Executive summary
Purpose
1. In August 2008 we issued a consultation document (HEFCE 2008/28) proposing changes to the teaching funding method to improve our support for teaching enhancement and widening participation. This document summarises the outcomes of the consultation and actions taken.
Key points
2. In HEFCE 2008/28 we proposed to combine the funding for improving retention, the funding for learning, teaching and assessment strategies, and the funding for teaching informed and enriched by research, to create a new targeted allocation to support teaching enhancement and student success (TESS).
3. We also proposed to increase the funding for the widening access targeted allocation by transferring £30 million from the funding for improving retention; and to make changes to the weightings used in the formula for calculating the funding for widening access, in order to recognise the costs of working with schools and colleges in the most disadvantaged areas.
4. Proposals arising from this consultation were considered at the January HEFCE Board meeting. The resultant changes to the teaching funding method were incorporated into the HEFCE grant calculations from 2009-10, appear in the March 2009 provisional grant allocations, and are confirmed in the July funding agreements.
5. A sector impact assessment of our plans for the TESS allocation and the funding for widening access has also been published on our web-site.
6. This document summarises the consultation issues and responses which informed the decisions taken by the Board.
Action required
7. No action is required.
