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Leading the way in reviewing variable fees for students

03 December 2008

The Department for Employment and Learning is leading the UK by becoming the first region to launch an independent review of variable fees and student finance.

Launching the review, Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, said: “Following the introduction of variable fees in higher education in 2006 – 2007, I am today honouring my commitment to begin a review of these arrangements in this current academic year.  This will include a review of the new student finance package which was introduced in tandem with variable fees.”

Announcing the independent chairperson for the review, Sir Reg said: “I am pleased that Joanne Stuart, current chairperson of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in Northern Ireland, has agreed to act as independent chairperson for the review.  Joanne recently chaired the Education and Skills Committee of the IoD and is a trustee of the Integrated Education Fund.  She is also a non-executive Director of Sentinus, a non profit making organisation which develops and delivers programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics to schools and is one of the leading providers of business education activity in the UK.”  

Commenting further on the review structures, the Minister added: “As part of the Economic and Social Council (ESRC) Placement Fellow Scheme, a research fellow, Dr Alessandra Faggian, has been appointed to undertake the project ‘Utilisation of existing data sources’ to contribute towards an evidence base for the review of variable tuition fees in Northern Ireland.”

Making it clear that he was fully committed to a comprehensive, independent review the Minister added: “Both Joanne and Alessandra will be invaluable to the project and will ensure an independent approach is taken which is based on sound evidence from a range of sources.

“In addition, I have decided to set up a review steering group to ensure stakeholder interests are represented throughout the project.  I will be writing to key stakeholders soon to invite them to participate on the steering group.”

In conclusion, the Minister highlighted the importance of higher education to Northern Ireland.  He said: “Northern Ireland’s higher education sector makes a valuable contribution to the social, economic and cultural life of Northern Ireland and it is central to our success in the modern world.  I am committed, therefore, to an independent and comprehensive review of variable fees and student finance arrangements which will inform future policy for Northern Ireland.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. Dr Alessandra Faggian has eight years experience of producing academic and government reports on the UK higher education system through the use of sophisticated econometric techniques in research.  She is currently undertaking a project aimed at unravelling how the introduction of fees in England and Wales affects interregional student and graduate migration flows.
  2. 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.