Higher Education Funding Council England (HEFCE)
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HEFCE's response to the Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance
Lord Browne's Independent Review of Higher Education Funding and Student Finance has yesterday published its recommendations to Government.
In response, Sir Alan Langlands, Chief Executive of HEFCE, said:
'Lord Browne's report sets a clear direction for the future – but we will have to wait for the Government's detailed response and also the outcome of the spending review before we fully understand the details of the new funding settlement. The interests of the next generation of students should be paramount in working towards the new arrangements, which include increasing participation, improving quality and ensuring sustainability.
'The emphasis on maintaining high-quality learning and teaching and the international competitiveness of our universities is welcome, as well as the assertion that "everyone who has the potential should be able to benefit from higher education". We also agree that sustaining future economic growth and social mobility in an increasingly competitive global economy requires increased investment in higher education.
'As a broker between Government and universities and colleges, HEFCE has a pivotal role to play in ensuring an orderly transition to the new arrangements over the next three to four years – protecting the interests of students, promoting high standards in education and research, and ensuring the effective stewardship of public funds. We will draw on the professionalism and experience of our staff and their relationship of trust in the higher education sector to ensure that progress is made through this period of change and financial restraint.'
