ASRA News

Lynn's Blog: A Scotland Regional Recap!

Lynn Wingate

Lynn Wingate

ASRA Secretary

A Scotland Regional Recap!

The ASRA Scottish Regional Meeting, held at Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen on 21/11/24, provided attendees with a wealth of information and opportunities for engagement.

The day began with a warm welcome from RGU, complete with a fine selection of breakfast rolls, pastries, and refreshments. Attendees then received updates on several key topics, including the Scottish Government PBSA review, the ASRA Awards 2025, and as Sarah's tenure is finishing in April 2025, the role of an ASRA Regional Representative, and benefits of being the Scottish Rep.

As ASRA Secretary, I provided insights from the recent ASRA Executive Committee meeting, highlighting discussions around the upcoming conference (we have a packed programme and beautiful location so it promises to be a good one!), financial challenges in the HE sector, and the new ASRA website.

It was also great to be joined by Parcel Tracker, who showcased their innovative electronic parcel management system. Attendees even had the chance to experience the system firsthand.

RGU then provided a fascinating tour of their campus facilities, including The DART (Dynamic Advanced Response Training) simulation suite, a cutting-edge facility which provides realistic, virtual training for oil rig environments. We then toured The Clinical Skills Centre, designed for healthcare professionals, this centre offers a safe and realistic environment for practising clinical skills.

Following a delicious lunch, Claire Thornber from Addleshaw and Goddard delivered a comprehensive legal update, covering important topics such as the Renters Reform, Martyn’s Law, neurodiversity in accommodation and adaptations, and industry partnership investments in the HE sector.

The meeting concluded with a lively round table discussion, focusing on neurodiversity, care and support for students, changing semesters, and student allocation.

Overall, the ASRA Scottish Regional Meeting proved to be a great day, offering valuable insights, networking opportunities, and a glimpse into some the innovative work being done within the sector.

There are more regional events coming soon and I’d encourage all members to get involved, as they really are a valuable opportunity to learn and collaborate!

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