Universities UK (UUK), on behalf of USS employers, has today issued a joint statement with the University and College Union (UCU) outlining how both parties are working together on the future of USS benefits.
Following the March 2023 Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) meeting, we wish to provide a progress update on three of the key commitments we made within the interim joint statement (dated 17 February 2023). These commitments were:
Universities are major players in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), bringing in over a billion pounds in international business investment every year through their R&D and contributing to the government’s Science Superpower agenda. But often the shape, scale and impact of this investment is hard to describe at a sector level due to incomplete data and the variety of ways in which universities work with overseas business partners.
The latest information provided by the USS Trustee suggests that the forthcoming 2023 valuation is likely to reveal a high probability of being able to improve benefits and reduce contributions.
UK universities are global institutions, with students, staff and research partnerships across the world. This has allowed the sector, and the UK, to flourish.
However, there are risks associated with internationalisation which are increasingly dynamic and complex. This page summarises threats, best practice, guidance, and supporting services for UK universities.
Commenting ahead of planned industrial action starting tomorrow (Wednesday 1 February) by the University and College Union, a spokesperson for Universities UK on behalf of USS Employers said:
We need to have a conversation about how universities are funded. Universities must continue to compete on a global scale, support innovative research and teaching, and educate the next generation.
Ahead of the autumn statement on 17 November, we are urging the Chancellor to recommit to uplifting investment on research and development. This long-term investment will ensure that universities can continue to support growth and prosperity across the whole of the UK.
As world leaders gather for COP27, we’ve reflected on the progress universities have made on their climate commitments since COP26 – and where we need to go further.
These case studies have been gathered from our members, UK higher education institutions, as part of our ongoing work to strengthen the vigilance of the sector when working with international partners.
Speaking at our annual conference in her home town of Leicester, Vivienne Stern sets out her priorities in her first speech as Universities UK's Chief Executive.
Our publication outlines higher education sector guidance on how universities can manage security risks in their international research and innovation.
The UK Government's proposals could hit universities in disadvantaged areas the hardest. Danail Popov and Francesco Barcellona from Frontier Economics take a look at the data.