The Higher Education Academy - plans from 2011
- Date: 17-11-2010
The HEA has reviewed its work and structure in discussion with a number of Vice-Chancellors and other institutional and academic leaders.
Changes in the funding and in student expectations of higher education have focused increased attention on the quality and recognition of teaching. The HEA’s future work will concentrate on activity that supports institutions and their staff in improving teaching in higher education. The Board has agreed a range of services which will be built around three related aspects of the student learning experience - teacher excellence, developing academic practice, and institutional strategy.
Support at subject level to academics in their discipline communities will remain at the heart of our work. However from 2012, the HEA will no longer be providing grant funding to support a network of Subject Centres based in a small number of universities.
Key services such as the provision of subject-level support to new teachers and graduate teaching assistants, and consultancy support at departmental level will be provided and delivered by subject specialists and a network of academic associates. The HEA will provide online materials, events and subject-specific resources to academics in different discipline areas. It will continue to work with the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies and subject associations.
A significant proportion of the core staff roles in the HEA will be for academic and subject specialists. These will be filled through secondment as well as direct employment. The HEA will also look to work with academic associates based in or linked to HEIs across the UK.
The decision to restructure was based on a careful appraisal of the HEA’s ability to deliver services consistently to the sector and of the costs involved. The new structure will increase the proportion of staff and other resource that is used to work directly with academics and learning support staff in institutions. It also gives greater flexibility to move resources around or change emphasis as the needs of the sector develop and reductions in funding take full effect.