Policy frameworks for efficiency and effectiveness

This peer learning seminar explored the existing policy frameworks for efficiency and effectiveness in higher education and the ways in which institutions have developed strategies to address these policy priorities. For more details, please consult this report.

The first USTREAM peer learning seminar dedicated to policy frameworks for efficiency and effectiveness will take place on 1 and 2 June 2017 in London, UK. Organised by Universities UK (UUK), the seminar focused on the policy framework in which efficiency and effectiveness has been approached with the UK, and the ways in which institutions have developed strategies to address these policy priorities. The experience gained in the UK provided the background for the reflection and discussion of the following questions:
• What are the drivers for policy makers, and the levers and mechanisms used to stimulate action? How do government and funders work within the framework of a highly autonomous sector to address the efficiency agenda? And how can the university sector as a whole respond to these challenges?
• How are efficiency and value for money strategies developed, and what are the key factors underpinning a successful strategy? How are targets, data and benchmarking used to drive improvement, and what is the role of university boards in overseeing efficiency and value for money? How do senior leaders assure boards that strategies are being effectively implemented?
• How are annual value-for-money reports created and used, and how do these provide assurance to funders and government?

Objectives
Participants shared good practices and strategies, discussed challenges and pitfalls, and explored the impact of efficiency measures on higher education institutions. They were able to benefit from
- Cutting-edge experience and technical knowledge shared by peers and experts in efficiency
- Exchange of good practices and networking
- Contribution to the design of national and European policies on a topic of importance for the sector

Participants
The seminar brought together ca. 20 university leaders and senior managers experienced in the design, implementation or evaluation of efficiency oriented activities. The event was of special interest to rectors, vice rectors, or other members of the universities’ leadership team, registrars, heads of administration, finance and HR services, and deans, as well as public officials at national higher education ministries and controlling agencies overseeing efficiency related matters.

  • Thursday, 1 June 2017

    17.30 - 17.45
    Introduction

    Thomas Estermann, Director Governance, Funding and Public Policy Development, European University Association

    Jamie Arrowsmith, Assistant Director, Policy, Universities UK International

    17.45 - 19.15
    Session 1: The policy context

    Efficiency, effectiveness and value for money in UK higher education
    Professor Sir Ian Diamond, Principal and Vice-chancellor, University of Aberdeen and Chair, Universities UK Efficiency Task Group

    Procurement UK: From policy to action, a case study
    Professor Nick Petford, Vice-chancellor, University of Northampton and Chair, Procurement UK

    Discussion

  • Friday, 2 June 2017

    10.00 - 11.30
    Session 2: Governance, strategy and reporting

    Taking a strategic view of university efficiency and case studies
    Chris Cobb, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Operations) and Chief Operating Officer, University of London

    Evidencing success and identifying opportunity: the role of value for money reports
    Bob Rabone, Chief Financial Officer, University of Sheffield

    What do university governors need to know about efficiency?
    Alison Johns, Chief Executive, Leadership Foundation for Higher Education

    11.45 - 13.15
    Session 3: Driving performance by learning from the best

    Using data and benchmarking to drive performance: an institutional case study
    Paul Johnstone, Head of Analytics, University of Warwick

    Using data and benchmarking to drive performance in the university estate
    Sue Holmes, Director of Estates & Facilities, Oxford Brookes University

    Efficiency Exchange - Driving performance in UK higher education by sharing professional knowledge
    Ian Powling, Digital Programmes Lead, Universities UK

    14.00 - 15.30
    Session 4: Effective strategies for meeting the efficiency challenge

    Breakout session
    Presentation of results
    Discussion

    15.30 - 16.00
    Conclusions and closing remarks

    Professor Nick Petford, Vice-chancellor, University of Northampton and Chair, Procurement UK
    Thomas Estermann, Director Governance, Funding and Public Policy Development, European University Association
    Jamie Arrowsmith, Assistant Director, Policy, Universities UK International

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