Three influential vice-chancellors in England have laid out their visions for the future of higher education in a new report released by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), covering topics like research, skills development, and student living costs to guide policymakers and spark discussions ahead of the 2024 general election.
Three vice-chancellors in England have articulated their visions for higher education policy in a report released by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).
The report, titled “Election 2024: Three Vice-Chancellors’ Manifestos,” was unveiled at a fringe event during the Conservative Party Conference. It contains essays from Professor Sir Chris Husbands of Sheffield Hallam University, Professor Sasha Roseneil of the University of Sussex, and Professor Adam Tickell of the University of Birmingham.
The report stresses the vital role higher education plays in the United Kingdom’s future prosperity, with themes ranging from the importance of research and local partnerships to the necessity for a long-term skills strategy.
On the ‘to-do list’
Key recommendations from the report include the establishment of a cross-party commission on higher education funding, enhancing research funding, and forming a National Skills Council. Proposals also covered re-engineering the Student Loans Company, creating a Tertiary Funding Council by merging existing bodies, and developing public student housing in collaboration with local authorities.
As the general election nears, this comprehensive report by respected university leaders aims to inform policymakers and stimulate debate on the crucial role of higher education in shaping the UK’s future.
Setting funding priorities
While there’s general agreement among the authors about the urgent need to address issues such as the cost-of-living crisis among students and the lack of student accommodation, they differ on the priority assigned to increased public funding.
Lucy Haire, Director of Partnerships at HEPI, explained that creating a higher education manifesto is a complex task for politicians due to the many competing demands for public funds. The report aims to offer a “view from the bridge,” hoping to spark further dialogue and discussion as the general election approaches.
Professor Adam Tickell emphasized the national asset that universities represent for the UK. He advocated for comprehensive support to enable them to effectively address the multiple challenges the country faces.
Professor Sasha Roseneil focused on the issue of underfunding in the higher education sector, arguing for a shift from the prevailing narrative that supports student fee-based funding towards a more public investment-centric approach.
Professor Sir Chris Husbands called for a more cohesive approach to policy-making, noting the disconnect among different departments overseeing various aspects of higher education. He also underscored the need for support outside of traditional full-time undergraduate degrees and for a double-down on regional policy.
