SOAS under “enhanced monitoring” owing to finances

Research Professional has obtained the names of seven universities currently subject to “enhanced monitoring” by Office for Students.

The list includes SOAS. In December I was asked by SOAS UCU to review the institution’s finances. I was greatly concerned by the cashflow projections and by the plan to shrink the School over the next few years. 

The Independent summarises the SOAS situation. OfS is primarily concerned about “weak operating cashflow”.

Minutes from a November meeting of its board of trustees show the university is now required to “notify the OfS immediately of any material change in the school’s projected financial performance or position”.

SOAS said the “external environment for UK higher education institutions is a challenging one, especially for relatively small and specialist institutions”.

“In line with our forecasts, we reported an overall deficit of £1.2 million for 2017-18. As our staff and students know, we are taking action to reduce costs and grow income, while protecting the student experience,” a spokeswoman added