Reform of university employment contracts, pensions and taxation is needed if the higher education sector is to find efficiency savings in the age of austerity, a mission group report has warned. The University Alliance says its institutions could help deliver “radical reforms” such as partnerships with private providers and mergers, but only if the government […]
Commenting on the latest UCAS application figures, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance said: “It is a very positive reflection of the aspiration and achievements of young people that we see another increase in applications. It is also a very good thing for generating growth, stimulating economic recovery and shaping the future of the UK […]
Graduates will have to pay more for their university education in the future, Vince Cable said today, under sweeping reforms being considered by the Government. Higher graduate contributions are the “only possible way forward” to make the higher education system fairer and sustainable for the future, the Business Secretary said. Mr Cable was setting out […]
Commenting on the announcements by the Business Secretary today, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance said: “This is a welcome announcement from Government. An effectively implemented Graduate Contribution Scheme would address two fundamental weaknesses of the current system – reducing the cost to Government, freeing up money to invest in a higher number of students […]
University Alliance has today published a report that, for the first time, describes the approach adopted by its universities to focus on their strengths and deliver shared economic priorities in a new era of austerity. The publication, “Efficiency, leadership and partnership: an approach that delivers shared economic priorities” takes a refreshing and upfront look at […]
Commenting on a report by Dr Ralph Kenna into research concentration and quality, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance, said: “The report is a helpful contribution to the consideration of research concentration and diversity, and the importance of communication within research departments. “It supports an earlier University Alliance publication demonstrating the importance of funding research […]
Grameen bank project set to help Glasgow’s poorer communities. A UK university has teamed up with Nobel prizewinner Mohammad Yunus, of microbanking fame. Gillies, a community health specialist, understood that providing economic opportunities for women – the principle behind Yunus’s renowned Grameen bank – was key to improving health and social outcomes for the most […]
Flexible VAT framework could save millions of pounds, mission group says. Simon Baker reports Tax reforms that would encourage universities to share services and potentially save millions of pounds are now crucial as the sector faces severe funding cuts, the director of a mission group has said. Libby Aston, of the University Alliance, said that […]
Comment for the Times Higher Education on VAT incentives for shared services. A forthcoming report by University Alliance into efficient and effective use of public funds by universities will recommend that the government reviews its position on VAT for shared services. Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance, said: “By implementing a more flexible framework to […]
Speaking to the Times Higher Education following Vince Cable’s comments on development in education, Libby Aston, Director of University Alliance, said: “Recent growth in student numbers has not been the result of a target, it’s been about aspirations. In the UK’s global, knowledge-based economy, where 80% of new jobs are in high-skill areas, it is […]