million+ is a university think tank

We use rigorous research and evidence based policy to solve complex problems in higher education. We publish research reports and policy papers and we submit evidence to parliamentarians, government and other agencies.

Our mission

We aim to develop and shape public policy and funding regimes on a non-party basis so that they enable

• people from every walk of life to benefit from access to universities that excel in teaching, research and knowledge transfer
• business, the NHS, the not for profit-sectors and government to benefit from the full potential of all universities

Our supporters are universities who share a belief in our mission. These member universities have their own diversity and specialisms. Together they provide a network of institutions that provide courses and research programmes which promote aspirations and empower and equip students, employers and the ‘not for profit’ sectors in the UK and in countries throughout the world. As universities, they play a vital role in supporting and developing the businesses and public services of today and tomorrow.

We also welcome support and interest from all those who are passionate about the contribution which the university sector makes to society and the economy.

The value that we provide

million+ is a university think-tank:

• we promote general policy objectives and engage in advocacy.
• we influence governmental decisions through evidence based policy.
• we set the agenda, mobilise change and amplify unheard voices.

Impact:

million+ is at the forefront of the political debate about the role and contribution of the universities to the economy and society. Our activity, research reports and policy papers have:

• put the case for Government to address the serious mismatch between supply and demand for university places. As a result of million+ lobbying the Government allowed an additonal 10,000 student places in 2009.
• provided a cost-benefit analysis of an ‘enrol for free’ scheme showing how in the recession Government could invest today to meet the needs of tomorrow by providing new opportunities for those unemployed or on short-time contracts to study part-time for the first-time at university.
• provided new research on the extent and mutual benefits of the international higher education partnerships of modern universities with recommendations for a cross-departmental approach by policy-makers and Government.
• campaigned to show how innovation is promoted by excellent research and why this is important to business, the NHS, ‘not for profit sectors’ and to students in all regions and countries of the UK, helping to shape the decision to fund excellent research in universities wherever it was found.
• put the case for second degree funding, the involvement of universities in promoting employability, widening participation and the importance of research-informed teaching to Parliament’s Select Committees and other decision makers.
• challenged the myth of ‘mickey mouse’ degrees and showed how collaborations between creative universities and industries can add further value to a strategic sector of the economy and deliver wider benefits to communities.
• highlighted the complexities of the student finance system and identified issues which policymakers and parliamentarians will have to address in the upcoming fees review in England. This report coupled with a programme of advocacy, has led to an emerging political consensus on the need to tackle the inequity of treatment of part-time students.

million+ is a not-for-profit organisation