- The panel for the review of higher education in Wales met for
the first time today.
- The panel consists of eight expert members, including the
chair Professor Patrick Prendergast.
- The review will examine funding, student support, research
and the sector's long-term sustainability.
The panel appointed to review higher education in Wales met for
the first time today (19 October), marking the start of its work
to examine how the sector is funded and organised.
Chaired by Professor Patrick
Prendergast, the panel will regularly meet to consider
student support, institutional funding, research and the
long-term sustainability of higher education in Wales.
The Terms of Reference for the
review were published in August.
Professor Prendergast is supported by a panel of seven experts in
higher education:
- Louise Casella, former Director of the Open University in
Wales.
- Dame Nicola Dandridge, currently visiting fellow at the
University of Bristol and at the London School of Economics, and
former Chief Executive of the Office for Students and
Universities UK.
- Dr Haydn Edwards, former principal of Coleg Menai and former
chair of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
- Maike Halterbeck, partner at London Economics and co-head of
their Education and Labour Markets team.
- Dr Dylan E , Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor of
the University of Wales Trinity Saint David and former
headteacher.
- Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Centre for
Universities and Businesses.
- Bethan Owen, former Deputy Chief Executive of HEFCW and
former Executive Director at Medr.
Meeting with the panel today, the Deputy Minister for Skills and
Tertiary Education said:
Our universities educate generations of learners and bring real
and lasting value to our communities. But the sector is facing
unprecedented challenges and it is clear we cannot continue as we
are. Doing nothing is not an option and decisive action must be
taken.
Today's first meeting of the review panel marks an important
first step in the journey towards a more sustainable higher
education system, and I'm pleased that we can call on a wealth of
knowledge and expertise in this area. I'm grateful to each member
for giving their time and insight to this vital task and I have
every confidence in their ability to shape a positive vision for
the sector in extremely challenging circumstances.
The review's interim report is expected in summer 2027, with a
full final report to follow the following winter.
