Message from Alan Langlands, Chief Executive (May 2012)

04 May 2012

Welcome to the new HEFCE web-site. We have designed the site to make it easier to navigate, and welcome your comments.

The past month has seen a number of important developments.  Last week, HEFCE received confirmation of the Government’s policy on student number controls for 2013-14. We are now working on the detail of implementation, and we will contact institutions soon to set out next steps.  

Work has continued on the project to map the current funding and regulatory system for higher education.  A report commissioned by the Interim Regulatory Partnership Group (IRPG), which is jointly chaired by HEFCE and the Student Loans Company, was presented to the Group at the end of March.  The report has identified a number of opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the system, and members of the Group will be meeting with Government to discuss next steps. Learn more about IRPG

HEFCE held an introductory event for those further education colleges who were awarded student numbers for 2012-13 in the core and margin exercise.  Delegates said that they found it helpful, and we look forward to working with them. View presentations from the FECs event

The Royal College of Music provided a unique and impressive setting for this year’s HEFCE Annual Conference on 18 April.  Delegates heard from a range of speakers, including David Willetts MP, Professor Lord Robert Winston and Liam Burns.  The theme of the conference – the appropriate balance of funding between the state and individual graduates – generated a great deal of discussion among participants. Annual conference speeches, slides and commentary

Look out early next month for HEFCE’s consultation on a more risk-based approach to quality assurance in higher education in England.  The proposed approach builds on the existing emphasis on student engagement and enhancement activity.  We are keen to hear your views.

Page last updated 4 May 2012