Our Governance News Alerts are designed for Governors, University Secretaries and Clerks an all those supporting or interested in governance in HE. Read the latest governance news below. To stay up to date with the latest governance news, sign up to our Governance News Alerts.
HESA Provider Data Financial Returns
HESA has released data on the financial returns submitted by higher education providers for the year to 31 July 2019. The data sheds light on the financial position of the higher education sector and individual providers ahead of the COVID-19 public health crisis. The data indicates that individual providers are likely to find themselves in very different positions, and highlights the importance of contingency planning by executive teams and governing bodies in the face of a highly uncertain external environment.
The emergence of alternative credentials
With digitalisation and online delivery reducing the cost of provision, the demand for alternative credentials is growing. A new working paper explores the role of alternative credentials in the labour market and their relationship with more formal higher education qualifications. Providers and governing bodies may wish to consider whether they see alternative credentials as an important part of their future strategy.
Changes to the regulation of English higher education providers
In response to the impact of COVID-19, the Office for Students has introduced two new reportable events for registered providers of higher education in England. The new requirements are concerned with short-term financial risks and the protection of the student interest. The focus is on provider solvency, and ensuring actions by providers do not disadvantage students. Both issues will be significant concern for governing bodies.
Why do gender gaps in education and work persist?
Drawing on survey data, the OECD offers new insights and a possible explanation for differences in subject studied and earnings by gender. Important questions are raised for institutions and their governing bodies seeking to widen participation and access.
A review of governance of the universities in Wales
An independent review of governance in Welsh universities has been published. The review advocates the development of a Wales Governance Charter: a charter for change. Organised around seven core values, the review contains 21 recommendations.
Action to clawback funding
Following the findings of its review into the payments made by a university to a former Principal, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has imposed a number of conditions on the institution including the clawback of funding and a requirement to undertake an externally-facilitated review of its governance.
UCAS End of Cycle Provider data
As part of its third release of the End of Cycle recruitment report for 2019, UCAS has published provider-level data. Examination of the data allows the levels and trends in recruitment by an individual provider to be compared with the sector and its peers. This information is likely to be of interest to governors and senior managers.
Transforming opportunity in higher education
The Office for Students (OfS) has released an analysis of 2020-21 to 2024-25 access and participation plans agreed with providers. In its review the OfS details its approach to access and participation, the expectations it has with regard to the implementation and achievement of provider plans and nationally the collective impact if all APPs are delivered.
Workforce-related corporate reporting
The role of the Financial Reporting Council’s Lab is to help to improve the effectiveness of corporate reporting through examining and reporting on specific areas. Its latest report looks at how boards consider and report on the organisation’s workforce. The Lab report offers some interesting insights and potential questions for the governing bodies of higher education providers.
The new CUC Draft Higher Education Code of Governance
The Committee of University Chairs (CUC) has released a draft of its proposed revisions to the Higher Education Code of Governance. Interested parties have until mid-March 2020 to offer their views on the draft by completing and returning to CUC a consultation questionnaire.
Annual Review of the UK Corporate Governance Code
The Financial Reporting Council has published its annual review of the quality of reporting on the implementation of the UK Corporate Governance Code.
Office for Students' annual review
The Office for Students (OfS) has published an annual review of the current state of the English higher education system.
UCAS End of Cycle Report 2019
UCAS has issued its second release of information and data detailing the demand for, and acceptances to, undergraduate UK higher education in 2019.
UK student accommodation 2019-20
A new report highlights the development pipeline and, in many locations, the need for additional purpose-built student accommodation.
The scale of UK HE transnational education
Transnational higher education (TNHE) is an important part of the provision offered by the higher education sector.
New HEPI report: Somewhere to live
A new report traces the historical development of the residential model of British higher education and questions the continuing benefits of the model.
Compliance with 2017-18 accounts direction
The Office for Students (OfS) has published a report on the extent to which registered providers complied with their 2017-18 accounts direction.
OfS registration process and outcomes 2019-20
The Office for Students (OfS) has published an assessment of the registration process and resulting outcomes for 2019-20 (OfS 2019.30).
AUDE Higher Education Estates Management Report, 2019
The Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) has published its annual Estates Management Report (EMR) 2019.
Office for Students value for money strategy 2019 to 2021
The Office for Students has published its value for money strategy.