This significant document, which was submitted to DfE in March and also represents IHE's contribution to the Comprehensive Spending Review, sets out six innovative policy proposals designed to position higher education as a key driver of economic growth and the expansion of opportunity to all regions of the UK.
IHE's submission comes at a critical juncture, addressing the pressing need for reforms that align with the government's priorities and the evolving demands of the global economy. With fiscal pressures and limited opportunities for substantial new funding, these proposals have been crafted to help DfE to prioritise its budget on the spending and reforms that will do most to accelerate economic growth.
Key highlights of IHE's submission:
- Technical Education Awarding Powers: Proposing new powers to elevate standards in technical education and empower specialist institutes to deliver industry-recognised qualifications.
- Rapid Response Skills Fund: Redirecting underutilised funding to address local skills shortages swiftly, ensuring training aligns with economic needs and migration patterns.
- Innovative Online and Blended Learning: Advocating for reforms to expand access to high-quality online and blended learning, particularly in cold spots.
- Lifelong Learning Framework: Pivoting modular learning to promote access to higher education, incentivise employer investment in skills, and boost productivity.
- Global Professional Learning Strategy: Positioning the UK as a hub for global professional training, diversifying our exports, and enhancing the international appeal of UK qualifications to students and employers.
- Flexible Tertiary Education Pathways: Creating a unified funding and credit transfer system to promote efficiency and student success across tertiary education.
Alex Proudfoot, Chief Executive of Independent Higher Education (IHE), said:
“Our six policies reflect IHE's unwavering dedication to driving forward-thinking reforms that will not only enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education in the UK but also contribute significantly to our economic growth.
"These proposals are designed to create a more dynamic, responsive, and inclusive higher education sector, ensuring that every pound spent is an investment in our nation's future."
Read the full submission, along with our 2030 Strategy and our 2024 Manifesto.