February 2003/04
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| To: | Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions |
| Of interest to those responsible for: | Student data, Audit, Finance, Staff data |
| Reference: | 2003/04 |
| Publication date: | February 2003 |
| Enquiries to: | For enquiries regarding the HESES comparison contact: Gemma Harper tel 0117 931 7373 Anthony Ryan tel 0117 931 7297 e-mail hesa_heses_stats@hefce.ac.uk For enquiries regarding the cost centre comparison contact: For enquiries regarding data used in funding allocations and 'golden hello' funds contact: For enquiries regarding the verification of data contact: |
Executive summary (read on-line)
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Please note that Annex E was amended on 29 April 2003.
Executive summary
Purpose
1. This document describes the monitoring process we will use when comparing returns made to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) with other returns made to the HEFCE.
2. This document is divided into five main parts:
- the comparison of the Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey (HESES) and HESA student data
- comparison of subject and cost centre allocations
- information on data used for funding allocations
- information on the 'golden hello' allocation
- verification of data for publication.
Key points
3. Where we identify significant differences in any of the comparisons, we will write to the institutions concerned by 7 February 2003 and ask for an explanation. We may audit institutions that are unable to explain adequately the reasons for discrepancies.
4. If we find, either through reconciliations with HESA data or any data audit, that institutions have received higher allocations than they should have done, the funding for those institutions will be reduced accordingly. Any funding adjustments following the reconciliation of HESA and HESES data for 2001-02 are likely to affect the funding previously announced for 2001-02, and be consolidated into revised funding levels for all subsequent years. The thresholds we set for determining whether we require a response from institutions should not be interpreted as being the minimum grant adjustments that we might effect. These are set out in HEFCE 01/33, 'Holdback of HEFCE grant 2001-02'.
Funding allocations
5. The data included in the re-creation of Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey 2001 (HESES01) from the HESA student record will form the basis for calculating allocations based on the following:
- the neighbourhood types of students
- age and entry qualification of students
- students receiving a disabled students' allowance.
6. HESA 2001-02 staff data will form the basis for calculating the 'golden hello' allocation. The details of the allocation method will be confirmed following consultation with institutions over the coming months.
7. These data will be used in the funding allocations for 2003-04.
Action required
Comparison of HESES and HESA student data
8. Where we require a response, an action plan should be sent to Ben Grassby detailing how the institution will reconcile the two data sources by 26 February 2003. The final deadline for receipt of amendments detailed in the action plan will not be later than 9 April 2003.
9. Where a response is required, guidance for submitting an action plan is included in Annex M.
Comparison of subject and cost centre allocations
10. Where we require a response it should be sent to Tracy Payne no later than 5 March 2003.
Funding allocations
11. If institutions wish to correct these data they must submit them to Richard Puttock by 25 April 2003.
Verification of data
12. If institutions are concerned about the suitability for publication of franchised, campus or distance learning data or for use in informing additional student number (ASN) bids, they should contact Lisa Readdy by 31 March 2003. Where a response is not received by this date we will assume institutions are content with their data.