Terms of Reference

These Terms of Reference provide broad guidance on; the responsibilities of the Department for Employment and Learning; the functions of the Northern Ireland Higher Education Council (NIHEC) and its relationship with the Department, the Universities and GB funding councils.

Responsibilities of the Department for Employment and Learning

The governmental structure for Higher Education policy and funding is different in Northern Ireland than in England, Scotland and Wales. There, central government is responsible for policy and for securing funding from Parliament. These funds are disbursed to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through HE Funding Councils, which translate government policy into funding formulae for the core teaching and research grants and into initiatives through which additional funds are targeted to achieve specific policy objectives. Higher Education is the responsibility of the Department for Education and Skills in England, with funding channelled through the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE). The systems in Scotland and Wales are similar. In Northern Ireland, because of the relatively small size of the sector, the Department for Employment and Learning not only has responsibility for policy and for securing funding but also stands in place of a funding council, disbursing funds directly to the institutions.

NIHEC

The Northern Ireland Higher Education Council is a non-executive advisory body and was established in 1993. The function of the Council has been to advise Department of Education NI and latterly the Department for Employment and Learning, on the planning and funding of higher education in Northern Ireland. In essence this meant advising on higher education issues as they affected the NI universities only.

In 2002 the Department's Minister decided to re-constitute the Council. There are a number of reasons why change was necessary:

  • NIHEC was serving a new Department with a new developing strategic agenda.
  • The Department required advice across the whole of higher education and not just higher education in the universities.
  • Devolution brought with it the need for a more regional focus.

Duties of NIHEC

The function of the Council is advisory with no executive functions. The main duties of the Council include:

  • To provide advice to the Department's Minister on strategic priorities, strategic funding issues and policy and planning for all aspects of higher education.
  • To advise on the relevance of higher education provision to the economic, cultural, social and intellectual life of Northern Ireland.
  • To help secure strong collaboration and co-operation , in particular, between the Department, Higher Education Institutions and the private sector.
  • To maintain and enhance the liaison and co-operation with its GB and ROI counterparts.
  • To assist in ensuring that the quality and standards of teaching and research are of world class excellence.
  • To assist in ensuring that a research capacity is maintained at a level and in a form which enables it to respond to the economic, social and cultural needs of NI.
  • To encourage the universities to work with business and the community.
  • To advise on the policy of increasing participation in higher education by those who are currently under represented.

Membership of NIHEC

The Council consists of a Chair plus a total of 12 members from the NI higher education community, the NI business sector, the wider public sector, GB and ROI academics, and one member representing the Learning and Skills Advisory Board.

Relationship between NIHEC and the Department

Members are appointed by the Minister for Employment and Learning for a period of 4 years. Appointments are made on the basis of expertise in the field of higher education or experience in industry or the professions.  The Department is responsible for presenting policy proposals to ministers.  In framing its proposals in relation to higher education the Department will seek the advice of NIHEC.  In its turn, NIHEC will wish to keep itself informed of developments in the wider HE system in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The Council is expected to provide its advice to the Department on a confidential basis.

Relationship Between NIHEC and the Northern Ireland Universities

In carrying out its responsibilities, the Council will recognise the importance of maintaining a close and continuing relationship with the Northern Ireland Universities.  It will wish to ensure that the views of both universities on issues being considered are fully understood by the Council, and given suitable consideration.

   back to top