The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) has welcomed the appointment of new members to its Council, which includes Provost Professor Christine Ennew, who will take up this role at the end of April 2018.

HEFCW is the public body that sits between universities and the Welsh Government with responsibility for the regulation of fee levels at higher education providers in Wales, overseeing the assessment framework for the quality and performance of higher education institutions in Wales and distributing public funds received from the Welsh Government. As higher education is a devolved area, most of the decisions about higher education provision in Wales are taken by the Welsh Government, and HEFCW helps to deliver priorities for higher education for the wider benefit of society and the economy.

There are 12 Council members whose role is to focus on strategic policy, major matters of substance and significance and maintaining oversight of HEFCW activities.

Christine Ennew said:

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be involved actively in HEFCW at what is both an exciting and challenging time for higher education in Wales. Alongside the key agendas relating to student support, internationalisation, access and widening participation, degree apprenticeships and research with impact, the implementation of the Diamond and Hazelkorn Reviews will catalyse major change within the sector. I’m very much looking forward to working with colleagues at HEFCW and in institutions during a period of what will be quite dramatic change.”

The Cabinet Secretary said:

I am delighted that we were able to appoint such high calibre candidates from the fields of higher education, further education, industry, business and work-based learning – individuals who are highly regarded in their fields and who I know will make a valuable contribution to, and positive impact on, the work of the Council as we move forward.

I look forward to working with the new members over the next few years and welcome their contribution to our work.”