On teaching:

• we particularly welcome the new focus on the importance of teaching and learning within HE, while urging that further funding is needed to realise fully the Government's vision
  
  
• we support the proposals for changes to the criteria for University title; in addition to the proposed revision of the criteria to taught degree-awarding powers, a full and independent review of the current process is needed;
  
  
• additional funding to underpin HR strategies is welcome; while a prime focus for this will be on rewarding teaching excellence, proper recognition is also needed of the contributions of administrative and support staff to the successful operation of institutions.
  

On knowledge-transfer:

• we support an inclusive definition of knowledge-transfer and welcome the introduction of a permanent third stream of funding to support this area;
  
  
• higher education has a critical role to play in the community and we propose that a proportion of third stream funding should be identified to promote the social and cultural dimensions of higher education in the community;
  
  
• there should be progressive waiving of debt for all graduates entering key public sector professions.
  

On research:

• while recognising the de facto concentration of research funding in areas which require expensive plant and equipment, we are opposed to increased selectivity in research funding for the arts, humanities and many social science subjects;
  
  
• we welcome the introduction of capability funding for new and emerging research disciplines;
  
  
• access to postgraduate research training should not be constrained; this is a widening participation issue which could impact on access to study for part-time and locally-based postgraduate students;
  
  
• we support high standards for research training, but oppose the use of RAE grades as a reliable proxy for the quality of such training.
  

On expansion of higher education:

• we support properly-funded expansion of higher education to meet the 50% participation target; this must include new and more flexible forms of learning;
  
  
• HE colleges have a key role to play in future expansion, including Foundation Degree development;
  
  
• while much of the expansion will be at Foundation Degree level, we believe that honours degree and postgraduate level courses should continue to grow where there is clear evidence of student demand;
  
  
• we support the development of equitable partnerships between HEIs and further education colleges;
  
  
• we welcome the intention to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy where provision crosses boundaries.
  

On fair access:

• SCOP is committed to fair access and welcomes the additional resources to assist with this, including, as a start, the increased postcode premium;
  
  
• we welcome the proposal to roll-out the various current access initiatives to form a coherent national outreach programme under the brand name of AimHigher;
  
  
• the proposed establishment and role of the access regulator will need to be monitored carefully.
  

On freedoms:

• we are partners with Universities UK and the funding bodies in developing the Leadership Foundation and welcome the investment in this initiative;
  
  
• we support the proposed reduction in bureaucracy and call for streamlined, but robust, accountability arrangements across all areas of higher education;
  
  
• there is a need for a wide variety of different collaborative models and arrangements; one size does not fit all.
  

On funding:

• we welcome the Government's recognition of the funding gap for higher education;
  
  
• we remain concerned, however, that the increase in core teaching funds will not be sufficient to deliver the Government's modernisation agenda;
  
  
• we continue to support the Dearing principle that students should make a means-tested contribution towards their higher education;
  
  
• SCOP also supports the decision to abolish up-front fees and to collect contributions via a new Graduate Contribution Scheme;
  
  
• we welcome the Government's proposal to provide income to HEIs equal to the contribution levels they have set for students and would look to the Government for a long-term commitment on this matter.
  
  
• we support the reintroduction of targeted maintenance grants, but would question whether the proposed level of grant will be sufficient;
  
  
• SCOP calls on the Government to monitor the impact of differential fees to ensure these do not work against widening participation and the recruitment of key public sector professionals.
  

The full text of our response can be accessed here:
http://www.scop.ac.uk/downloads/ScopBrochure.pdf