Scotland’s new commissioner for fair access says there should be a “mature conversation” about how to meet the government-set target on increasing the number of deprived students in universities, warning that the target “can’t become a burden” and that “there is a debate to be had” on its metrics.
Following his appointment by the Scottish government in December, John McKendrick will continue to work as professor of social justice at Glasgow Caledonian University. He is also a former grade one football referee who took charge of games in the Scottish Premiership.
“My top priority is to listen,” Professor McKendrick told Times Higher Education of his initial focus after succeeding Sir Peter Scott in the access post. “I’ve never been as popular in my life,” added the co-director of GCU’s Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit on the flurry of emails coming from the sector.
Indeed, he has not had so many people get in touch with him “since I made a very controversial decision [in a match] at Greenock Morton a few years ago and had about 30 Facebook friend requests that evening when I arrived home. Although this is a much nicer set of requests.”
