If I am to believe your article, I work for a "failing" university that is on a "critical list". All because of some very specific adverse comments in a QAA review.
Recent reviews of engineering and environmental science gave the former two "commendables" and one "approved", and the latter four "commendables" and two "approved". Reviewers had "confidence" in the academic standards achieved. In environmental science we received an RAE score of 4, the best in Scotland and in the best half dozen in the UK. A "failing" university - I hardly think so.
John W. Palfreyman
Head of science and engineering
University of Abertay Dundee