May 2003/21
Core funding/operations
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ISR 2001-02 derived statistics for funding allocations and monitoring in FECs

This document describes the monitoring process we will use when comparing returns made to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) with other returns made to HEFCE. Where we identify significant differences between ISR23 data and HEIFES01, we will write to the further education colleges (FECs) concerned by 21 May 2003. This report also describes how we will use ISR data to inform funding allocations.

Executive summary (read on-line)

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Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document describes the monitoring process we will use when comparing returns made to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) with other returns made to HEFCE.

2. The data included in the re-creation of the Higher Education in Further Education: Students survey 2001-02 (HEIFES01) from the LSC's July 2001-02 individualised student record (ISR23) will form the basis of calculating the allocations based on the following:

• the neighbourhood types of students
  
  
• students receiving a disabled students' allowance
  
  
• age and entry qualifications.
  
  

These data will be used in the funding allocations for 2003-04.

Key points

3. Where we identify significant differences in the comparison of ISR23 data with HEIFES01, we will write to the institutions concerned by 21 May 2003 and ask for an explanation. We may audit institutions that are unable to explain adequately the reasons for any differences between the two data returns.

4. If we find, either through the reconciliation with ISR 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 ISR and HEIFES 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'.

Action required

5. Where we require a response, an action plan should be sent to Adam Hatton detailing how the institution will reconcile the two data sources by 11 June 2003. The final deadline for receipt of amendments detailed in the action plan will not be later than 2 July 2003.

6. Where a response is required, guidance for submitting an action plan is given in Annex H.

Verification of data

7. If institutions are concerned about the suitability of provision by location data for publication or for use in informing additional student number (ASN) bids, they should contact Lisa Readdy by 13 June 2003. Where a response is not received by this date we will assume institutions are content with their data.