A DRAFT code of conduct for Scottish universities has "room for improvement" according to the chair of an influential review of governance in the sector.

Ferdinand von Prondzynski, the principal of Robert Gordon University, said the code would improve openness, transparency and best practice.

But he added: "It has not addressed some of the issues we raised, including the composition of governing bodies and gender balance, and the election of governing body chairs.

"These would in any case be more effectively implemented by legislation rather than a code of good governance, and I am still expecting the government to introduce a bill in due course that will cover such matters.

"There is probably room for some improvement to the draft code, but this can be achieved through the consultation process."

The comments came after the publication yesterday of the draft code, which was drawn up by a panel of experts chaired by Lord Smith of Kelvin.

The von Prondzynski review called for staff and student involvement in the appointment, appraisal and salary setting of principals.

It calls for the election of chairs of university governing bodies and more involvement of students, academics and trade unions.

The draft code agreed "both the appointment and the monitoring of performance of the principal shall include consultation with staff and student members of the governing body".

But it said principal pay must be decided by a remuneration committee with no mention of staff or students and it also ruled out the election of chairs of ruling courts and made no recommendations on the make-up of governing bodies.

In his preface to the report, Lord Smith of Kelvin said the code identified "important innovations" which would "enhance the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of university governance in Scotland".

He said: "We started from a strong position: much existing practice is fit for purpose. We have, however, gone significantly beyond this to set out a draft code which places Scotland in an internationally-leading position."

And Professor Pete Downes, principal of Dundee University, added: "The new code makes a significant number of stretching and progressive requirements that will make Scotland's universities even more transparent, inclusive and accountable."