August 2006/34 (web only)
Policy development
Consultation

Responses should be sent to HEFCE by Friday 10 November 2006

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Review of performance indicators

Consultation to inform the review

This document seeks views and suggestions from institutions and other stakeholders on the usefulness and future development of the performance indicators for UK higher education. These will feed into a wide-ranging review of the indicators, to be undertaken by the Performance Indicators Steering Group.

Outcomes of the consultation

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To:	Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of SFC-funded higher education institutions Heads of HEFCW-funded higher education institutions Heads of higher education institutions in Northern Ireland
Of interest to those responsible for:	Management, Strategy, Planning, HESA data
Reference:	2006/34
Publication date:	August 2006
Enquiries to:	Judy Akinbolu e-mail j.akinbolu@hefce.ac.uk tel 0117 931 7110 John Duffy e-mail jduffy@sfc.ac.uk tel 0131 313 6658 Frances Good e-mail frances.good@hefcw.ac.uk tel 02920 682244 Alison Brown e-mail alison.brown@delni.gov.uk tel 02890 257613

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

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Contents

• Executive summary
• Development and purpose of the indicators
• Need for review of PIs
• Consultation
• Issues for consultation
•       Published indicators
•       Proposed indicators
•       Benchmarks
•       Transfer to HESA
• Responding to the consultation

Annexes

• Annex A   Terms of reference for the review of PIs
• Annex B   Current indicators
• Annex C   Proposed indicators
• Annex D   Adjusted sector benchmarks: rationale and methodology
• Annex E   Stakeholders (in addition to HEIs)
• Annex F   Membership of the PISG
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• Annex G   Response form (separate download on the web)

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Executive summary

Purpose

1.   This document seeks views and suggestions from institutions and other stakeholders on the usefulness and future development of the performance indicators (PIs) for UK higher education. These will feed into a wide-ranging review of the indicators, to be undertaken by the Performance Indicators Steering Group (PISG). Responses should be returned by 10 November 2006.

Key points

2.   The PISG's first report (HEFCE 99/11) was published seven years ago, recommending a number of performance indicators for the higher education sector. Since then there have been a number of developments in higher education that have affected the PIs, which have prompted this review.

3.   The review will consider how far the proposals made in that first report have been implemented; how useful the current indicators are to different audiences; and the requirements for any future indicators. The results will be published, and the objective is to produce a revised set of indicators that will satisfy the needs of key stakeholders in the current higher education environment.

4.   Current indicators cover four main areas: widening participation, progression and retention, research output, and employment outcomes. These indicators are published alongside benchmarks, designed to allow an institution to be compared with the sector. The benchmarks take account of some of the diversity in the HE sector, in particular the subject mix at an institution and the entry qualifications of its students.

5.   The PISG remains committed to publishing the PIs, and does not envisage making wholesale changes. However, it is also eager to obtain the views of, and suggestions from, stakeholders, and to bring these together into a set of recommendations which will be acted upon.

Action required

6.   Responses to the consultation should be made by 10 November 2006, using the form at Annex G or directly by e-mail or post. Responses should be returned to j.akinbolu@hefce.ac.uk, or Judy Akinbolu, Analytical Services Group, HEFCE, Northavon House, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QD.