key (CPI) increases Pension

The main demographic assumption used relates to the mortality assumptions. These assumptions are based on analysis of the scheme’s experience experience of the scheme’s on analysis based are assumptions These the mortality assumptions. to relates used assumption The main demographic follows: as are figures in these used The mortality assumptions valuation. out as part of the 2017 actuarial carried 28.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 89 89 2018 2.02% 2.64% 2019 2.11% 2.44%

Pension schemes - continued schemes Pension

Discount Rate Discount

Pensions increases (CPI) increases Pensions 28. A new deficit recovery plan was put in place as part of the 2017 valuation, which requires payment of 5% of salaries over the period 1 April 2020 to to period 1 April 2020 the over 5% of salaries of payment requires which valuation, as part of the 2017 was put in place plan recovery deficit A new at 31 as assumptions following the using produced been have figures The provision this plan. reflects provision 2019 pension liability The 30 June 2034. 2018 and 2019. March In accordance with the requirements of the SORP, the University currently recognises a provision for its obligation to fund past deficits arising within to its obligation for a provision recognises currently the University of the SORP, with the requirements In accordance salaries 5.0% of contribute to employers requires valuation in the 2017 actuarial plan The recovery (USS). Scheme Superannuation the Universities rate contribution 2.1% deficit from the 3.9% by 5% has increased of element recovery The deficit years. a period of 15 over deficit the repairing towards the financial to 21a included in note are 2019, 31 July as at of 2.62% a rate at which has been discounted of this provision, Details until April 2019. in place statements. completed, formally was of USS valuation The 2017 actuarial employer. is a participating the University in which scheme is a multi-employer The USS liability to this increased report, due annual in our 2017/18 As disclosed to £7.5bn. significantly increased pension liability multi-employer and the total The July 2019. to 31 year in the significantly to increase predicted was deficit contributions, our USS recovery in deficit increase and the resultant which is line with our expectations. £69.4m to £41.9m by has increased provision was Trustee 2018. The USS in September its report and this panel delivered (JEP) the valuation a Joint Expert assess Panel to established was In parallel, possible three announced USS 2019, In May has been undertaken. exercise valuation 2018 31 March and a JEP recommendations all accept to unable under with those compared 2019 October contributions from employer’s reduce significantly of which would all exercise, the 2018 valuation for options (JNCC) Committee the Joint Negotiating Union (UCU) and the Chair of & College with UUK, University a consultation Following the 2017 exercise. of schedule which point either an updated at 2021 until respectively and 9.6% of 21.1% contributions and employee in employer resulting an option main includes three This option will be introduced. of a minimum of 34.7% rate contribution or a combined valuation the 2020 from contributions of the until completion the scheme on leaving debt monitoring, a moratorium be subject to universities in that Trustee, the USS by imposed conditions debt.JEP The secured raise to an institution look debt should 75 section for security pari passu request would Trustee the USS and that valuation 2020 was As the 2018 valuation valuation. out the 2020 whilst carrying their recommendations consider USS that asked have and Universities continues, work 2019. 31 July as at calculation the provision as a basis for be used not this could 2019, 31 July until after completed not Scheme (UASLAS) Assurance and Life Superannuation of Aberdeen The University scheme in the benefit pension Scheme is a funded defined set up on UK. The Scheme is Assurance Life and Superannuation of Aberdeen The University the ensuring that for responsible are The Trustees Trustees. by and is supervised trust independent of the University basis as a separate relieved a tax invested. appropriately are Scheme assets funded and that the Scheme is appropriately paid, that benefits are correct 1 January 2019) and the from 7.05% from (increased salary of 8.0% of pensionable the rate at contributions of the Scheme pay members Active value to prudent assumptions use to required are The Trustees valuations. actuarial regular by as determined of the cost the balance pays University contributes The University must be best estimates. assumptions the accounting whereas funding purposes the Scheme for of and costs the liabilities benefits and service of future paid in respect contributions to This is in addition of the funding shortfall. elimination per annum towards £725,000 expenses. administration 1 January 2018. A from 24.2% to 6.7% by increasing contributions employer in 2016 and resulted July 31 out as at carried was valuation actuarial A formal (employer rates contribution to in benefits and changes in a reduction has resulted summer 2018 that throughout undertaken was member consultation 2020. in early conclude to and is expected is underway exercise 2019 valuation The 31 July 1 January 2019. from 8%) employee 18.4%, University an independent chairman and three including Trustees appoints four Court Court. in the University is vested appoint Trustees to The power for The arrangements of the scheme. and pensione The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Superannuation The Universities 556 4,151 2018 1,056 11,168 2018 2,041 £000 13,814 £000 11,874 4,082 16,947 18,553 68,043 40,958 156,137 Fund Value Fund Fund Value Fund 991 199 2019 11,149 2019 1,990 £000 3,700 £000 4,777 21,307 12,938 19,868 63,755 44,257 19,904 165,027 Fund Value Fund Fund Value Fund

Pension schemes - continued schemes Pension

Equities Cash Equities bonds Government bonds Corporate bonds linked Index Scheme Assets Bonds Property Property pensions Secure The University of Aberdeen Superannuation and Life Assurance Scheme (UASLAS) Assurance Life and Superannuation Aberdeen of The University Scheme Assets Cash The Scottish Teachers Superannuation Scheme (STSS) Superannuation Teachers The Scottish governed Exchequer under arrangements to the credited are basis Contributions on a “pay-as-you-go” scheme. is an unfunded defined benefit The STSS rates. contribution of determining the purposes for scheme the to is ascribed value assets A notional Act 1972. the Superannuation by of the to identify its share is unable of Aberdeen scheme. The University pension is a multi-employer STSS the set out in FRS102, Under the definitions its for and has accounted in FRS102 of the exemption advantage has taken the University Accordingly, of the scheme. and liabilities assets underlying years. five every Actuary by the Government report to a scheme is subject scheme. The contribution a defined as if it were contribution (NHSSS) Scheme Superannuation Service Health The National cost for the only responsible it is on the basis that scheme has operated the scheme. Historically defined benefit pension is a multi-employer NHSSS 1 April from However, by the Exchequer. being met of pension increases cost and their dependents, with the to members of the basic benefits payable a as if it were for accounted is also This scheme rate. contribution in the employers’ an increase has been met by of pension increases 2004, the cost scheme. contribution defined At 31 July 2019, the defined benefit surplus of the scheme was £0.4m (2018: surplus of £0.7m). The University has not recognised the surplus in its balance balance in its the surplus recognised not has The University (2018: surplus of £0.7m). was £0.4m scheme the the defined benefit surplus of 2019, At 31 July sheet. At 31 July 2019, the defined benefit deficit of the scheme was £22.1m (2018: £10.8m). was £22.1m scheme the defined benefit deficit of the 2019, At 31 July contributions deficit annual to make agreed a deficit of £9m on the Scheme, the University reported that valuation, 2016 triennial the 31 July Following party to bank with a third an arrangement into entered the University During the year, 1 August 2017. period commencing an 10 year over of £725,000 of the £9m deficit. in respect the pension scheme to bank guarantee a provide

The Strathclyde Pension Fund (SPF) Fund Pension The Strathclyde other some and government local of for employees salary pensionable on a final benefits based (SPF) provides Fund Pension The Strathclyde the to contributions and hence of the scheme and liabilities assets of the underlying share institution’s identify each to institutions. It is possible scheme. a defined benefit were as if they for accounted are scheme is 35.1%. salaries pensionable members’ on payable rate contribution The employer’s 2017. 31 March at was undertaken valuation triennial The last In method of valuation. a prescribed to according calculated or liability a net pension asset produce is designed to FRS102 standard The accounting the alia, inter to determine, valuations actuarial in normal used that from differs liabilities pension scheme applied to rate the discount particular, of an advice with the determined are The pension costs liabilities. scheme for a higher value produce and generally funding rate, required scheme’s method. unit using the projected valuation actuary triennial on the basis of independent qualified 28.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 91 91 9 35 138 106 288 2018 2.4% 2.9% 2018 2018 £000 £000 3,400 2.3% 2.5% 2019 8 36 132 105 2019 2019 £000 £000 3,200 281

Support staff Academic staff Academic staff Academic Support staff

Pension schemes - continued schemes Pension

Pension increases are in line with statutory increases (currently CPI inflation); (currently increases in line with statutory are increases Pension of death; date pensions at 50% of members’ pensions are Spouses’ 5 April 1988 after pensions commenced whose of females in respect payable pensions are Widowers’ Pension Increases Pension Discount Rate Discount Liability on this basis at 31 July on this basis at Liability Results Total

Old Scheme Old Scheme New 28. In order to maintain consistency with the approach adopted for previous years, all other assumptions, including demographic assumptions adopted are are adopted assumptions including demographic assumptions, other all years, previous for adopted with the approach consistency maintain to In order Scheme (UASLAS). Assurance and Life Superannuation of Aberdeen the University for used those as follows: are of a pension on 31 July in receipt of education of the Northern College employees former for statistics Membership Additional Pension Payments Pension Additional a number of former to pensions of enhanced payment the for is responsible in 2001 the University Northern with College merger the Following 1 December at out as carried was of the liability valuation An actuarial retirement. early granted been of whom have most of the College, employees into incorporated which was £4,596,000, of a liability revealed This valuation and Northern College. University the between the merger of 2001, the date merger. at of the University the accounts as follows: 2018 31 July at undertaken has been valuation An actuarial Benefits to be valued to be Benefits terms: following the subject to of Education of the Northern College employees former paid to The pensions are • • • - - - 94 330 620 (330) (330) 2018 2018 (620) 7,647 4,376 4,457 £000 £000 5,326 5,608 5,608 4,008 4,008 13,255 13,255 (4,376) (5,906) 174,699 166,768 (22,687) 174,699 (10,750) (10,750) (185,449) 315 102 330 (315) (145) (330) (339) (330) 2019 2019 4,168 4,168 9,001 9,001 4,975 £000 £000 5,440 (1,718) 6,085 (7,342) (3,578) (9,407) 184,934 (9,407) (10,750) 174,699 (18,408) 184,934 (22.075) (22,075) (207,009)

Pension schemes - continued schemes Pension

Defined benefit liability at end of year at end of liability Defined benefit Analysis of amount shown in the balance sheet: in the balance of amount shown Analysis liabilities of scheme value Actuarial of assets value Fair year at end of liability Defined benefit sheet: the balance to Reconciliation year previous at end of liability Defined benefit cost service Current cost service Past charge Net interest costs Administrative contributions Employer schemes to changes Planned (loss)/gain Actuarial Return on assets excluding amounts in net interest amounts excluding Return on assets Analysis of amounts recognised in surplus/(deficit) for the year for the in surplus/(deficit) of amounts recognised Analysis cost service Employer costs Administrative income comprehensive of other Analysis (losses)/gains Actuarial Net interest cost Net interest Actuarial gain on assets gain Actuarial contributions Employer Change in scheme assets: in scheme Change end prior year at of assets value Fair expenses Administrative income Interest Scheme participants contributions on settlements distributed Assets scheme assets Benefits paid from end year current at on assets value Fair

Combined disclosures – Defined Benefit Schemes disclosures Combined statements. the financial in been recognised of UASLAS and SPF and have respect in measured were amounts The following 28.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoA NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 93 93 - - 94 301 546 486 847 2018 2015 4,376 £000 5,077 £000 (7,647) 135,291 (5,906) 189,455 (165,124) 185,449 (29,833) 102 412 756 644 1,718 (339) 2019 1,168 2016 3,723 £000 £000 5,290 (7,342) 18,408 150,748 185,449 (39,119) 207,009 (189,867) 2017 £000 166,768 (189,455) (22,687) 2018 £000 174,699 (10,750) (185,449) Principal Activity Principal company research Charitable Dormant Dormant Dormant 2019 £000 184,934 (22,075) (207,009)

Subsidiary undertakings Subsidiary

Pension schemes Pension - continued Lease obligations Lease

Rowett Research Institute Limited Institute Research Rowett Limited Services & Innovation Research University Aberdeen Limited Centre College King’s Limited Press University Aberdeen Company Scheme liabilities at current year end year current at Scheme liabilities Benefits paid from scheme assets scheme Benefits paid from Change in actuarial value of scheme liabilities: of scheme value in actuarial Change end prior year at Scheme liabilities Employer service cost service Employer cost Interest Scheme participants contributions changes on planned Loss on settlement extinguished Liabilities loss/(gain) Actuarial Deficit in the scheme Deficit in the Fair value of assets value Fair Deficit in the schemes: Deficit in the liabilities of scheme value Actuarial Total rentals payable under operating leases: under operating payable rentals Total Five-year history of assets and liabilities: of assets history Five-year

Payable during the year Payable due: payments minimum lease Future than one year later Not years than five later and not than one year Later 30. The subsidiary companies, all of which are registered in Scotland, and are wholly owned by the University are as follows; are the University by owned wholly and are in Scotland, registered of which are all companies, The subsidiary

28. 29. 94 2019 £000 5,000 17,687 25,595 62,428 108,137 100,000 University 2019 £000 5,000 19,656 62,452 25,595 108,137 100,000 Consolidated

Financial instruments Financial

Assets measured at fair value through income or expenditure income through value fair at measured Assets 14) (note assets - Amounts included in non-current 18) (note investments asset - Current 20) (note cost amortised at measured Loan commitments - Loans obligations lease - Finance Assets measured at cost less impairment (note 17) impairment (note less cost at measured Assets 19) (note cost amortised at measured loans) (excluding Liabilities The fair value of financial assets at fair value through income or expenditure, is determined by reference to their quoted bid price at the balance sheet date. at the balance bid price to their quoted reference by is determined expenditure, or income through value fair at assets of financial value The fair risk Credit credit The University’s to the University. loss in a financial resulting obligations on its contractual will default a counterparty the risk that to risk refers Credit of risk is a prime objective of credit Management customers. as organisations and commercial student debtors investments, bank balances, from risk arises sheet. in the balance asset financial of each value the carrying by is represented the maximum exposure 2019, At 31 July Policy. Management the Treasury by assigned ratings grade banks with investment are counterparties the because instruments is limited risk of liquid funds and financial The credit is exposure The credit regularly. monitored are of its counterparties ratings and the credit exposure The University’s agencies. credit-rating international Policy. Management the Treasury within set ratings party credit party limits and minimum counter counter by limited is deemed If a debtor uncertain. becomes if recovery is made debt provision basis and a bad on an on-going reviewed are debtors Student and commercial customer commercial student and both across customers number of diverse large to a due of risk is limited concentration The off. it is written irrecoverable populations. Liquidity risk of liquidity risk is an monitoring due. Regular fall as they obligations meet its financial to be able will not the University the risk that to Liquidity risk refers during the financial revised and are process planning form part of the University forecasts Cash flow activities. management of treasury feature essential and operating payroll core one month’s to equivalent balance cash an average maintain is to policy The University as required. made with re-forecasts year limits. Policy Management the Treasury whilst observing the return maximise to invested funds are Excess costs. respect of student in lease finance and facility loan the bank placement, by the private secured has been financing of the University The long-term 20. in note as detailed accommodation risk currency Foreign principal The University’s to the University. loss financial cause may rates in exchange movement unfavourable the risk that to risk refers currency Foreign liabilities any forecast for accounting basis and after on a monthly reviewed is holding of euros level The operating the euro. is to exposure currency foreign rates. spot at sterling into converted are this level above any surplus euros risk rate Interest or changes risk) (i.e. price sheet items of balance value of the in fluctuations will result rates in interest changes that the likelihood to risk refers rate Interest term. the over fixed are placement and private facility the loan both to attached rates The interest risk). (i.e. re-investments or expenses income in interest return of rates competitive a offer as these on-call 2019 are the 31st July at deposits cash of the University most environment rate interest the low Due to risk. re-investment limited have Such deposits liquidity. whilst offering values instruments – fair Financial sheet. in the balance value carrying the same as their instruments are financial of the University’s category of each values The fair

Risk management currency and foreign interest liquidity, the credit, managing for function which is responsible management treasury a centralised operates The University policy management treasury The policy. management treasury approved by the specified within the parameters managed risks are risk. financial These of Public Institute the Chartered by as issued in Public Service Management on Treasury of Practice of the Code recommendations key the adopts annually. and approved updated and is reviewed, (CIPFA) and Accountancy Finance to instruments is financial of these objective core The leases. and finance loans cash, investments, instruments are financial principal The University’s liabilities and assets other financial has the University Additionally, investment. capital and operations of the University’s meet the financing needs and creditors. debtors i.e. trade its operations from arising directly 31.

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTINUED - YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2019 UoA 95 37 Albyn Place Albyn KPMG LLP 1JB Street 37 Aberdeen AB10 Bothwell PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 7EQ Place 141 Glasgow G2 Albyn Bank of Scotland 1YN 39 Aberdeen House AB10 LLP and Wedderburn Shepherd 1XE Commercial Aberdeen Terrace 2 Rubislaw AB10 2DZ Place LLP (Until 30 April 2019) Ernst & Young Edinburgh Street 10 George EH2 Albyn 2019) 1 July KPMG LLP (From 1JB Street 37 Aberdeen AB10 Bothwell 2019) 1 July LLP (From PricewaterhouseCoopers 7EQ 141 Glasgow G2

– External Auditor PRINCIPAL PRINCIPAL – Internal Auditor Bankers Advisors Legal Advisors Taxation 96 Arts & Humanities Research Council Arts & Humanities Research Sports Village Aberdeen advancing to commitment and recognise encourage to Charter engineering, technology, in science, of women the careers education in higher employment and medicine (STEMM) maths and research. on the advice provides that of Court A committee for audit, financial procedures of the University’s effectiveness and provides and risk management, governance control, the to report annual its through areas key in these assurances Court. by which is approved Council, Funding Scottish – The CMI provides Mortality Investigation Continuous rate and independent mortality and sickness authoritative and pension funds. insurers UK life for tables that ranking Guide is a UK-based University The Complete and of teaching range a broad across UK universities assesses indicators. research (DLHE) Higher Education from of Leavers The Destinations discovering at aimed graduates of recent survey is an annual six months after do approximately on to gone have they what graduating. Council Research Sciences Engineering and Physical of accounting set – single Reporting Standard Financial (FRC) Reporting Council Financial the by developed standards UK GAAP. has replaced that on one employee by worked - the hours time equivalent Full the hours convert to is used a full-time basis. The concept worked the hours into part-time employees several by worked full-time employees. by Act 1858 and consists (Scotland) the Universities by Established staff. academic and certain of graduates and of governance on matters advise to of Court A committee on its behalf. governance of the University’s reviews conduct electronic unit (GPU) is a specialised processing A graphics memory to and alter manipulate rapidly designed to circuit intended buffer in a frame of images the creation accelerate in embedded used GPUs are device. a display output to for and workstations, computers, phones, personal mobile systems, at manipulating efficient very Modern GPUs are consoles. game processing. and image graphics computer GPU Processors Governance and Nominations Committee and Nominations Governance General Council General FTE FRS102 EPSRC DLHE Survey The Complete University Guide University The Complete CMI Pension Mortality projections CMI Pension Audit Committee Athena SWAN Athena SWAN ASV AHRC AHRC

GLOSSARY UoA GLOSSARY 97 Health Economics Research Unit – a health economics research research economics a health Unit – Research Economics Health inform to work methodological applied and delivers that centre policy. public health research to remit Unit – with a national Research Sciences Health in health capacity build and to care health provide to the best ways within Scotland. research services in Digital Research Intelligence Artificial for Centre The Industrial health intelligence artificial is Scotland’s (iCAIRD) Diagnostics diagnosis, patient better enable to promises which centre, research of AI on the application will focus iCAIRD and outcomes. treatment diagnosis enabling better and earlier ultimately diagnostics, in digital patients. for treatment efficient and more demonstrates that value – a measurable Indicators Performance Key objectives. key achieving is an organisation effectively how 150 to 13,000 people over welcomed that event organised University events. Council Research Medical strong uses that (MRI) is a type of scan imaging resonance Magnetic of the images detailed to produce waves radio and fields magnetic contains tube that is a large An MRI scanner inside of the body. lie inside the tube during the scan. Patients magnets. powerful mainly opinions, from gathers (NSS) Student Survey The National is It time in higher education. about their undergraduates, final-year about higher education of public information source an influential help shape to voice collective a powerful students and gives and current and their institution for of their course the future students. prospective Scheme (UK) Superannuation Service Health National to response sector’s Opportunity North East (ONE) is the private facing challenges economic long-term and serious the obvious and entrepreneurial has a strong, The region North East Scotland. oil. dependent on North Sea but is very economy, enterprising into 2014, has brought in late which began downturn, The price diversification and the need for of growth the issues sharp relief with like- Collaborating economy. in the regional and innovation and the partners other Enterprise, Scottish minded businesses, high- and accelerate ONE will develop community, international ten million over of £62 opportunities.impact With an investment and privately ONE is industry led Foundation, the Wood from years and working partnership catalyse to resources funded and will use and public the private funding from and matched win co-investment objectives. the Renaissance achieve to sectors regulator – independent Scottish Charity Regulator of the Office charities. of Scottish and registrar OSCR Opportunity North East (ONE) NHSSS National Student Survey (NSS) Student Survey National MRI Scanner MRC May Festival May KPIs iCAIRD HSRU HERU Standard Year of Birth mortality tables used for USS pension USS for used of Birth mortality tables Year Standard pensioners. Health on Normal based are Tables scheme. estate financial, academic, integrate to of Court A committee making, Court and policy advising planning and human resources the oversee and to objectives; strategic on long-term and Senate the University. of performance operational of a wide range capture to system web-based The University’s and promotes and activities impact outcomes, research-related the wider community. to excellence research the University’s and the pay to relating on matters advise to of Court A committee staff. of senior conditions in UK higher education of research the quality assessing for System institutions. and Sciences and Environmental Rural Government’s Scottish Division Services Analytical in risk management standards recognised globally to Conforms best practice. accepted and widely the SFC between relationship accountability Sets out the formal with which institutions are and institutions, and the requirements SFC. by of grant of payment in return comply to expected of which includes a goal within its membership, Court by Adopted of a minimum of representation female and maintaining achieving term. the longer 50% over achieve to with aspirations 25%, of teaching and superintendence the regulation for Responsible of research. the promotion and for (SIMD) identifies small Deprivation of Multiple Index The Scottish of Scotland all across deprivation of multiple concentrations area of policies and targeting effective It allows way. in a consistent account or take tackle or partly wholly the aim is to funding where to SIMD20 refers deprivation. of multiple concentrations of area in Scotland. zones data deprived the 20% most Fund Pension Strathclyde period. year the five priorities for Outlines the University’s Scheme Superannuation Teachers’ Scottish Guide 2019 Times Good University The Times and The Sunday first with an invaluable students and their parents provides It place. finding a university to point on the path reference all universities of full profiles contains Times Higher by rankings of university publication An annual (THE) magazine. Education THE World Rankings THE World Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019 Times Good University Sunday STSS Strategic Plan 2015-20 Plan Strategic SPF SIMD20 Senate Statement of Intent on Diversity of Intent Statement Scottish Funding Council (SFC)’s Financial Memorandum Financial (SFC)’s Council Funding Scottish Risk Management Framework Risk Management RESAS Research Excellence Framework (REF) Framework Excellence Research Remuneration Committee Remuneration PURE Policy and Resources Committee and Resources Policy Pension Mortality Tables - S1NA [“light”] YoB - S1NA [“light”] Mortality Tables Pension

GLOSSARY UoA 99 The Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings are global are Rankings Impact University Higher Education The Times the United against universities assess that tables performance Goals. Development Sustainable Nations’ Scheme Assurance & Life Superannuation of Aberdeen University UK- is a (UCAS) Service Admissions and Colleges The Universities application the operate to is main role whose organisation based British universities. for process (UCEA) Administration Educational for Council The University to committed institutions higher education of is a consortium for leaders of educational and practice the preparation advancing schools and children. the benefit of Principles Accounting Accepted UK Generally An independent and Innovation. Research Kingdom United organisations, research with universities, works that organisation the best possible create to charities and government businesses, and innovation. research for environment 2016 in October established was Centre The Oil & Gas Technology CityRegion with £180 million funding as part of the Aberdeen the UK from recovery economic help maximise is to Its goal Deal. chain in the North-East of anchor the supply shelf, continental in the region. of innovation a culture and create Scotland, is charged that body of the University governing The executive and of the revenue and management with the administration of the University. property Scheme Superannuation Universities’ USS University Court University University of Aberdeen Oil & Gas of Aberdeen University Centre Technology UKRI UK GAAP UCEA UCAS UASLAS Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings Impact University Education Times Higher 2019 Annual Report & Accounts www.abdn.ac.uk

Scottish Charity Number SC013683

MS: WLS0219