Glasgow Caledonian 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ has left Million+, which represents newer universities, to become the first Scottish member of the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Alliance.

Pamela Gillies, vice-chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian, said the institution was joining the alliance, which represents ¡°major business-focused universities¡±, at a time when ¡°our collective impact is crucial¡±.

¡°The ethos and values of our fellow members match our own¡­we deliver access with excellence, and we believe our mission and ambitions are closely aligned to those of our fellow members in the alliance,¡± she said.

Glasgow Caledonian is the 23rd member of the organisation, joining the 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ of Gloucestershire, Liverpool John Moores 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ and Manchester Metropolitan 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, among others.

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Janet Beer, alliance chair and vice-chancellor of Oxford Brookes 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ, said: ¡°This is an important time for higher education and we are proud to be representing universities with world-leading research, strong links with new industries and a confident, businesslike approach.

¡°As a major voice in the sector, 51¹ú²úÊÓƵ Alliance is in an excellent position to influence decisions that will shape the future of higher education in the UK.¡±

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A spokeswoman for Million+ said: ¡°We very much appreciate the support of Glasgow Caledonian in the past for our work as a university think tank. It¡¯s entirely a decision for the university that it has chosen to join a group with more of a mission focus.¡±

She added: ¡°At a time of a reduction in spending on higher education, Million+ will continue to make the case for investment in teaching and research for all institutions across the UK.¡±

melanie.newman@tsleducation.com