Other USG support services

Additional teams that support the function of USG and information on where to find services previously provided by the Institute for Academic Development (IAD).

A view of staff working at their computers, in front of wallpaper showing trees and birds

Internal Audit provides essential assessment services to the University's Governing Body (Court), the Principal, and other senior management.

It offers objective evaluations of the adequacy and effectiveness of management's internal control systems. Covering all University activities except the academic process, Internal Audit’s scope includes all operations, resources, staff, services, and external responsibilities, ensuring comprehensive oversight and governance.


Information Compliance Services ensures the University's adherence to the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, Environmental Information (Scotland) Regulations 2004, and data protection legislation. 

The department coordinates responses to complex requests for information and provides direct guidance and training on compliance issues. This team works collaboratively with a number of University departments to manage and respond to information requests efficiently and effectively.


The USG Business Unit provides critical support to the University Secretary’s Group, focusing on strategic planning, budgeting, and HR and finance issues. 

The unit, led by the Head of USG Planning & Operations, facilitates smooth operational management within the University, ensuring effective support and strategic guidance across departments.

Melissa TurnerHead of USG Planning & Operationsmturner8@ed.ac.uk
Anda NicolsonProjects Officer & Policy Adviser to the Vice-Principal and University Secretaryanda.nicolson@ed.ac.uk
Ruth CooperPA to the Vice-Principal and University Secretaryruth.cooper@ed.ac.uk
Carol PowersManagement Support Officercarol.powers@ed.ac.uk
Rebecca CousinsInternal Communications Manager (Corporate Services Group & University Secretary’s Group)rcousins@ed.ac.uk

Contact us through an online sign language interpreter

British Sign Language (BSL) users can contact the University of Edinburgh via Contact Scotland BSL, the online British Sign Language video relay interpreting service.

Find out more on the Contact Scotland BSL website



The Institute for Academic Development (IAD) supported teaching, learning and researcher development across the University from AY 2010-11 to AY 2025-26. From AY 2026-27, this provision for staff and students is now located in three other areas of the University. 

Student and staff (academic and researcher) development remain essential to the success of the University and our community. The University continues to provide central development support for all students, for staff who teach and support teaching, for doctoral supervisors and examiners and for all researchers. 

The activity is now consolidated into three main areas and has been relocated:

Academic Skills: Student facing support for academic study skills for undergraduate students and postgraduate taught students, has moved to Careers, Skills and Student Development.  

Academic skills for undergraduate and taught postgraduate students 

Postgraduate Researcher development: Student facing support for PGR skills development, has moved to Careers, Skills and Student Development.

Postgraduate researcher skills and careers development site 

Academic Development for staff who teach and support teaching (including those who undertake PGR supervision and examination) has moved to Academic Quality and Standards (Registry Services)

Academic Development team 

Researcher Development for staff has moved to the Edinburgh Research Office.

Researcher Development team

Related links

University staff can find out more about the change to the prior IAD on the University Finances SharePoint: Changes to IAD (EASE log in required)


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