Analysis undertaken by HEFCE has highlighted the significant contributions higher education (HE) providers are making through sponsoring academies, university technical colleges (UTCs) and free schools, and the benefits that sponsorship can generate for the schools, the HE providers and their local communities. More...
Review of information about learning and teaching, and the student experience - NSS
This report describes the findings of a research study to inform the development of the 2017 National Student Survey (NSS). The research involved running a pilot questionnaire, which was offered to students on an opt-in basis after they had completed the 2016 NSS. The pilot combined existing NSS questions with new and revised questions developed following a consultation held as part of the review of the provision of information. More...
2016 cognitive testing of the new National Student Survey
This report outlines the findings of a programme of cognitive testing work relating to the National Student Survey and was used alongside the 2016 pilot analysis to help inform the questions for the new survey, as outlined in 'A new National Student Survey for 2017' (HEFCE Circular letter 30/2016). More...
Pilot work on key aspects of the Knowledge Exchange Framework
HEFCE was tasked by the Government, most recently in the Higher Education White Paper, to develop a knowledge exchange (KE) framework to support continuous improvement in KE strategy and practice and ensure efficiency and effectiveness in use of public funding. More...
Interdisciplinary research: Landscape and environment
These two reports consider the interdisciplinary research (IDR) landscape in the UK, and seek to complement a quantitative study published in 2015 by HEFCE and the Medical Research Council, 'Review of the UK’s interdisciplinary research'. They also complement work recently undertaken by the British Academy and the Global Research Council. More...
Update on fundraising regulation and practice
Following recent high-profile failures in the charities sector, the Cabinet Office asked Sir Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations to chair a cross-party review to examine how fundraising regulation could be strengthened. Its output was a report, ‘Regulating fundraising for the future: Trust in charities, confidence in fundraising regulations’, which was published in September 2015. This report is commonly referred to as the ‘Etherington Review’. More...
Regulatory implications of merger or acquisition involving HEFCE-funded providers
HEIs are required to inform HEFCE of any merger or acquisition as a condition of the Memorandum of Assurance and Accountability between HEFCE and providers. For FECs this is a requirement of the funding agreement. HE providers should inform their Regional Consultant of any proposed merger as early as possible, to ensure that we can make them aware of potential implications. More...
Updated framework for the monitoring of the Prevent duty in higher education in England
This updated monitoring framework sets out how HEFCE will monitor providers’ implementation of the statutory Prevent duty in the higher education sector in England. Relevant higher education bodies will need to follow this framework to demonstrate ‘due regard’ to the duty. More...
Higher education in England 2016: Key facts
This updated edition of ‘Higher Education in England: Key Facts’ provides a statistical overview of key sector trends and developments in 2016. Using the most recent data, it draws together key findings from a range of reports published by HEFCE over the past year to provide a robust, accessible evidence base. More...
HEIFES16: Higher Education in Further Education: Students Survey 2016-17
This document asks further education and sixth form colleges to complete the annual survey of students on recognised higher education courses. The data will give an early indication of the number of students on recognised higher education courses at further education and sixth form colleges in 2016-17, and, with data supplied to the Skills Funding Agency, will inform our allocation of teaching funds for 2017-18. More...