MINUTES OF THE FIFTH MEETING OF THE TRIPARTITE ADVISORY GROUP (TAG)
3 November 2010
9: 15 - 10: 15 am
Attendees
Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning
Andrew Scott, Director of Lifelong Learning
John Ireland, Senior Economic Advisor, Education Analytical Services (items 1-2)
Paul McKelvie, Vice Chair of Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC)
Mark Batho, Chief Executive of SFC
Laurence Howells, Senior Director of Learning, Research and Knowledge Exchange
Sir Tim O'Shea, Vice Convener of Universities Scotland
Alan Simpson, Chair of the Chairs of Scottish Courts
Simon Jennings, Deputy Director of Universities Scotland
Apologies
Stephen Kerr, Deputy Director and Head of Higher Education and Learner Support
John McClelland, Chair of Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC)
Bernard King, Convener of Universities Scotland
Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland
Secretariat
Ann McVie, Higher Education and Learner Support Division
Agenda
1. Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were agreed for the record.
2. Reports from Technical Subgroup
The Scottish Government presented the key findings from the work of the Technical Subgroup.
All members of the Technical Subgroup had worked constructively together to produce a common evidence base about: measures of funding for higher education; measures of efficiency and effectiveness of the sector; and measures of the impact of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
The main findings were that: whilst some methodological approaches showed Scotland marginally ahead of England and others marginally behind, funding levels were broadly comparable between Scotland and England; the Scottish university sector is efficient, based on international comparisons; the available evidence suggests that the overall economic benefits of higher education are considerable for both the individual and the economy.
It was agreed that work provided a useful evidence base about Scottish higher education. It was also agreed that the full reports and summaries would be published on the Scottish Government website, after some technical corrections.
3. Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture (ELLC)
It was noted that Universities Scotland (US) was giving evidence about TAG and related issues to the ELLC Committee on 3 November. The Scottish Government was due to give evidence on the 10 of November. The SFC had offered to give evidence on a date convenient to the ELLC Committee.
4. Implementing New Horizons
The SFC reported that it had now agreed with US an approach to a sector level outcome agreement. The SFC had successfully reduced the number of circulars issued as part of the 'lighter touch' agenda. Work was continuing in this area, within the context of the UK-wide Higher Education Better Regulations Group, of which both the SFC and US were members.
The SFC was in discussion with US about the further development of the Horizon Fund, with a view to streamlining its operation. The Horizon Fund was supporting a number of strategically important developments in the sector including research pooling, industry driven skills investments and; knowledge exchange projects with significant economic potential. Looking ahead, it was agreed that the Horizon Fund could have a role to support change in the sector, in areas such as the rationalisation of provision and supporting greater flexibility within the learning journey.
5. Scottish Budget 2011-12 and future funding models: the Scottish Solution
All parties acknowledged the outcome of the work of the Technical Group, agreeing that there was currently broad comparability of funding between Scotland & England.
Reviewing the outcome of Lord Browne's Review of Higher Education and Student Finance in England, it was acknowledged that there would be a period of uncertainty about fee levels in England. Whilst it was likely to be number of years before a fully market driven fee regime was in place in England, US stressed at there could be implications for the government's commitment to broad overall comparability of funding from 2012-13. It was suggested that a short-term working group might be set up to consider the implications for Scotland of the increased fee levels in England.
It was acknowledged that the Scottish Budget would be under considerable pressure in 2011-12, with £1.3 billion having been cut from the Budget by the Westminster Government.
Following the publication of the Green Paper in December, there would be a period of discussion, prior to any required legislation being brought forward at the start of the new Parliamentary session. It was acknowledged that the sector was engaging constructively with the debate about the Scottish Solution. All parties agreed to work together to ensure that the Scottish Solution was in place for 2012-13.
6. Communications
It was agreed that the minutes of the meeting would be published on the Scottish Government website.
7. Next Meeting
It was agreed the next meeting would take place in February/March.
Ann McVie
Scottish Government, November 2010