General HE policy

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

Clear filters
  1. Alliance universities are taking practical action to tackle the causes and effects of climate change

    The University Alliance group, made up of universities specialising in professional and technical education, are working on urgent, applied research that addresses the challenges of the climate crisis, according to a new campaign launched today. The campaign, launched in the run-up to COP26 next week, will illustrate how Alliance members are working with industry, businesses, […]

    Read more of: Alliance universities are taking practical action to tackle the causes and effects of climate change
  2. University Alliance responds to OfS Quality and Standards conditions consultation

    Alliance universities are deeply committed to providing a high-quality academic experience for students, and we are broadly supportive of the principles-based and risk-led approach to regulation outlined in the consultation document. Indeed, we are largely in agreement with both the revised and new conditions for quality and standards. However, as a mission group of universities […]

    Read more of: University Alliance responds to OfS Quality and Standards conditions consultation
  3. Comprehensive Spending Review 2021

    In response to the Comprehensive Spending Review 2021, University Alliance have produced this briefing, outlining how our members can support the achievement of government priorities and Power the UK’s future. A diverse, healthy, and sustainable post-18 education sector will: Train and upskill the future workforce of the NHS and public services. Generate jobs and provide […]

    Read more of: Comprehensive Spending Review 2021
  4. University Alliance responds to DfE’s Initial Teacher Training Market Review consultation

    Initial teacher training (ITT) should and must evolve in order to maintain and sustain educational standards for current and future generations of pupils – but  there have been fundamental problems with the approach taken in the government’s ITT market review so far, argues University Alliance, the voice of technical and professional universities. Responding to the […]

    Read more of: University Alliance responds to DfE’s Initial Teacher Training Market Review consultation
  5. University Alliance responds to A level results announcement

    University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson responds to the news that record numbers of students are set to take a place at university, and encourages learners to consider the full range of institutions available through clearing. “A huge congratulations to everyone receiving their results today. Students should rightfully be proud of their hard work and achievements […]

    Read more of: University Alliance responds to A level results announcement
    Vanessa Wilson CEO
  6. Student vaccination – a sector statement

    ​University leaders are encouraging new and existing students to take up the opportunity to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible. In a joint statement released today, University Alliance and other sector representatives have outlined the ways higher education providers are engaging, explaining and encouraging new and existing students to get vaccinated. The letter says:  […]

    Read more of: Student vaccination – a sector statement
  7. University Alliance responds to Innovation Strategy

    University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said: “We welcome today’s publication of the Innovation strategy. Alliance universities are a longstanding, stable presence in their regions and are well-placed to support the strategy’s ambitions, through unleashing innovation to deliver economic opportunity and drive growth. Sitting at the nexus of higher education and industry, our members can utilise […]

    Read more of: University Alliance responds to Innovation Strategy
    Vanessa Wilson CEO
  8. UA comment on OFS funding reforms

    Responding to the Office For Students (OFS) announcement on funding reforms for 2021-22, University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said “It is disappointing to see OFS progressing with the decision to cut funding for high-cost creative subjects, despite collective concern and opposition from across the sector. We were clear in our submission that cuts to funding […]

    Read more of: UA comment on OFS funding reforms
  9. University Alliance responds to government reform of post-16 qualifications

    University Alliance have joined a coalition of 12 education bodies representing staff and students in schools, colleges and universities in writing to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson urging him not to scrap the vast majority of applied general qualifications such as BTECs. University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said: “As the voice of professional and technical universities, […]

    Read more of: University Alliance responds to government reform of post-16 qualifications
    Vanessa
  10. Letter to the Times

    A letter from Chief Executive Vanessa Wilson has been published in The Times, responding to a recent article which argued that ‘Britain needs more second class universities’.   Sir, I disagree with Emma Duncan’s assessment (Comment, Jul 9) that the country is lacking in “second-class” universities. While I take issue with the term for its […]

    Read more of: Letter to the Times