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Higher Education has a major role to play

3 June 2009

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today emphasised the importance of the higher education sector in the current economic climate.

Sir Reg was speaking at the Quality Assurance Agency’s (QAA) Annual Subscribers Meeting, which was held in Belfast for the first time.  It brought together all stakeholders involved with the QAA’s work throughout the United Kingdom.

The Minister highlighted in his speech that this is indeed a challenging time for all those involved in supporting and delivering higher education.  He said: “In a demanding economic environment it is crucial that the higher education sector continues to provide a quality educational experience, whilst evolving and responding to global economic change.

“The higher education sector in Northern Ireland, and across the United Kingdom, remains central to the viability and future prosperity of the economy.  From raising the aspirations of our young people, equipping them for the world of work; building an economic skills base; being at the forefront of innovation and research, right through to the cultural and social value that universities undoubtedly deliver.”

This year’s meeting followed the theme of ‘Managing the quality of higher education in a changing environment’ and focused on the current and future challenges that may impact on the quality of UK higher education.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The QAA was established in 1997 to provide independent assessment of how higher education institutions in the UK maintain their academic standards and quality.
  2. QAA is an independent body funded by subscriptions from universities and colleges of higher education and through contracts with the main higher education funding bodies.
  3. The primary responsibility for academic standards and quality rests with individual institutions. QAA reviews and reports on how well they meet those responsibilities and encourages continuous improvement in the management of the quality of higher education.
  4. Media queries to the Department for Employment and Learning Press Office on 028 9025 7872. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.