Towards the end of our recent REF consultation, I blogged about the difficult question of how ‘research-active’ status could be determined, or, as the Stern Review put it, “who has a significant responsibility for research”. More...

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions and is undertaken by the four UK higher education funding bodies. It was first conducted in 2014, replacing the Research Assessment Exercise. The results of the REF drive the allocation of public funding for research. Following consultation earlier in the year, the funding bodies have now set out their initial decisions on many aspects of the next REF assessment, REF2021, in ‘Initial decisions on the Research Excellence Framework 2021’ (REF 2017/01). More...

HEFCE, which has been commissioned by the Department for Education (DfE) to implement the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), will encourage a wide range of higher education providers to take part in the pilots, whether or not they have already participated in the TEF. Universities and colleges will be able to apply, and between 30 and 40 will be selected from across the UK higher education sector. Applications will be required by Monday 25 September. More...

The main panels will provide leadership and guidance to the sub-panels that undertake the REF assessment. As chairs designate, the appointees will at first advise the funding bodies on the initial decisions and on the further development of the framework. More...

Analysis of statements submitted for the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 has highlighted the prevalence of institution-level initiatives and a strong focus on gender, along with wider evidence that can feed into development of the assessment approach for REF 2021. More...

The results of the Teaching Excellence Framework provide a new picture of excellence in teaching and learning in UK higher education.
The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) was introduced by the Government to build evidence about the performance of the UK’s world-class higher education sector, complementing the existing Research Excellence Framework with an analysis of teaching and learning outcomes. More...

HEFCE wishes to appoint high-calibre individuals to work as panellists and assessors for the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). 
These roles will form the TEF subject pilot panels and supplement the TEF Year Three panel. More...