Strategic review of sustainable development in higher education
In our first sustainable development strategy (HEFCE 2005/28) we committed to undertaking a light touch strategic review of activity relating to sustainable development in the sector.
The review aimed to:
- establish a baseline of sustainable development in the sector, against which we can measure progress and publicise what the sector is already doing
- learn from institutions' experience about the conditions for embedding sustainable development, including barriers and drivers
- identify key issues which present opportunities and challenges for the sector and investigate possible policy responses
- evaluate our approach and refine our priorities
- raise the profile of sustainable development in the sector.
A steering group, consisting of representatives from institutions and interested parties, directed the review. This group was chaired by Geoffrey Copland, formerly Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster. A larger advisory group was also set up to provide comments via correspondence. The research programme was undertaken by a consortium, led by the Policy Studies Institute. Other members of the consortium included the Centre for Research in Education and the Environment (CREE) at the University of Bath, and PA Consulting.
As part of the review we commissioned SQW to undertake a scoping study which helped inform the research programme.
The findings of the strategic review helped inform the development of our 2008 sustainable development strategy and action plan.
Last updated 3 February 2009