HE Policy Update

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UCU

UCU has confirmed that staff will strike on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 May, adding that if no agreement is reached in the coming weeks “members have agreed to target further strike action in June and July”. There is concern that the strikes will affect students over the exam period. University strike could threaten exams. (BBC News).

DHLE Consultation

HESA has released its consultation on the future of DLHE. The consultation is looking for feedback on high level principles regarding what information needs to be gathered about post study outcomes for those leaving higher education in future. It will focus on four key themes: future-proofing, efficiency, fit for purpose and supporting legislation. BU will be coordinating a response to the consultation.

 Resolution Foundation

The Resolution Foundation has published a report looking into improving career pathways for non-graduate careers. The report highlights that previous analysis and policy has focused on two groups – boosting high-level skills and improving the employment prospects of the least educated, whereas individuals in between those groups have been overlooked. You can view the report here.

 HEPI

HEPI has published a new report looking into why fewer men go to university than women, and why those who do attend, do not perform as well at university. The report makes several recommendations, including the suggestion of adopting a ‘Take Our Sons To University Day’ modelled on ‘Take Your Daughter To Work Day’. You can view the report here.

OFFA

OFFA has published their annual report on the outcomes of its access agreements in 2014/15. The report notes that while headway has been made to address under-representation among some groups, including students with a disability, more limited progress has been made in relation to part-time and mature students. You can view the report here.

NUS

Newcastle University Students’ Union has joined Lincoln in voting to disaffiliate from NUS. As at Lincoln, turnout was low, but the result was far more comprehensive in Newcastle with 67% voting to leave. Newcastle cut ties with the National Union of Students. (The Telegraph).

 HE White Paper

We are expecting the HE White Paper early next week. Wonkhe has published a blog outlining the ‘hopes and fears’ of the white paper which you can see here. The blog includes a comment from Jane Forster.

HEFCE

HEFCE has announced its preferred bidders for the new operating model for quality assessment in higher education in England.

  • Gateway into the higher education system (Lot 1): the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
  • Verification of a provider’s approach to its own review processes (Lot 2): the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
  • Support for governing bodies (Lot 3): the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education.
  • Unsatisfactory quality investigations (Lot 4): the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
  • Degree standards (Lot 5): the Higher Education Academy.
  • International activities (Lot 6): the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.

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