Policy work

Policies are developed by policy teams working in partnership with the sector and Government, informed by expert advice, consultation, and research and evaluation conducted both in-house and by external partners. New or updated policies are approved by the Board.

Our policy teams cover:

The Research Excellence Framework team, which is supported by all four UK higher education funding bodies, is also based within HEFCE’s Bristol office.

As part of our development work on any policy, project or initiative, we carry out a sector impact assessment to anticipate the likely impact of our work in the areas of regulatory burden, equality and diversity and sustainable development.

Once policies are agreed, our institutional teams support higher education providers in implementing them.

Consulting others on our policies

We routinely consult the higher education sector and other organisations when developing and deciding our policies. When making a significant policy decision we carry out a formal consultation. These consultation exercises are based around a consultation document.

Sector impact assessments may also involve informal consultation.

The consultation process is designed to ensure that conclusions drawn about the views of stakeholders are reliable.

Responses may be disclosed on request under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act.

Our commitments regarding consultations

Page last updated 6 January 2012