Education

The aims, opportunities and vision of organisations in the education sector are unique. Educational institutions are also impacted by the political, legal and commercial environments that they operate in, so they need wide-ranging and relevant advice based on an understanding of their individual needs.

Scotland’s universities, colleges and schools have been turning to us for legal guidance for over 40 years. The members of our multi-disciplinary education team combine their expertise in the sector with other education-related matters, including finance and governance, academic and disciplinary appeals and employment issues, intellectual property and spin out companies, estates and construction, guidance on policy issues, strategy and political considerations and regulatory compliance covering areas such as freedom of information, data protection and equality issues; and student affairs.

Our in-depth involvement in the education sector arms us with a profound understanding of the issues and challenges which can arise within it, enabling us to give practical and relevant advice across the whole sector.

In 2013 Thorntons were appointed by the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC) for all five of its legal services lots. We are one of only two legal firms in Scotland to be appointed in all five service lots. APUC works with all education institutions on procurement activity to ensure value for money and a high quality service for education establishments in Scotland.

We can advise you on:

• Governance
• Compliance
• FOI/Data protection
• Student support services
• Commercialisation/Spin-out
• Knowledge transfer partnerships
• Research agreements
• Charitable status
• Disciplinary matters
• Employment law
• Disability discrimination
• Property and estates