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Circular letter number 14/2005
For further information contact Tracy Allan, tel 0117 931 7025, e-mail t.allan@hefce.ac.uk or Caroline Charlton, tel 0117 931 7318, e-mail c.charlton@hefce.ac.uk
Dear Vice-Chancellor or Principal
Evaluation of HEFCE's initiative for Rewarding and Developing Staff in HE
1. In 2000 we launched a significant new initiative in the sector for Rewarding and Developing Staff in HE (R&DS). Through this, by the end of 2006, we will have allocated some £888 million to English higher education institutions (HEIs). I am writing to bring you the outcomes of an evaluation of this initiative, undertaken on the Council's behalf by consultants KPMG. Their full report is available on the HEFCE web-site; a summary is attached as Annex A.
2. KPMG conclude that R&DS funds have enabled HEIs to accelerate the pace of change in transforming their management of human resources (HR). The funds have provided a stimulus to change, improved standards in fundamental HR management practices across the sector, and helped HEIs to address issues which they might otherwise have put off or given lower priority.
3. In addition, HE staff perceive a continuing change from 'transactional' to 'transformational' HR management. Many institutions have increased their HR management infrastructure and capability, providing an excellent foundation for future improvements. The initiative has contributed to an increased awareness of the contribution of good HR management to overall institutional success. From this, we can conclude that many institutions are now better placed to meet student needs and to recruit and retain high quality staff.
4. I congratulate the sector on its commitment and success in this area of strategic management, and commend this report to you.
Yours sincerely
Sir Howard Newby
Chief Executive
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Annex A
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