HE research ‘rarely informs administrators’ decisions’

This is as old as higher education. For a high relevant study and recommendations, see Harvey J. Graff, Reconstructing the " Uni-versity" (Bloomsbury, 2025)

here has been a significant scandal at De Montfort University (DMU) involving governance issues centered around Ian Squires, Chair of the Board of Governors, and Katie Normington, the Vice-Chancellor. The core of the controversy involves poor executive decisions and a call for mass resignations from the university's top leadership. Key issues include: 5 Votes of No Confidence against the Vice-Chancellor Katie Normington and the Executive Board passed by the University Professoriate, various staff bodies, and an open letter signed by over 770 students and alumni. The staff and student complaints focus on job cuts, over 400 redundancies planned at DMU Leicester, which are seen as putting student learning and staff wellbeing at serious risk. There is strong opposition to the university's investments outside Leicester, including campuses in Dubai and London, described as "vile" and damaging to the core local institution, as well as concerns about not consulting students or respecting staff rights. Transparency demands have been made about links between the university and its Student Union and direct calls for the resignation of Katie Normington, Ian Squires, and the entire Executive and Board of Governors. The governance failure is highlighted by leaked internal communications showing the governing board's confidence in the leadership despite ongoing crises and financial threats from a former partner in Dubai. The leadership culture and decisions by the Chair Ian Squires and Vice-Chancellor Katie Normington are seen as responsible for the university’s financial and reputational difficulties. Katie Normington was appointed Vice-Chancellor in January 2021, and Ian Squires is Chair of the Board of Governors. This scandal has culminated in widespread staff unrest, student protests, and demands for fundamental strategic changes at DMU

The reign of unchecked executive bodies at universities really needs to be a focal point for government. Because they really are unchecked. This is having dire consequences for students and for staff.