Written - The Review of Higher Education Governance in Wales

It is critical that Wales’ higher education system of national and institutional governance provides an appropriate model and structure to support the ambition, aspirations and direction set out by For our Future.  To achieve this aim, For our Future called for a review of higher education governance that built on the existing strengths in the sector but also rigorously evaluated current approaches and frameworks particularly in the light of meeting the future needs of Welsh higher education.

The review also aligns with the intentions of One Wales to review public service provision in order to implement continued improvement of public services.

An efficient, modern and effective system of governance at national and institutional level is central to driving forward and delivering a dynamic and responsive system of Higher Education in Wales. An appropriate system of governance helps deliver excellence and competitiveness and will support the sector in contributing to the needs of a modern, knowledge based, globally competitive economy and inclusive society. 

Consequently, as I indicated in my speech to The Leadership Foundation’s conference in March, it is my intent to set up a Review of Higher Education Governance in Wales.  The review will carry out a thorough, rigorous and analytical consideration of the purpose; the underpinning principles; and the operational and legislative framework of our current systems of governance in higher education.

I will expect the review to tackle the key issue of whether our existing forms of national and institutional governance match the needs, expectations and future requirements defined in For our Future and what changes may be required.  We need to ensure that HE Governance contributes to delivering a world-class HE sector in Wales, with more world-class teaching, knowledge transfer and better research grant and RAE performance. We need a higher education leadership in Wales which is focused, outward-looking and collaborative.

As the first stage, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr John McCormick as Chair of the Review. As the former Secretary of the BBC between 1987 and 1992 and as Controller of BBC Scotland between 1992 and 2004, John brings with him considerable high level experience of working in, and leading, a national public service organisation. John originally joined BBC Scotland in 1970 from the Education sector. As an experienced chair of national bodies such as the Scottish Qualification Authority and the Edinburgh International Film Festival, John also has considerable wider experience of national and organisational public sector governance, within the context of devolution.

His direct experience of governance within higher education institutions such as the prestigious Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, Glasgow School of Art and the University of Strathclyde is also a critically important asset for this role as is his experience of governance on the Board of the sector skills council Skillset.  Additionally, his role as a Non Executive Director of Lloyds TSB, Scotland has equipped him with first hand experience of governance in the commercial/ for profit sector.

More recently his work for the BBC World Service Trust has given him experience in leading and delivering major national consultancy projects in a number of different countries.

John McCormick understands education; he understands devolution and he understands governance.

I will issue a further statement on the members of the task and finish group when I have appointed them. I expect the group to be working over the summer and early autumn and I expect John to provide his report to me by the end of December.