February 2004/10
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HESA 2002-03 derived statistics for the monitoring and allocation of funding

This document describes the process we will use when reconciling 2002-03 data returns made to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) with other returns made to us. Where we identify significant differences, we will write to the institutions concerned. This report also describes how we will use HESA data to inform teaching and widening access and improving retention (WAIR) funding allocations

Table of contents and executive summary (read on-line)

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Annex D : This replaces Annex D in the main document. (revised 6 May 2004)

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Table of contents

Executive summary

Introduction

Annexes

Annex A    Summary of changes since HESA 2001-02 derived statistics (HEFCE 2003/04)
Annex B    Comparison of HESES02 and HESA student data
Annex C    HESA data used to inform the 2004-05 teaching funding allocation
Annex D    HESA data used to inform 2004-05 WAIR funding allocations
Annex E    Comparison of RAS02 and HESA student data
Annex F    Comparison of cost centre assignments against the sector norms for subjects
Annex G    HESA data used to generate research degree rates of qualification
Annex H    HESA data used in HEFCE publications
Annex I    Obtaining data from the HEFCE web-site
Annex J    Guidance for action and implementation plans
Annex K    Submitting amendments to HESA data
Annex L    List of abbreviations

Appendices (available on the web)

Appendix 1    Problems of fit with the HESES02 re-creation algorithms
Appendix 2    HESES02 re-creation algorithms
Appendix 3    Troubleshooting the comparison of HESES02 and HESA data
Appendix 4    Algorithms used to generate HESA data to inform the 2004 05 teaching funding allocation
Appendix 5    Algorithms used to generate HESA data to inform 2004 05 WAIR funding allocations
Appendix 6    Problems of fit with the RAS02 re-creation algorithms
Appendix 7    RAS02 re-creation algorithms
Appendix 8    Troubleshooting the comparison of RAS02 and HESA data
Appendix 9    Algorithms used to generate HESES02 based on cost centre norms
Appendix 10    Algorithms used to generate research degree rates of qualification
Appendix 11    Algorithms used to generate HESA data used in HEFCE publications

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 returns made to the HEFCE, and our likely methods for using HESA data to inform funding for 2004-05.

2.    This document is divided into the following sections:

1. The comparison of Higher Education Students Early Statistics Survey 2002-03 (HESES02) and HESA 2002-03 student data.

2. The use of HESA 2002-03 student data to inform the mainstream teaching funding allocation for 2004-05.

3. The use of HESA student data to inform the widening access and improving retention (WAIR) funding allocations for 2004-05.

4. The comparison of Research Activity Survey 2002 (RAS02) and HESA 2002-03 student data.

5. The comparison of cost centre assignments against the sector norms for subjects.

6. The use of HESA 2002-03 student data to monitor achievement against threshold standards for research degree programmes.

7. The use of HESA student data in HEFCE statistical publications.

Key points

Funding monitoring

3.    Our funding allocations are informed by the data provided by institutions. If we find, either through reconciliations with HESA data, or any data audit, that erroneous data have resulted in institutions receiving incorrect funding allocations, then we will adjust their funding accordingly (subject to the appeals process and the availability of funds). Any funding adjustments arising from the reconciliation of HESA 2002-03 student data with either HESES02 or the comparison of cost centre assignments against the sector norms for subjects (a HESES02 re creation based on cost centre norms), are likely to affect the funding previously announced for 2002-03 and all subsequent years. Any funding adjustments arising from the reconciliation of HESA 2002-03 student data with RAS02 are likely to affect the funding previously announced for 2003-04.

Funding allocations

4.    HESA 2002-03 student data will be used to assign computer software engineering student numbers reported in Higher Education Early Statistics Survey 2003-04 (HESES03) to price group C for the mainstream teaching funding allocation for 2004 05.

5.    HESA 2002-03 student data will be used to inform the following widening access funding allocations for 2004 05:

• widening access for full-time and part-time students
• widening access for disabled students.

The improving retention allocations, based upon entry qualifications and age, will continue to be informed by HESA 2001-02 student data.

Annexes and appendices

6.    The annexes to this publication describe how we will use HESA data to monitor and allocate funding for higher education institutions. Appendices to this publication contain technical descriptions of the algorithms we use to monitor and allocate funding. The appendices are web-only and accompany this publication on the HEFCE web-site under Publications.

7.    The timetable for responses is given in paragraph 70.

Action required

Funding monitoring

8.    We will write to heads of institutions, copied to HESES and RAS contacts, by 9 February 2004 indicating whether a response is required.

9.    Where we require a response, action and implementation plan(s) should be sent by 4 March 2004 to Ben Grassby. The final deadline for receipt of amendments by HEFCE to HESA data is 16 April 2004.

Funding allocations

10.    If institutions wish to correct their HESA 2002 03 student data used to inform the teaching and widening access allocations they should submit amendments by 3 May 2004 to Ben Grassby. As we intend to use HESA 2001-02 data to inform the improving retention allocation, and institutions have already had the opportunity to check these data as part of last year's exercise, there will be no further opportunity to amend these data.

HESA data for verification and publication

11.    If institutions wish to correct HESA data that will be used to monitor achievement against threshold standards for research degree programmes they should submit amendments by 20 May 2004 to Ben Grassby.

12.    If institutions wish to correct HESA data that will be used in HEFCE statistical publications they should submit amendments by 3 May 2004 to Lisa Readdy. We will assume institutions are content for their HESA data to be published if they do not submit amendments before this date.