HEFCE achieves top rating for organisational excellence

11 June 2008

The European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) has awarded HEFCE the top score of five stars in its 'Recognised for Excellence' award. This prestigious award means HEFCE has been recognised as an organisation that uses good practice in all areas of its operations.

EFQM is a not-for-profit group with a mission to be the driving force for sustainable excellence in organisations in Europe. It defines 'excellent' organisations as those that strive to satisfy their stakeholders by what they achieve and how they achieve it.

To be 'recognised for excellence' HEFCE provided evidence on its aims and how its activities are soundly based, systematic and continuously reviewed and improved to deliver these aims.

Bill Rammell, Minister for Further and Higher Education, said:

'I am extremely pleased that HEFCE have been awarded five stars by the EFQM. This prestigious award is a credit to the hard work and professionalism HEFCE staff have demonstrated and recognises their excellent achievements over the years and the good practice they use across their organisation. This follows on from the good results of the recent MORI survey which found that the majority of respondents found HEFCE respected, approachable, efficient, in touch and transparent.'

Andre Haynes, Assessment Team Leader at EFQM, said:

'We are delighted that HEFCE achieved five stars in the Recognised for Excellence accreditation. It is an impressive, well managed organisation packed with enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. What this fine achievement demonstrates is the applicability of the excellence model to the higher education sector'.

Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said:

'Being awarded five stars is an outstanding achievement. It recognises what we have developed and achieved as an organisation over a number of years. We will now build on this success to maintain a record of continuous improvement'.

HEFCE committed to the EFQM's excellence model in the 1990s as a tool to support continuous organisational improvement. The assessment in May 2008 involved the development of a document of evidence and a week-long site visit by two independent assessors.

Page last updated 13 February 2012