The Welsh Government yesterday published a consultation on ‘The Future Shape of Higher Education in Wales’.

GuildHE CEO, Andy Westwood, said,

“GuildHE welcomes the HEFCW consultation and will provide detailed comments in due course.

“At this stage however, we feel it is important to point out to HEFCW that big isn’t necessarily beautiful. Small, specialist institutions are often favoured by students and employers alike and a diverse sector is crucial to student choice and economic growth.

“The evidence supporting mergers in FE or HE is far from clear cut and many institutions in the UK have encountered difficulties during and after such processes. The impact on local economies and communities is rarely straightforward. GuildHE wholeheartedly supports the autonomy of institutions and believes that any mergers should ultimately depend on the wishes of each institution and their local communities.”

ENDS

For more information and comment:

Andy Westwood
Tel: 020 7387 7711
Mobile: 07970007142
Email: andy.westwood@guildhe.ac.uk

Notes to editors

1. GuildHE is a recognised higher education representative body. Its 32 members are among the most dynamic and fastest-growing institutions in the sector. For a list of GuildHE institutions, please visit: https://www.guildhe.ac.uk/en/members-list/ 

2. The consultation is available on the Welsh Government website https://wales.gov.uk/consultations/education/heinwales/?lang=en The consultation responses are requested by 5 October 2011.