Our work 2023–24

Download the full impact statement: Our work 2023–24 (pdf)

Our work in numbers

Highlights of 2023–24

Making the case for sustainable funding

• Our strategy at the beginning of the year was to show there’s a problem with the way universities are funded, to show why sustainable funding matters, and to propose practical solutions with buy-in from stakeholders.
• In January, we published a report we commissioned from PwC on the sector’s current financial sustainability. This made it clear that there’s a problem.
• Our upcoming priorities will be working with a new government to find longer term solutions to funding challenges.

Protecting the graduate route

• As part of a monumental cross-sector effort, UUK and UUKi were central to preserving the Graduate Route.
• In the Spring, we contributed to the Migration Advisory Committee’s rapid review of the graduate route.
• We made a robust case that government interventions had reduced international student recruitment. We made it clear that further changes would be catastrophic for the sector and for the prosperity of the UK. Number 10 dropped plans to restrict the route, and there was no reference to it in the Conservative manifesto.

Planning our blueprint

• We prepared our blueprint for change. It sets out a positive blueprint for the future of the sector, making clear recommendations on the changes the government and universities can make to deliver against the UK’s needs.
• The report is now published: Opportunity, growth and partnership: a blueprint for change
• Working with stakeholders and members to take forward the recommendations will form a key part of delivery for the year ahead.

Preparing for a general election

• We formulated an election strategy, with the expectation of a general election being held at some point in 2024.
• In February, we published our manifesto. This set out how universities and the next government can work closely to support a national drive to achieve stronger economic growth and improve opportunity.
• With a snap election called for July, we were well prepared to act quickly, delivering general election guidance for members, summaries of manifestos, and working with the Electoral Commission to boost student voter registration.