MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TRIPARTITE ADVISORY GROUP (TAG)
9 March 2009
2 - 3 pm
Attendees
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning
Andrew Scott, Director of Lifelong Learning
Stephen Kerr, Deputy Director and Head of Higher Education and Learner Support
Stephen Noon, Special Advisor
John McClelland, Chair of Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council (SFC)
Mark Batho, Chief Executive of SFC
Laurence Howells, Director of Learning Policy and Strategy
Anton Muscatelli, Convener of Universities Scotland
Bernard King, Vice Convener of Universities Scotland
Martin Cheyne, Chair of Chairmen of Universities Courts
David Caldwell, Director of Universities Scotland
Secretariat
Ann McVie, Higher Education and Learner Support Division
1. Terms of Reference
The terms of reference, as published on 17 November 2008, were tabled. It was acknowledged that setting up TAG marked an important step in taking forward New Horizons and developing the new relationship between the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and Universities Scotland (US). Going forward, it would be important to disseminate TAG's work to other stakeholders. The FE/HE Round Table would be a useful forum for this.
2. Discharging TAG's Remit
The group discussed how to discharge each of the elements of TAG's remit.
It was agreed that the SFC would report formally at each TAG meeting on the progress being made in implementing the new funding arrangements and moving to a 'lighter touch' environment. It was acknowledged that once the new arrangements were operational, the SFC would seek feedback from TAG members on their effectiveness. It was also highlighted that stakeholders, including TAG members, would have an opportunity to comment and be consulted as the SFC's work progressed.
To support the TAG's consideration of the level of public investment required to maintain broad overall comparability with the rest of the UK and to remain internationally competitive, it was agreed that a technical subgroup would be set up to develop a shared evidence base. To keep the subgroup to a manageable number, it would comprise some 6-10 members drawn from the three TAG members. It was noted that TAG could ask the technical subgroup to consider strategic policy matters related to technical funding issues. For example, the subgroup might explore whether there was scope to increase further the levels of European research funding being secured by Scottish universities.
Actions: Subgroup agreed. Membership to be confirmed post meeting.
In respect of TAG's role in relation to strategic outputs and outcomes, it was agreed that: (i) TAG would provide views on the strategic outputs and outcomes for universities as they were being developed by SFC and (ii) receive updates from the SFC/Scottish Government on the progress being made towards achieving these outputs and outcomes.
3. Implementing New Horizons - progress report from SFC
John McClelland presented an overview of the SFC's work to implement New Horizons.
4. Protocols on Communications
It was agreed that minutes of TAG meetings would be published on the Scottish Government website.
5. Any Other Business
The Cabinet Secretary thanked David Caldwell for his contribution to New Horizons and establishing TAG. She wished him well for his retirement later that year.
It was agreed the next meeting would take place in early September.
Ann McVie
Scottish Government - LLD