Universities Scotland has responded to a request by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) for further input on the development of Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021. Following our response to the original consultation in March, HEFCE, which runs REF on behalf of all the funding bodies in the UK, asked for further feedback regarding staff and…
Briefings & Evidence
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HEFCE Knowledge Exchange Framework: good practice in research contracting response
The HEFCE-universities knowledge exchange framework aims to support a culture of continuous improvement in universities. As part of this work, and looking UK-wide, HEFCE requested evidence on good practice and key issues in research contracting. To read our response click here.
Response to Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s call for evidence on Gender Representation on Public Boards Bill
Universities Scotland has responded to the Equalities and Human Rights Committee’s call for evidence on the Gender Representation on Public Boards Bill. Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions are within the scope of this Bill. You can read our response to the call for evidence here.
Response to Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee’s inquiry on immigration
Over the summer, the Scottish Parliament’s Culture, Tourism, Europe and External Relations Committee made a call for evidence to aid its inquiry on immigration. Universities Scotland value the role that immigration plays in ensuring that Scotland’s higher education sector attracts the highest calibre talent possible from throughout the world. You can read our response here.
Going for Growth: our case for investment in the 2017 Scottish Government Spending Review
Ahead of the Scottish Government’s 2017 Spending Review, Universities Scotland has prepared Going for Growth, our proposals for funding the Higher Education sector. We believe the Spending Review material sets out a well-evidenced case for investment in the sector. We believe it is proportionately ambitious in what are still very difficult times for the public finances….
Ministerial Statement on Widening Access
On Tuesday 31 May, the Scottish Parliament is due to hear a Ministerial Statement on Widening Access. As part of that statement, Universities Scotland has prepared a briefing for Members of the Scottish Parliament updating them on actions taken by higher education institutions since A Blueprint for Fairness was published last year. Read the briefing…
Learner Journey Review: Proposals from Universities Scotland
Last year, the Scottish Government launched a review of the 15-24 Learner Journey, examining the effectiveness and efficiency of the 15-24 Learner Journey for all 15 to 24 year olds. Universities Scotland has been playing a full role in the review which is considering the 15-24 Learner Journey from the senior phase (S4-S6) leading to employment,…
Response to the UK Government’s Industrial Strategy
The Scottish Higher Education sector warmly welcomes the Industrial Strategy and the recognition of the potential contribution of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to future economic growth across the whole of the UK. Scottish HEIs are committed to making our contribution to productivity and economic growth, and look forward to working with industry, Scottish Government, UK…
Consultation on the second Research Excellence Framework (REF)
The four UK higher education funding bodies consulted on detailed arrangements for research assessment in a second Research Excellence Framework (REF). The consultation sets out proposals on implementation of the next REF, building on the REF2014 and delivering the principles identified in Lord Stern’s Independent Review of the REF. To read Universities Scotland’s response to…
Brief for Scottish Conservative’s Business debate on the Abolition of the Scottish Funding Council Board
The Scottish Conservative business debate on 1 March 2017 is based on the motion entitled: “Abolition of the Scottish Funding Council” in the name of Liz Smith MSP. This is in the context of the Phase One Report from the Scottish Government’s Enterprise and Skills Review. The Report recommended the creation of a new ‘super…