Category / policy

This part of the blog features news and information about higher education policy and how BU’s research is influencing policy.

HE policy update for the w/e 24th March 2022

The last couple of weeks have exploded with news –legislation, scrutiny, and government departmental jiggling continues. Several research reports of note have been published alongside a deluge of updates on key research topics. The OfS continues to be examined by the Lords, the Budget was announced, there’s been excitement over apprenticeships and T level changes…. Read more »

Updated Intention to Bid form – March 2023

Since the introduction of the new electronic ITB form on 24 January 2022, there have been incremental updates and the current e-ITB form is now available. The e-ITB form continues to give a better user experience, creates a more efficient administrative control process for Research Development and Support (RDS) and provides accurate reporting outcomes for… Read more »

HE Policy update for the w/e 27th February 2023

Parliamentary News DESNZ, DSIT and DBT No it’s not an attack of the sneezes, it’s the PM’s reorganisation of the Government departments. Gone is the recognisable department of Business, Energy and the Industrial Strategy. Instead it has morphed into three: Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT)… Read more »

HE Policy update for the w/e 3rd February 2023

office fNews galore. We cover all the major news and provide short commentary and links on the specialist interest topics. Party politics: tertiary reform? The next general election is constantly on the minds of policy makers. Last week Kier Starmer rowed back from Labour’s traditional position of abolishing HE tuition fees. This week attention has… Read more »

HE Policy Update w/e 21st December 2022

There’s something for everyone in this final policy update of 2022. Although things have calmed down a bit as we approach the festive period there is still lots of news. We’ve kept matters as light as possible for you with links to more information for those that wish to read more. Here’s wishing you all… Read more »

HE policy update for the w/e 9th December 2022

Education oral questions always makes for a busy time in the HE world. As you’d expect international students and the cost of living featured heavily, along with some interesting responses from Skills and HE Minister Robert Halfon. Ex-Universities Minister Chris Skidmore will stand down at the next election, there’s a new regulatory typology of HE… Read more »

HE Policy Update for the w/e 17th November 2022

We’re keeping the news as light as possible this week and running a catch-up feature on the important research announcements that didn’t reach you over the summer period. Autumn statement You can read the detail behind the headlines on the autumn statement here. Education Select Committee – new chair Robin Walker has been elected as… Read more »

HE Policy Update w/e 8th November 2022

Parliamentary News It’s a little unsettling that informing you of the cabinet and leadership changes is becoming a regular feature. After our last update there were more changes.  So here we go again…! Our new education ministerial team, supporting PM Rishi Sunak, are: Gillian Keegan – SoS for Education Nick Gibb – Minister of State… Read more »

HE policy update w/e 18th October 2022

With apologies for the short break in the policy updates, we are back!  Thanks to those of you who were missing our updates and reached out to us.  We were just a bit busy.  We hope you enjoy this summary – of course the national political situation may change but the HE policy wagon rumbles on,… Read more »

Prof John Oliver appointed to Horizon & Foresight Scanning Board

Prof John Oliver has been appointed to the Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology’s new Advisory Board responsible for Horizon & Foresight Scanning. The new board has been set up in response to an inquiry into the effectiveness and influence of the Select Committee system by the 2017–19 House of Commons Liaison Committee. The advisory… Read more »

HE policy update 11th August 2022

This is part 1 of your bumper summer catch up – with a focus on the general political situation and on education – we will come back to you with a mega update on research next week! Parliamentary News ICYMI: New ministerial briefs James Cleverly, Secretary of State for Education Brendan Clarke-Smith, Minister for Children… Read more »

Emergency services experts (UK)

Emergency services experts are being sought to share their expertise and research or act as a Committee specialist adviser. A Parliamentary Committee is preparing for a piece of work on the challenges emergency services in the UK face, and whether greater collaboration within and between emergency response services could present solutions and provide services that… Read more »

Parliamentary Knowledge Exchange Opportunity: Thematic Research Leads

Thematic Research Leads: Climate/Environment; International Affairs/Defence; Parliament, Public Administration and Constitution | 1 August 2022 Some very exciting news from Parliament – the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), POST and Parliament’s Knowledge Exchange Unit have launched new (paid!) roles for researchers keen to be involved in policy. The new Thematic Research Leads (TRLs) are… Read more »

Reminder: Workshop on including impact in grant applications

Impact and Funding Applications Training: Thursday 30 June 2pm-3pm Online How to write about impact in your funding bids Writing about impact in a grant application can be challenging. However, a strong description of the benefits you hope your project will have on society and the economy, and the means you will take to get… Read more »

Project Management Knowledge Exchange Opportunity

Project management and project delivery experts – take part in knowledge exchange within Parliament The UK Parliament Project Delivery Community of Practice (CoP) is currently seeking experts in the following topic/s to share knowledge, expertise, insights and tools for their project delivery professionals. They hope that to find experts as soon as possible as the… Read more »

Independent review of children’s social care: the Government’s plans

The Minister for Children and Families, Will Quince, delivered an oral statement to the Commons earlier regarding the publication of the independent review of children’s social care, outlining the Government’s initial and long-term plans. Please see below for a summary of the key exchanges. Summary provided by Dods. Will Quince, Minister for Children and Families: Said… Read more »