HL Deb 29 October 2002 vol 640 cc26-7WA
Lord Hunt of Chesterton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What arrangements exist for universities to have their letters and questions answered by, arid to receive hearings from, the Higher Education Funding Council about the decisions reached by the council in the 2001–02 research assessment exercise, especially in cases where significant changes in the assessment rating occurred during the process.[HL6016]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland:

The outcome of the research assessment exercise was reached through consideration of evidence by expert panels appointed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the other funding councils. Letters and queries relating to the exercise are handled by HEFCE in the same way as other correspondence. HEFCE will consider reviewing panels' decisions if there is credible evidence that the established processes were not followed.

Lord Hunt of Chesterton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether all Higher Education Funding Council assessment panels include a foreign member when assessing the international standing of university groups; if not, why not; and what plans they have to ensure such panels always include a foreign member in the future. [HL6017]

Baroness Ashton of Upholland:

In the 2001 research assessment exercise, 60 expert panels considered evidence submitted by higher education institutions. While there was no requirement for panels to include a foreign member, each panel submitted its decisions to a group of overseas experts which endorsed the standard of international excellence. Sir Gareth Roberts is currently leading a review of research assessment on behalf of the UK funding councils. The use of international experts is within the scope of the review.