Our survey highlights AI, financial sustainability, and navigating government policy and sector regulation as the areas expected to have the biggest impact on independent providers over the next three years.
About the survey
We sought to gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the independent sector. The survey draws on responses from staff fulfilling a wide range of roles across providers, including IHE Members, and offers valuable insights into priorities and support needs.
As the sector continues to evolve and grow, these insights shed light on the pressures felt by providers and highlight the areas where small and specialist institutions would benefit from additional support in navigating the challenges ahead.
Top 4 challenges in the next 12 months
When asked about the biggest challenges over the next 12 months, respondents cited:
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Student recruitment, assessment and feedback
- IT infrastructure
- Data/business intelligence.
Areas of biggest impact over the next three years
Looking further ahead, survey respondents believe the areas that will have the biggest impact over the next three years will be:
- Generative AI - its potential to transform teaching and assessment, as well as the infrastructure needed to support its adoption.
- Financial sustainability - concerns driven by rising costs and enrolment uncertainties.
- Government policy and regulation - its impact on the health of the independent sector, particularly around restrictive policies on international student recruitment.
Spotlight on: AI
In terms of AI adoption, more than half of survey respondents are planning to develop staff training programmes, though only a minority have already done so. Most have reviewed academic policies and created student guidance, signalling a proactive stance on AI integration. The findings highlight the need for academic staff and those responsible for quality and curriculum development to understand and guide students in the ethical use of AI technologies. The rapid pace of AI adoption presents challenges for those in IT and technology roles, who face mounting pressure to update infrastructure, skills and support systems.
View the key findings
Supporting the independent sector to thrive
Small and specialist institutions are especially diverse in both their offerings and the students they serve. Many have significantly smaller staff teams, navigating sector-wide changes without the large, dedicated departments that traditional providers may rely on.
Our role at IHE with the support of key stakeholders like Jisc is to provide IHE Members with easy-to-access practical training, support and guidance to help them stay up-to-date in an ever-changing policy landscape, remain compliant with sector regulation, and continue to grow and thrive. Through our dedicated Member Networks and Forums, including the Technology in Education Network, Data Network, and Recruitment and Admissions Network, we will continue to work in partnership with Jisc, drawing on their expertise to shape the support we offer aligned to survey findings.
About Jisc
Jisc is a not-for-profit organisation providing world-class digital solutions for education and research. For over 30 years, Jisc has pushed boundaries, encouraging organisations to adopt and use cutting-edge digital technologies.
Our cloud, cyber security and connectivity services enable you to enhance the digital experience of your staff, allowing you to focus on the learner experience. As an impartial provider, Jisc reinvests profit to support the public good, providing services, advice and support, always putting our customer’s needs first.
