Today, HEPI published its 77 page Response to the higher education green paper, suggesting that Government’s HE Green Paper does not build on existing institutional memory gained by experienced and committed individuals prominent in the HE sector. As such, the publication asks six authors with such expertise to comment on six main areas (teaching, research, regulation, consumerisation, new providers, and the students’ union) covered in the Green Paper.
The report opens with Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, stating that ‘…the higher education green paper…provides some old answers to the old questions’ rather than seek new and innovative answers to enduring issues. Hillman also proposes that much of the current HE situation is a result of party politics, austerity measures, and the high turnover to decision-makers who simply do not have the experience nor expertise.
Graham Gibbs discusses teaching in context of the TEF, and proposes that the current common metrics may not procure the data required to understand teaching excellence. He presents the complexities of assessing teaching quality, and comments on how different HE representatives have different preferred metrics.
Bahram Behkradia explores the research proposals within the Green Paper and points out that there are many areas left ignored, such as the relationship between teaching and research. He also points out the lack of historical awareness, which should be used to reflect on how to improve UK research.
Roger King discusses regulation, questioning the ability of the Office of Students replacement of HEFCE, and also standing up for QAA’s role in HE.
In terms of consumerisation and new providers, or what some might call the marketisation of HE, Gary Attle and Roxanne Stockwell individually discuss their views on the matter using past examples.
Lastly, Emma Sims discusses the importance and positive impact students’ unions have on the educational landscape, and how their work contributes towards improving democratic accountability and transparency. She suggests that the Green Paper overlooks the ‘breadth of activity that students’ unions do’ and that it falls short of truly supporting student unions despite the Government’s claim to put students central.