General HE policy

The latest announcements, press releases and media coverage from University Alliance.

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  1. University Alliance responds to the initial proposed changes to the Research Excellence Framework (REF)

    In response to the initial proposed changes to the Research Excellence Framework (REF), Vanessa Wilson CEO of University Alliance said:    “We welcome the initial proposed changes to the next Research Excellence Framework. In our consultation response to the Future Research Assessment Programme, we outlined concerns that REF would become a more frequent exercise. We […]

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  2. University Alliance responds to latest Home Office changes to international student visa routes

    Responding to the Home Office’s latest changes to international student via routes, Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, said:   “The UK’s universities are world-leading, with recent analysis revealing that international students boost our economy by £41.9 billion.   It is therefore extremely disappointing to see changes to the Student Route – a highly compliant […]

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  3. University Alliance responds to OfS consultation on sexual harassment and misconduct

    University Alliance responds to the OfS consultation on sexual harassment and misconduct, stating that while they strongly agree that all higher education students should be protected from sexual harassment and misconduct, a new registration condition is not the best way of achieving this. Their preferred response would be for the OfS to monitor compliance with […]

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  4. “Innovation needs to be kick-started”: University Alliance responds to Horizon alternative proposals

    On 6 April 2023, the Government released a prospectus for a potential UK alternative to the Horizon Europe, named Pioneer. In response, Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance, said: “The whole Higher Education sector has been unanimous that association with Horizon Europe will always be our preference ahead of any alternative scheme.   That said, University […]

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  5. University Alliance responds to the Hewitt Review

    In response to the Hewitt Review, our Head of Policy Susanna Kalitowski said: “We welcome Patricia Hewitt’s review of integrated care systems. In response, the government should produce a strategy for the social care workforce, complementary to the NHS workforce plan, as soon as possible. The review emphasises the value of collaboration in planning the future […]

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    Nursing simulation at the University of Derby
  6. University Alliance responds to HE-BCI consultation on ‘in-kind’ contributions

    University Alliance has submitted their response to the HE-BCI consultation on ‘in-kind’ contributions. See our full written response here. University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said: “Community and business engagement are a core part of Alliance universities’ mission. We understand that reliable data, including on in-kind contributions, serves valuable purposes for funders and other stakeholders. It […]

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  7. University Alliance responds to OfS announcement on degree apprenticeships development fund

    University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson responded to today’s announcement on the guidance received by the Office for Students from Secretary of State for Education Gillian Keegan, to include a £40m degree apprenticeships development fund as part of the 2023-24 Higher Education Strategic Priorities Grant. Wilson said: “Degree apprenticeships are increasingly one of the most popular […]

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  8. University Alliance responds to the Spring Budget

    University Alliance, the association of the UK’s leading professional and technical universities, has today responded to the Chancellor’s spring budget statement.  Commenting on the statement, Vanessa Wilson, University Alliance CEO, said:  On investment zones:  “The Chancellor has clearly recognised the role universities play in driving growth in the Spring budget today. We are pleased that […]

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  9. University Alliance responds to the DfE’s publication of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) consultation response

    Responding to the Department for Education’s publication of the Lifelong Loan Entitlement (LLE) consultation response Vanessa Wilson, CEO at University Alliance said: “Alliance universities are already ahead of the curve in developing and delivering innovative training and education solutions that enable people to upskill and reskill throughout their lifetime. The introduction of a Lifelong Loan […]

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  10. Over 300 businesses sign University Alliance letter calling on Chancellor to protect “essential” regional innovation programmes

    A letter signed by over 300 SMEs and 16 universities has been sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt this week. The signatories call on the Chancellor to provide bridge funding for university-led research & innovation projects funded through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), which is used by universities to support local […]

    Read more of: Over 300 businesses sign University Alliance letter calling on Chancellor to protect “essential” regional innovation programmes
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