Latest News

Latest News

Submission: The Demand for STEM Graduates and Postgraduates, December 2008

Click here to read our latest contribution to the debate on demand for STEM graduates and postgraduates and to read more papers by CIHE in response to government and other organisations.

New Report: Revenue Diversification and Sustainability in Higher Education, December 2008

Click here to read our latest report on a comparison of trends in public higher education in the UK and US. Both sectors face similar issues and both can be better informed as a result of this report undertaken for us by the Performance Evaluation Services Division of Standard and Poor's in New York. Click here for the S&P press release.

Submission: Universities and the Downturn, November 2008

Our submission made to Ministers explores how universities can help the economy counter the effects of the downturn.  Click here to download the document or visit our Submissions page to read other papers by CIHE in response to government and other organisations.

Submission: US and UK Competitiveness and the Role of Universities, October 2008

Our submission to the Denham debate on US and UK competitiveness and the role of universities, compares the roles of universities in underpinning the international competitiveness of the US and  UK economies. It seeks  to inform the debate on the future of higher education that the Secretary of State for  Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) launched earlier this year.   Click here to download the document or visit our Submissions page to read other papers by CIHE in response to government and other organisations.

New Report: Global Horizons and Role of Employers

Global businesses are increasingly seeking graduates who have a global awareness with the initiative to study overseas as part of their learning. Such study helps them be more culturally aware, more able to work in multicultural teams and more able to move around the world as part of their career. But UK graduates are missing out as they are now less likely to study overseas than they used to. These are some of the messages from a new report launched by Keith Dugdale, Director of Global Recruitment for KPMG and Will Archer, Director i-graduate at our annual conference at the Royal Society on 16 October 2008. For background papers to the report from i-graduate click here. Click here for the press release To purchase a copy of the 'Global Horizons and the Role of Employers' report please visit our Publications page.

Report: Influence through Collaboration

'Universities develop questioning minds... they are not just there to respond as suppliers to what businesses say they want.' The Employer Demand for Higher Level Learning report by CIHE shows that businesses need graduates and staff with higher level skills so they can continue to develop high value-adding products and services and ensure improved management and leadership in business. But their demands for higher level learning are diverse and are they often need to address very specific skill shortages. For more on this report click here. Click here for the press release

Report: Developing Entrepreneurial Graduates

The UK faces the same global challenges as those of most developed countries. To respond we need graduates with entrepreneurial and innovative mindsets, behaviours and skills.  This joint report with NESTA and NCGE provides an Implementation Framework for universities to develop more enterprising and entrepreneurial graduates through creating an enabling institutional environment, engaging stakeholders and developing entrepreneurial teaching practices. The report was launched on 8th September at NESTA and NCGE events. Click here to read the report. Hard copies of the report can be ordered from our Publications page CIHE is working with NESTA and NCGE and a global panel of experts to develop a specification of requirements for UK universities to adopt campus-wide approaches to entrepreneurship education. Read more in our special report on Entrepreneurial Graduates

Report: American Association of Community Colleges, June 2008

Colleges play an important role in higher education landscape in the US and UK. Our report with the American Association of Community Colleges can be ordered here. A background paper from Professor Gareth Parry can be accessed here. Background papers from the Mixed Economy Group of Colleges can be accessed here and those from the AACC here (zip).

Publication: Leadership in an age of Supercomplexity, April 2008

This summary from our St George's House consultation in partnership with SRHE reports on the challenges facing 21st century businesses and universities as they consider management, leadership and corporate governance and opportunities for cross-learning between business, universities and the charity sector. Hard copies of the report can be ordered from our publications page, here

Publication: Graduate Employability, February 2008

There remains a mismatch between what employers seek and what graduates currently offer. This is the conclusion of a pilot study of nearly 250 employers for the CIHE by i-graduate. The study covers companies employing over 750,000 employees from large, medium and small employers, and notes that employers want graduates to have such capabilities as team-working, communication and presentation skills and personal integrity. In a more interconnected world, they also look for graduates who have had some experience of overseas study or work experience. Hard copies of the report can be ordered from our publications page, here To download an electronic copy, click here

Submission: DIUS Science and Innovation Strategy, January 2008

The CIHE submission to DIUS on the development of their science and innovation strategy highlights a number of cross-cutting themes the CIHE has been working on recently, including public procurement, ensuring graduates have appropriate skills, upskilling the capabilities of small firms, attracting overseas talent to UK universities, and building clusters of research excellence. Click here to download the document or visit our Submissions page to read other papers by CIHE in response to government and other organisations

Newsletter: Download CIHE's Latest Newsletter, January 2008

Our new-look newsletter is now available for download. Click here to download the document and learn about CIHE's activities and projects for 2008

Submission: CIHE Response to HEFCE's Consultation on ELQs

The CIHE response to HEFCE on the proposed withdrawal of funding for Equivalent or Lower Qualifications (ELQs) was submitted following a meeting of the CIHE Trustees where this issue was discussed. Click here to download the document

Report: Using Public Procurement to Stimulate Innovation

CIHE launches Using Public Procurement to Stimulate Innovation, November 2007. This report takes forward the proposal from the Government and the Opposition that public procurement in the UK could usefully build on the US experience to drive the innnovation process, including in small businesses. Click here to download the report

Comment: University League Tables

CIHE's Chief Exeucitve, Richard Brown, gives his views on the use (and misuse) of league tables. Pity poor Ian Watmore the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Innovation Universities and Skills (DIUS). He made a not unreasonable joke at a recent meeting of the Council for Industry and Higher Education (CIHE) about his Department only having been around for a few months yet already there were four universities in the top ten. But he was then immediately savaged by a pack of Vice-Chancellors and business leaders. Why? Click here to read on...

Project Update: Internationalising Higher Education

Research undertaken for our report on Global Horizons for UK Students and Global Horizons for UK Universities suggests that UK students do not value their getting a multicultural experience as much as they should or employers would like. Read more here. Other research also shows that international graduates consider that the UK offers a high quality learning experience with good quality lecturers and support. But they consider overseas students are not sufficiently integrated on campus and that their employability is not as enhanced as much as it could be. Read more here. Our report on Global Horizons for UK Universities addresses the first issue. A future project will address the second and consider the roles of businesses in supporting universities as they internationalise The reported was launched at our recent CIHE Council Meeting on 14th November 2007 and can be purchased from the publications section of our website. The launch is detailed in the latest edition of the UK HE International Unit's International Focus and gives details on the launch and the report. Read the article here. A free summary of the report Global Horizons for UK Universities is available. To download click here. Our recent conference on International Competitiveness, held in London and Manchester, saw in-depth discussion of CIHE's International Competitiveness report, Competitiveness and the role of Universities, published April 2007. This report is available to download free of charge in the publications section of our website.

Report available: Sainsbury Review of Science and Innovation

5 October 2007, Lord Sainsbury publishes report 'Race to the top' a review of the UK science and innovation system. CIHE welcomes this timely report. The review can be downloaded in full from HM Treasury website.

Latest Projects: An update on our latest projects in production

NEW!! We now have a dedicated section on our website for all our current projects. These can be found on the menu bar on the left under Current Projects This section contains information, downloads, links and summaries on all our current projects including; Employer demand for higher level learning Developing entrepreneurial graduates The research value-chain Public procurement as a spur to innovation Internationalising Higher Education

Report available: Good Practice in UK Enterprise Education Now Available

This study is about good practice enterprise development in a selection of UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The study was commissioned by a number of partners including the NCGE; the Higher Education Academy; Enterprise Insight; the Council for Industry in Higher Education (CIHE); and, the Small Business Service. More information, including a downloadable pdf of the report can be downloaded here.

Evidence given: Education Select Committee

Following the appearance before the Education and Skills Committee of Richard Brown, Richard Greehalgh and Professor Tim Wilson on 21 March 2007, we have submitted the following report to supplement the information given in December 2006: Education Select Committee supplementary report The original report presented in December 2006 can be downloaded here: Input to the Review of Higher Education by The Education and Skills Select Committee This complements our ongoing work into Workforce Development with our most recent publication, Workforce Development: Employer engagement with higher education, which is now available for download or to purchase.

Press launch: STEM: the Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths Supply Chain

This review, produced in association with LogicaCMG, focuses on these strategically important subjects. The review examines the actions taken to implement previous Government commissioned reports on increasing the supply of STEM graduates and what further steps might be taken. Download the full report here Read the Telegraph's front page article here Download the press release here

News Archive

Helping UK higher education to be internationally competitive

Internationalising Higher Education: Speech by Geoffrey Copland, Vice Chancellor, University of Westminster

This speech by Geoffrey Copland given on 22 March at Neil Stewart Associates' 4th International Student Conference at the Barbican, entitled Staying Competitive in the Global Market, discusses the requirements for maintaining the UKs competitive edge in an international market of fast rising standards. Accepting the cultural and historical benefits many UK institutions have "enjoyed" in the past, Dr Copland calls for UK Higher Education Institutions to avoid complacency and ensure the UK provides world-leading integrated higher education to students from anywhere in the world. The speech, in full, can be downloaded here

Conference: UK Research: Competing in a Global Economy, [updated 11/12/06]

This conference, organised with Neil Stewart Associates, focuses on the Research Assessment Exercise post 2008, and will look at the roles of cultural incentivisation, peer review, and systemic funding. It will explore the different aims of the various players, consider various models, discuss the economic impact of change, and consider the value universities and research councils can contribute to enhancing the UK's world-renowned UK research base. This is due to take place on Tuesday 23rd January, 2007. For further information, or to register for this conference, click here

International Competitiveness: Summary of May Conferences, [updated 1/6/06]

In association with Neil Stewart Associates, the CIHE launched its final report on assessing the International Competitiveness of UK Higher Education across the UK. Many thanks to those of you who attended our conferences in London and Manchester (with a smaller conference in Edinburgh), and we hope you found the discussions there both informative and useful. To see a summary of these events complete with slides from the presentations given, click here.

International Competitiveness: Final Report, [updated 8/5/06]

The final report, International Competitiveness: Businesses Working with UK Universities was launched publicly on May 4th at The Royal Society, London and is now available to order. Click here to order a hard copy.

News article: The Guardian, [updated 8/5/06]

The Guardian recently printed an article by Richard Brown on Overseas opportunities for outsourcing research, taking forward several recommendations made in our final report. Click here to view the article online.

International student visas: Letter to The Times, [updated 8/7/05]

The Times recently printed a letter from the Chairman of CIHE petitioning against the Government's intentions to remove the right of appeal for international students who have had their visa application rejected. This letter was co-signed trustees, as well as the President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and the Chairman of the Engineering and Technology Board. This was issued in concert with Universities UK's submission to the Financial Times, co signed by 120 Vice Chancellors. Click here to download or here to view the article online.

Expanding workforce skills and capabilities

Employer Engagement: Higher Education Academy Work Programme [Updated 01/06/07]

The Higher Education Academy recently detailed its work programme and key activities on Employer Engagement. The information can be downloaded here.

Consultation response on HEFCE's Employer Engagement [updated 01/06/07]

The CIHE responded in February 2007 to HEFCE's consultation on employer engagement in higher education in England. The response can be downloaded here.

Workforce Development: how much engagement do employers have with higher education? [updated 27/2/07]

This report on employer engagement, recently featured in The Guardian, is now available for download. Click here to access the report, or here to view the article online.

Response to DfES proposals on Further Education College powers [updated 01/06/07]

On 23rd November 2006, the DfES invited the views of a range of organisations on a proposal that further education colleges (FECs) be accorded powers to award foundation degrees. CIHE responded in January 2007. The response can be downloaded here.

Submission: Market for work based learning [updated December 2006]

An input to the review on Work Based Learning by Professor Marilyn Wedgewood for the DfES. The submission can be downloaded in full here.

Submission: Raising the skills base of the UK [updated November 2006]

The CIHE's further input into the Skills/STEM subjects review by Lord Leitch. The submission can be downloaded in full here.

Higher Nationals and Foundation Degrees: a 'home international' comparison, [updated 19/10/06]

Scotland and England have now two different approaches to some areas of work-related higher education - Scotland has retained the Higher Nationals as the main framework (HNDs and HNCs) while England has introduced the Foundation Degree. The CIHE is supporting a comparative research study on these two kinds of provision, being undertaken jointly by CRLL at Glasgow Caledonian/Stirling universities and the Open University. A paper arising from the first stage of the research is now available from www.crll.gcal.ac.uk or from the Scottish Qualifications Authority. This documents the development of the two qualifications, and contrasts the two sytems and the emerging issues.

Workforce Development: Further Education reforms, [updated 11/7/06]

The Further Education Reform White paper on FE sets out a clear economic mission for the FE sector of the future, focused on employability and progression of learners. This is central to the delivery of skills and qualifications which the economy needs. As part of measures to give greater emphasis to employer and learner needs, new entitlements to free initial education and training to level 3 up to the age of 25 will be created, and the Government will roll out nationally the Train to Gain programme (known previously as Employer Training Pilots). This aims to give help to employers, supported by brokers, to deliver training in the workplace to meet their needs. For more information on 'Train to Gain' view the Skills for Business paper: 'Sector Skills Councils and Brokerage in England', March 2006.

Workforce Development: Extension of Train to Gain, [updated 11/7/06]

The DfES announced an extension of its Train to Gain programme to HE levels in the recent FE White paper (March 2006, see above). This will mean that employers can source their learning needs - from basic skills to higher levels - through a single broker. This is being trialled in three regions - the North East, South West and North West. HEFCE has offered support to pilot projects under this programme.

Consultation response on HEFCE's review of Teaching and Learning, [updated 11/7/06]

The CIHE responded to HEFCE's consultation in January 2006 on future funding of Teaching and learning in higher education in England. This can be downloaded from here.

Update on Lifelong Learning Networks[updated 11/7/06]

There are now 15 Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) in operation, spanning 78 HE and 160 FE institutions, and a number more under development. These are being supported jointly by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) and HEFCE, and focus on a number of sub-regions in England (and one national LLN so far, in the creative arts). Their main aim is to help facilitate links between the FE and HE sectors. This includes improving widening participation by improving vocational and work-based progression for 14-19 year olds and developing HE-FE partnerships and networks. Some of the LLNs have 'hubs' focused on specific sectors or occupations (e.g. health and social care, creative industries, etc). For further information on LLNs see the HEFCE website for information on where update papers and news about a LLN in your area can be found.

UVAC Annual Conference: 'Putting work-based learning into Practice', [updated 11/7/06]

This annual event, held on the 30th November 2006 at York, aims to provide an opportunity to hear about current issues in work-based learning and HE-employer engagement, and also for UVAC members to exhibit innovative examples of work-based learning in practice. Key note speakers include Bill Rammell, Minister for HE, FE and lifelong learning, and Liz Beaty, Director of teaching and learning at HEFCE. For further details visit the website or contact kh6@bolton.ac.uk

Workforce Development: California Report, [updated 16/12/05]

Our report with Aimhigher London West on Workforce Development and Progression to Higher Education: The California Experience, published in December 2005, may be ordered from here.

Consultation responses: UUK/SCOP, [updated 23/11/05]

The CIHE responded to two consultation papers by Universities UK and SCOP on National Credit Arrangements and Degree Classifications. These were informed and approved by our Council and Policy Forum members. Both consultation responses can be downloaded from here.

Workforce Development: Report, [updated 06/10/05]

Following our February consultation, our report on Workforce Development and Higher Education was published in September 2005, and may be ordered from here.

Submission: The Foster Review, [updated 03/8/05]

Our response to the recent review by Sir Andrew Foster on "The Future Role of Further Education Colleges", published in November 2005, can be viewed here.

Encouraging dialogue on R&D and Knowledge Transfer

HEIF3: Considering Knowledge Transfer Metrics, [updated 20/3/06]

Our R&D Group has met with senior DTI officials to discuss possible future metrics for the distribution of Government knowledge transfer funds (HEIF3). The dialogue continues and a further meeting is planned. We want to encourage a wide range of university relationships with business and local communities. We continue to work closely with UUK on this and other issues.

Developing Employable and Entrepreneurial Graduates

Degrees of Skill: Student Employability Profiles, [updated 29/9/06]

Peter Forbes' and Bianca Kubler's recently published Student Employability Profiles for Employers is now available to order. Click here to order a hard copy.

Business Forum: February Report, [updated 20/3/06]

The final report of the UK Forum for Employers and Business School Deans is now available. Click here to download the report, or here to order a hard copy.

Entrepreneurship: Council notes, [updated 5/1/06]

An edited note of the last Council Meeting, focusing on the theme of Entrepreneurship, is now available to download from here

Entrepreneurship: Advisory Group, [updated 22/8/05]

The CIHE is undertaking a project with the National Council on Graduate Entrepreneurship, and others to identify good practice in the development of entrepreneurship in the curriculum. This will involve partners in the USA and the Far East and compare experiences on an international basis. The first meeting of the project advisory group was at the NCGE office in Birmingham on 3rd October 2005.

Supporting a Widening of Participation in Higher Education

Feedback: 'Fishing for Talent in a Wider Pool', [updated 10/8/05]

An article was recently published in the Guardian on our report published with IES earlier this year. Click here to view this online, or download it from here.

Encouraging the development and application of leadership

St George's: Balancing Enterprise and Risk, [updated 8/5/06]

This report summarises our third consultation held at St George's House, Windsor, in early 2006, and considers how higher education institutions can manage the tension between enterprise and risk, setting this in the wider context of a suggested range of values for higher education. To order this document click here

Ethics: Discussion Forum, [updated 20/3/06]

Our online discussion forum for Higher Education Institutions to discuss their implementation of our framework for developing an ethical code has now been launched and may be accessed from here. Access to this forum is by invitation only, but please contact us if you have not been invited already, as we are keen to involve all HEIs in this implementation phase. We are especially keen to here from you if you are engaged in similar work.

Ethics: CIHE/IBE Document, [updated 06/10/05]

The document Ethics Matters: Managing Ethical Issues in Higher Education, co-produced with the Institute of Business Ethics, has now been published and is available to order. Further information is also available from the Ethics section of this website.

Ethics: Paris 2006 conference, [updated 22/8/05]

The OECD are organising a conference to be held in Paris on the 11th - 13th September, 2006 to discuss "Values and Ethics: Managing Challenges and Realities in Higher Education". See their website for further information.

Ethics: Conference Summary, [updated 12/7/05]

The summary of our recent and successful one day conference on Ethics in Higher Education is now online. Click here to download.

National Mentoring Scheme: Notes, [updated 11/5/05]

The National Mentoring Scheme Advisory Group has issued 'A Brief Introduction to UK Higher Education - Notes for NMS Mentors from Outside the HE Sector'. This is available for download from here.

Media

Media

Fox Business Richard Brown, CIHE, on the UK Job Market. April 11, 2008