Report 00/57

A report to the HEFCE by RSM Robson Rhodes

The use of recommended practice guidelines on related companies

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Definitions
1	Introduction
2	Principal findings and issues for consideration
3	Analysis of survey results
Appendices
I	List of respondents
II	List of site visits
III	List of telephone interviews
IV	Questionnaire Part A - Summary of findings
V	Questionnaire Part B - Summary of findings

Background

The activities of related companies are increasingly important within the higher education sector. In particular, with the current emphasis on collaboration and public and private partnerships, joint ventures are becoming even more significant.

Following a report by the National Audit Office in 1994, the HEFCE commissioned RSM Robson Rhodes to carry out a review of the activities of related companies and joint ventures within the higher education sector. In March 1996 a report was issued jointly by HEFCE and RSM Robson Rhodes, together with the Guidelines which incorporated checklists of recommended practice. Copies of these Guidelines were issued to all institutions.

As part of the original study, the HEFCE agreed to follow up the initial report and review the value and effectiveness of the Guidelines. In February 1999 it commissioned RSM Robson Rhodes to carry out this follow-up study.

Objectives

The objectives of this follow-up review, agreed with HEFCE, are to:

determine the value to institutions of the Guidelines and the extent to which the Guidelines have been adopted;
determine how the Guidelines could be improved to add further value to institutions;
identify the nature and extent of related companies and joint ventures as at 31 July 1998.