Background

This is the first in what we envisage will be regular surveys to provide insight into the Higher Education Sector, with the intention to canvass the views of Directors of Finance, CFO's and those with a senior view of the financial operations of their institutions.

From our perspective, there has never been a more opportune time to commence this exercise. The sector is in its first year of the new tuition fees and funding regime and along with the relaxation of student number controls and emergence of alternative providers, this period represents a clear starting point to provide a benchmark for future comparisons across the sector.

Key Findings

The overriding theme of the survey is a focus on capital expenditure and how this is funded. The sector recognises that considerable investment is required from both an expansionary and a protectionist perspective: to grow student numbers, support research and meet the changing expectations of the 21st century learning environment and the wider student experience, as well as ensuring that HEIs maintain and enhance their current position domestically and internationally.

Investment is required to facilitate the retention of key faculty and administrative staff as, with higher education in a global sector, UK HEIs compete internationally for key staff, research and students.

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