Working with universities and colleges

HEFCE funds higher education, research and related activities in English higher education institutions and further education colleges as follows:

130 higher education institutions (including University Campus Suffolk, a connected institution of the Universities of East Anglia and Essex)
122 directly funded further education colleges.

(Figures correct at October 2011.)

Our primary function in relation to these institutions is providing funding, but it is not a one-way relationship. We have an ongoing dialogue with universities and colleges which informs the advice that we give to Government on higher education policy. We also ensure they understand and implement government policies, once decided.

We do this both directly, through three institutional teams who work closely with individual higher education providers, and indirectly through other organisations that help us achieve our aims, often with funding from us (our related bodies).

We also work with higher education representative bodies:

Association of Colleges
Council of Church Universities and Colleges (Cathedrals Group)
GuildHE
Higher Education Wales
International Alliance of Research Universities
million+
Russell Group
1994 Group
UKADIA - UK Arts & Design Institutions Association
Universitas 21
Universities UK
Universities Scotland
University Alliance
Worldwide Universities Network.

The Universities and Colleges Employers Association is also a key stakeholder.

Higher education regional associations

Most of our funding for teaching and research is distributed using national methods. However, we also work with regional stakeholders to help institutions meet the needs of their local students, economy and civil society. This also contributes directly to HEFCE's national strategy.

In particular we contribute funding to the regional associations in England that foster collaboration between HEIs and build partnerships between higher education and other local organisations.

Page last updated 4 January 2012