Embedding excellence through fusion of education, research and professional practice
NSS results HEFCE published the NSS results last week. In their press release they highlight the changes to the survey and the fact that the responses are not comparable with previous years – there were 10 new questions and wording changes to 9 questions. The NUS boycott linked to the TEF affected 12 institutions who… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 11th August 2017
Migration & Brexit – the big news this week was the announcement on Thursday that there would be a major study of EU workers and the role that they play in the UK economy and society. This has been welcomed although there has been criticism of the timing (it should have been started before and… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 28th July 2017
REF 2021 and outcome of Stern Review – staff selection A blog from David Sweeney on Wonkhe sets out the approach to staff selection post Stern. At BU we wanted all staff to be returned to avoid pressure on the sector to shift staff to teaching only contracts. The new definition will be “all staff with… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 21st July 2017
Learning gain pilot projects – HEFCE published the first annual report looking at the 13 pilot projects that are looking at how to measure learning gain and the value of the data that such measurements will produce. The final reports won’t be for a while – and then it will be interesting to see what… Read more » about HE Policy Update w/e 14th July 2017
Office for Students Nicola Dandridge (currently Chief Executive of Universities UK) has been appointed as the Chief Executive of the Office for Students (OfS). Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Education, said: “Nicola Dandridge’s knowledge and experience will be key for this important role…The OfS will replace an outdated regulatory system with a framework that… Read more » about HE Policy Update w/e 7th July 2017
Higher Education and Research Act 2017 – the final text has now been published online and in a pdf version. The next step will be implementation of the many changes in the Act, which cannot move on substantially until after the election – and of course in the unlikely event of a Labour victory, implementation… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 12th May 2017
General Election The Prime Minister, Theresa May, used her dissolution speech to focus on the challenge of Brexit in the face of hard lining from Brussels. The release dates of the parties’ manifestos have not been officially announced, however they are expected: Conservatives – during week commencing 8 May Labour – Monday 15 May Lib… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 5th May
Higher Education and Research Bill: the Bill passed its third reading in the House of Lords this week with little fanfare. An amendment relating to the ‘transparency duty’ (publishing further information on applicants’ backgrounds for better WP policy targeting and transparent admissions) was moved but withdrawn. This followed reassurance from the government that they will… Read more » about HE policy update w/e 7th April 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
