Executive summary
Purpose
1. This document describes the process for submitting a proposal for a new higher education (HE) centre or university campus.
Key points
2. Last year, we consulted on the approach we proposed to take to support the development of new HE centres or university campuses. This was done in the light of the Government's policy framework set out in 'A new "University Challenge"' (March 2008). Overall, there was strong support for our general approach, although there were some useful comments which we have taken into account in preparing this document.
3. Proposals will be considered in two stages. The first will be a statement of intent and the second will be the full business case, which will go through the existing process operated for the Strategic Development Fund.
4. Proposals need to:
- address HEFCE priorities
- address the specified criteria
- assemble the evidence.
5. HEFCE priorities are:
- increasing higher-level skills, particularly for those with no previous experience of HE
- the creation of a highly skilled workforce, with relevant skills for the local business community
- supporting appropriate progression arrangements
- supporting sustainable demand for studying.
6. The criteria address:
- collaboration between higher education institutions (HEIs) and between HEIs and further education colleges
- strong, coherent support from local partners
- long-term and sustainable planning
- management capacity.
7. HEFCE would not expect to be the sole funder of large capital projects. The decisions of other funders to invest in a new HE centre will reflect the economic, planning and social benefits reflected in the Government's overall criteria1.
8. Assembling evidence for a new HE centre will involve using the common evidence base for measuring local provision, combined with other local evidence of demand.
Action required
9. Partnerships interested in developing an HE centre or new university campus should provide a statement of intent to HEFCE, submitted through the lead HEI to the appropriate institutional team. Statements of intent are welcome at any time. Those received by 30 June 2009 will receive feedback in August. Those received by 5 December 2009 will receive feedback in January 2010.
10. Where we agree that the statement of intent provides sufficient evidence for the proposal to be taken forward to the second stage, the full business case should be prepared in consultation with the institutional team.
Note
1. The Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills publication 'A new "University Challenge": unlocking Britain's talent' can be read at www.dius.gov.uk under Policy/Higher Education.
