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16 December 2003

HEFCE launches new fund to develop leadership, governance and management in higher education

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has today published proposals to allocate £10 million over three years towards funding projects which will encourage and showcase good leadership, governance and management (LGM) practice in the higher education (HE) sector.

Launched at the HEFCE Good Management Practice Conference, the consultation invites the views of higher education institutions and further education colleges on the proposed aims of the fund and how it will operate.

The aims of the fund would be to:

  • provide esteem and recognition for leadership, governance and management
  • encourage the development and embedding of recognised good practice in these areas, particularly involving collaboration, and its dissemination across the sector
  • provide measurable change in, and impact on, the quality of leadership, governance and management and organisational performance
  • seek and sustain value for money
  • release the potential of the sector by funding responsively
  • fund strategic national projects.

Speaking at the Good Management Practice Conference, Sir Howard Newby, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said:

'It is essential that higher education institutions enhance their capacity in leadership, governance and management, and equip themselves to respond to challenges posed by a more competitive national and international marketplace as well as changes in the policy environment.

'By showcasing good practice within the sector and its commitment to continuous improvement, the fund will reassure stakeholders of the sector's commitment to the highest standards of leadership, governance and management.'

The LGM fund will replace the Fund for the Development of Good Management Practice programme and the Value for Money initiative.

From August 2004, funds will be available to support projects with wide potential for investment, ranging from people to property, money, organisation, governance and IT.

A two-stage application process, with a fast-track process for funding bids of less than £75,000, is proposed. This process is intended to be 'light touch', straightforward and transparent, with the sector encouraged to bring forward proposals at any time.

Notes

1.    'Leadership, Governance and Management Fund: Consultation' (HEFCE 2003/55) is available on the HEFCE web-site.

2.    The HEFCE web-site contains further information on the Good Management Practice (GMP) programme.