Posts By: jforster

HE policy update w/e 24th March 2017

Dear all Higher Education and Research Bill – the third reading of the Bill in the House of Lords was scheduled for Wednesday and was about to start when the attack took place in Westminster, so the session was cancelled. It has now been rescheduled for Tuesday 4th April.  The current version of the bill… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 24th March 2017

HE policy update for the w/e 17th March 2017

Brexit: Research Professional illustrates the Brexit threats to research positioning and job losses by highlighting the difficulties facing an EU astronomy consortium. The consortium represents seven countries, led by the UK, but will move headquarters to an EU member state from January 2021. The move means the UK will lose the project’s leadership and the… Read more » about HE policy update for the w/e 17th March 2017

HE policy blog w/e 10th March 2017

Budget: There was very little about HE in the budget this time, as expected, apart from the announcement of the outcomes of the consultations on PG doctoral loans and part-time maintenance loans (see below). The announcement of a £300m fund for brightest and best research talent, including for 1,000 new PhD places and fellowships focused… Read more » about HE policy blog w/e 10th March 2017

What next for the Teaching Excellence Framework?

Those of you watching progress of the Higher Education and Research Bill through the Lords – and not distracted by the Article 50 Bill – will have seen the amendments this week which have the potential to transform the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) – if they survive the next stages. Our Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Vinney… Read more » about What next for the Teaching Excellence Framework?

HE policy update w/e 3rd March 2017

Industrial Strategy The Government launched the Industrial Strategy Green Paper and consultation at the end of January. The paper focuses on improving Britain’s innovation and productivity in key areas alongside upskilling the workforce to become world leading. The government suggest a number sectors to support: clean energy robotics healthcare space technology quantum technology advanced computing… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 3rd March 2017

HE policy update for the w/e 24th February 2017

Jo Johnson spoke at a UUK conference today and made a number of important announcements: New government amendments to the Higher Education and Research Bill. The detailed amendments have not yet been published but a Department for Education factsheet has been provided. The government amendments have been welcomed so far. See the Latest set of… Read more » about HE policy update for the w/e 24th February 2017

HE policy update w/e 10th February 2017

The Chair for the Office for Students (OfS) has been confirmed as Sir Michael Barber, Wonkhe profile his career here. Recruitment for the OfS Chief Executive is underway. Higher Education and Research Bill– amendments are being submitted for the House of Lords report stage. One focusses on students and academic staff at HE providers stating… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 10th February 2017

HE Policy update w/e 3rd February 2017

Higher Education and Research Bill – the House of Lords committee stage has finished with no further amendments (other than non-controversial and welcome government amendments). Unlike in the House of Commons, where time was more limited and there was a great deal of focus on the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), student loans, the impact of… Read more » about HE Policy update w/e 3rd February 2017

HE policy updated 27th January 2017

Industrial Strategy Green Paper The Government launched the Industrial Strategy Green Paper and consultation this week. The paper focuses on improving Britain’s innovation and productivity in key areas alongside upskilling the workforce to become world leading. The government suggest a number of areas of industry specialism that should be supported: clean energy robotics healthcare space… Read more » about HE policy updated 27th January 2017

HE policy update w/e 20th January 2017

Higher Education and Research Bill – the Bill continues its committee stage in the Lords, with long and lively debates. Only government amendments have been approved so far, apart from last week’s amendment to clause 1. The list of amendments has continued to grow in the meantime, there is a genuine risk that they may… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 20th January 2017