Independent review of HEFCE’s efficiency

In 2010 an independent group chaired by Dame Sandra Burslem reviewed HEFCE's efficiency and effectiveness, including in the areas of policy development and advice to others, policy implementation, accountability for public funding and promotion of best practice within HEIs.

The review was informed by research carried out by Oakleigh Consulting.

Read 'Independent Review Group review of the effectiveness and efficiency of HEFCE: final report' (HEFCE 2010/07)

The Burslem Review group endorsed the findings of the Oakleigh research which concluded that HEFCE provides good value for money to the taxpayer. HEFCE was found to be efficient both in the use of its own resources and in the processes it administers for funding universities and colleges. HEFCE was also found to be effective in delivering its core functions.

Sector impact assessment

Before the review we formally assessed the impact that the review was likely to have on the HE sector in terms of regulatory burden, equality and diversity, and sustainable development. This sector impact assessment is available to download below.

Sector impact assessment of HEFCE review

Download the Efficiency Review SIA as PDF (33 KB) | Download the Efficiency review SIA as MS Word (102 KB)

Implementation of the Burslem Review recommendations

A year after publication of the Burslem report we summarised the HEFCE management response to recommendations, and progress in implementing the recommendations. The report included five other desirable actions, and we also report on progress against these.