Million Plus

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, today (15 July) puts forward six key areas for the new Labour Government to act upon to boost universities, so that they can better serve their communities and help deliver for Britain.

The ambitions of the new Government as it takes office align with those of modern universities across many areas. From providing the skills that businesses want, to creating opportunity for all regardless of background, to training the teachers, nurses and doctors that the country desperately needs, modern universities stand ready to deliver.

Like the country at large, the university sector faces real challenges, but with targeted support they are not insurmountable. While the funding model remains unsustainable and without a quick fix, New Government, new start focuses on action that could be undertaken at pace that would better enable universities to help deliver the new administration’s priorities and signal that Britain values education and opportunity for all.

MillionPlus calls on the new Government to:

• Recognise universities as a national asset and engage them as allies, not adversaries, and respect the importance of international students
• Re-commit to widening participation and introduce a social mobility premium
• Stabilise higher education finances
• Work with universities and the Office for Students to deliver genuinely risk-based regulation
• Recognise that the scope of university outputs requires joined-up working between government departments
• Maintain funding for BTECs and other established qualifications pending a review

Professor Graham Baldwin, Chair of MillionPlus and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, said:

“The goals of universities, in particular modern universities, largely align with the new Government and we believe through close collaboration we can collectively deliver for Britian. The election of a new Government is an opportunity for fresh thinking, and to the Prime Minister and Secretaries of State across education, science, health and others, we simply say this: give us the ball.

“These steps outlined in this document are measured, proportionate and crucially, many of them are low or no cost, so would not place extra burden on public finances. What they will all do, is provide universities and students with some breathing space so that they can focus their energy and resources on delivering in support of the aspirations for growth and development.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Dan Blows on 020 3927 2916 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk
2. MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
3. What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
4. Modern university facts and stats