Higher education (HE) providers engage in a wide range of activities meaning that assessing the specific benefits can be challenging. There is a range of questions that should be carefully considered, such as whether to look at the total benefits created or the benefits that are generated by specific activities. The basis of the assessment may also need to be changed depending on the question being considered. Finally, we need to assess who gains these benefits, whether it is a single individual or business, or if the benefits shared more widely by society. In practice, HE leads to both private (individual) and public (wider) benefits.
This briefing note is part of a series of downloadable summaries that have been designed to support you in addressing different aspects of governance or to be disseminated as a helpful resource to colleagues who are new to particular areas of governance. Each draws on the latest thinking and legalisation, providing a helpful guide to re-familiarise yourself with specific issues as they arise. Each briefing note offers up-to-date information, further reading, links and questions to consider on a range of governance issues.