University of Paisley Risk Report

🛡️ Financial & Liquidity

The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is facing severe financial challenges, highlighted by plans to reduce costs by £6.2 million amidst job cuts and administrative scrutiny. Despite these financial hurdles, the leadership remains under pressure to stabilize the situation.

• UWS announced plans to cut jobs to save £6.2 million 🗓 May 23, 2025.
• Head of UWS faced criticism for a luxury trip amid financial strains 🗓 May 11, 2025.
• A no-confidence vote was proposed against the head of the financially troubled university due to excessive travel expenses 🗓 May 18, 2025.

⚖️ Legal & Regulatory

The institution is under potential legal and regulatory scrutiny due to impending labor actions and financial decisions.

• Lecturers moved closer to a strike vote amid disputes over financial management 🗓 May 16, 2025.
• Further balloting on strike action was initiated due to handling of financial cuts 🗓 April 24, 2025.

👥 Labor & Workforce

UWS is encountering significant labor challenges. Amid efforts to manage costs, job reductions and labor disputes are central issues leading to potential strikes and workforce unrest.

• UWS is planning to lay off 75 jobs, affecting staff morale 🗓 May 23, 2025.
• Lecturers at UWS were balloted on potential strike action due to job cuts 🗓 May 8, 2025.
• Support staff at UWS also faced potential strikes due to workforce decisions 🗓 June 26, 2025.

🏗️ Operational & Business Continuity

UWS is confronting operational disruptions, primarily due to cyberattacks which have further complicated their financial recovery efforts.

• A cyberattack exacerbated the financial and operational crisis at UWS, impacting their recovery strategies 🗓 January 5, 2025.