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Political policies fuel HE fears
A survey run by PA Consulting Group has reported a deep concern among some two thirds of higher education leaders, over the infl uence of government policy. Heading the list of concerns shared
by universities included the possibility of UK withdrawal from the EU, in addition to potential political upheaval with China, in the near future; they recognise the risk of Chinese government restricting the fl ow of students to the UK, or withdrawing from academic partnerships. The survey also disclosed lit le
confi dence, among HE frontrunners, that the next general election will resolve
these issues; fewer than 10% believed that HE reform would make a visible mark on any of the main parties’ manifestos. Meanwhile, over 70% of vice-
chancellors expect any future government to postpone early decisions about funding or regulation, predicting another independent review instead, and 40% of vice-chancellors also believe that, subsequently, a signifi cant number of institutional failures in HE is likely; more than half expect to see signifi cant rationalisation, through mergers and take-overs. Paul Woodgates from PA Consulting Group, said: “Vice-chancellors feel
strongly that government intervention policies, such as teacher training and overseas student visa controls, represent the greatest constraint to their success. They see government as forcing them to become more competitive in an open market, while restraining their responses to this market. “Universities are suddenly having to
adapt their business strategies much faster than their governance models can cope with, creating a sense of grievance from universities towards government. This is a remarkable change, as only a few years ago universities looked to government for strategic leadership.”
Reshuffl e changes face of education
The Prime Minister’s cabinet reshuffl e has seen David Willet s resign as Minister for Universities and Science. The news follows speculation on a
number of previous occasions that Mr Willet s, who has been the MP for Havant since 1992, was at risk of losing the universities brief. Greg Clark has been appointed as
Minister for Universities and Science in addition to his current role as Minister of State.
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of the university think-tank M+ “Few people believe that the government’s current plan to fund higher education expansion on the back of the sale of £2bn of student loans really adds up. Negotiating a funding set lement for teaching and research which is sustainable and encourages participation is one of the early challenges which he will face but is not the only urgent item in his in-tray. Dr Clark will need to pick up the
cudgels on behalf of international students. Both they and the universities which they at end, are being short- changed by the Home Offi ce and this is one bat le that he needs to win.”
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt “Public spending cuts have had a profound impact on post-16 education and all parties now need to set out their
stall for further and higher education. The introduction of newministers is an opportunity for government to refocus its education priorities in the run up to the election.”
Professor Stephanie Marshall, Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy “We very much look forward to working with the new minister, Greg Clark, as we continue to lead and support the sector in enhancing the student experience through the Higher Education Academy's partnership with higher education providers, assisting them to deliver world-class learning and teaching. The focus on learning and teaching in higher education has, quite rightly, been brought into sharp relief in recent years, and we are grateful to David Willet s for his very signifi cant contribution in helping to achieve this.”
Professor Steve West, Chair of University Alliance “We welcome Greg Clark MP to the
important job of Minister of State for Universities and Science. We would also like to thank David Willet s for his outstanding commitment to UK higher education and his collegiate approach to working with experts across the sector. “This is an exciting time for UK higher
education and research. Our place in the world as global leaders in higher education and the role of universities as anchor institutions within their cities and regions will only become more signifi cant through University Enterprise Zones and city deals. Alliance universities are at the heart of the changing higher education, driving the employability, entrepreneurialism and innovation agendas and playing an important role in bringing fresh thinking and solutions to the debate about the future of higher education. “The coming months will be critical
in thinking about the long-term sustainability and global positioning of UK higher education and we look forward to working with Mr Clark and his team.”
Rt Hon David Willet s MP image is licensed under a CC BY 2.0 license. 'Greg Clark at the CBI Climate Change Summit 2008'. The Greg Clarke MP is licensed under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license. The CBI is independent of UB. No changes to either image.
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