million+ comment on HE Framework
The university think-tank million+ has welcomed the emphasis in the Government’s HE Framework on employability, part-time and mature students and applied research. The Framework was launched by Lord Peter Mandelson, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Rt. Hon David Lammy MP, HE Minister in statements to the House of Lords and House of Commons on 3 November.
Professor Les Ebdon said ‘The emphasis on employability, part-time and mature students, new routes to access university and the importance of applied research are all welcome and central to ensuring that universities are fit to serve the needs of students and employers in both the private and not-for-profit sectors in the 21st century. Modern universities will particularly welcome the promise to fund excellent research wherever it is found because a simplistic policy of research concentration would stifle innovation and postgraduate opportunities.
However, the Framework will cut little ice unless the Chancellor’s Pre-Budget report in November confirms that the Government is prepared to adopt a much bolder strategy and give an Obama-style investment boost to higher education including by funding the student numbers required to cope with demand in 2010’.
ENDS
Notes to editors
- million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
- For further comment and information please contact Pam Tatlow on 020 7717 1655 or 07795 645241