What practical steps can UK universities take to manage risk and develop responsible transnational education (TNE)?

British Council and Universities UK International have co-researched and co-published new guidance for the sector, Managing risk and developing responsible transnational education (TNE) partnerships in May 2024. This report seeks to build upon UUK guidelines, British Council global expertise, and experience already present in the UK sector, to support all TNE providers with developing a risk management strategy that will safeguard their university and TNE offering. 

Findings from interviews with UK higher education providers and in-country British Council experts are presented in the report to support peer learning and capacity building. Amongst key takeaways are actions that UK TNE providers may wish to take to support shared capacity building and responsible internationalisation:

Four practical steps UK TNE providers may wish to take to catalyse collective commitment to risk and security management practices at a university are:

1. Convene the academic community to facilitate discussion on a whole sector approach: Look at the “Risk and security in TNE maturity curve” adapted from ARMA and published in the report to enhance staff understanding and assess a university’s current approach and future goals for risk management in TNE.
2. Consider case studies: Make use of case studies, such as those included in the report, to consider strengths and weaknesses of any current approach and identify where action might be needed to develop safe, secure and sustainable TNE.
3. Reflect on community feedback: Listen to colleagues across your organisation and assess if action or external support is needed to support specific individuals and/or teams.
4. Develop framework agreements: In some cases, written framework agreements with staff or students working in sensitive disciplines may be necessary to manage and mitigate risks. This may involve training, assessments, or meetings with individuals to both provide support and monitor activity and developments. TNE providers may wish to engage a focus group of participants to reflect on how framework agreements might be developed, redeveloped and utilised across different contexts, disciplines, types of study and levels of study.

For further guidance and resources on shared capacity building and responsible internationalisation in TNE, view and download the report by Universities UK International and the British Council.