We know that quality is our greatest asset, and it must be safeguarded. But quality costs, and needs investment. At this time of pressure on public funding, we are concerned that the quality of the student experience will come under increasing pressure unless we can find a way to resource better our teaching activity.

The pressures on quality were discussed by the Financial Sustainability Strategy Group (opens in new window) which published The sustainability of learning and teaching in English higher education (opens in new window) in December 2008 concluding that the threats to sustainability are being felt particularly in three aspects of the student learning experience: accessibility of staff to students; physical infrastructure for teaching and learning; and student support services. The report notes that:
 
“These are all critical to recruiting and retaining students and to student achievement, and also to the quality and reputation of UK higher education”.

The FSSG “endorsed the conclusion that these strains have now reached a point where they are a threat to the quality and sustainability of higher education and hence to its outstanding contribution to the national economy and reputation of the UK”.

That is why we continue to lobby for investment in HE, to protect quality and enable universities to continue to play in leading role in economic recovery. We are also keen to avoid increasing bureaucracy, as this would divert funding from front-line teaching, learning and research.