Written Statement - Statement on the University of Wales’ overseas franchising

Members will be aware of the recent BBC Wales investigation into the overseas franchising activities of the University of Wales. In particular, reference was made to the following:

• a University of Wales franchised college in Malaysia where the executive director claimed to have degrees which turned out to be bogus; and
• a franchised evangelical Bible college in Denmark not recognised by the state and only employing staff who believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible

The BBC’s findings on the recent ‘Week in Week Out’ programme raise what appear to be issues of serious concern in relation to the validation and quality process of the University’s overseas franchising. Also of concern is the suggestion in the programme that, in an inspection of the University’s franchise of the Malaysian college, the Quality Assurance Agency  (QAA) had failed to check the validity of the degrees claimed by the director of the institute. 

I am concerned that there may be an international reputational risk to both the University of Wales and to Wales’ higher education sector as a whole. Our strategy For our Future emphasises the need to ensure that Wales’ higher education sector is strong and vibrant with a positive reputation across the world. In my remit letter to HEFCW I stressed the need to safeguard the quality of the University of Wales brand. I have already tasked the Higher Education Governance Review with evaluating the governance and strategic direction of the University of Wales.

To ensure that further appropriate action is taken to evaluate the risk, identify areas of further weakness, and take the necessary measures to guard against them, I have  requested that HEFCW evaluate the issues raised by the ‘Week in Week Out’ programme and provide me with the necessary information to give me assurance that the University is realistically and effectively addressing the issues. I have also asked HEFCW to evaluate whether the University can be said to have implemented the recommendations in the Medwin Hughes review. I have also raised this issue with the QAA. I am publishing letters that I have sent today to the Chair of HEFCW and the Chief Executive of the QAA.

Given the centrality of quality to Wales’ higher education system, it is essential that the University of Wales responds to the issues raised rapidly, rigorously and transparently.

I note that in a recent radio interview, the University’s Pro Vice Chancellor of Learning, Teaching and Enhancement, stated that the University would be happy to co-operate with Assembly Government investigation. I therefore expect the University to co-operate fully with HEFCW and the HE Governance Review ’s enquiries.

HEFCW and the independent HE Governance Review will be presenting their findings to me early in the new year.