HL Deb 23 November 1994 vol 559 c8WA
Lord Dormand of Easington

asked Her Majesty's Government:

  1. (a) what are the functions of the Higher Education Quality Council
  2. (b) who are the members of the Council
  3. (c) whether any changes in functions and membership of the Council are proposed, and
  4. (d) what is the annual cost of the Council.

Lord Lucas

The Higher Education Quality Council is owned by the United Kingdom higher education representative bodies—the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, the Standing Committee of Principals and the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals.

Its main functions are to undertake quality audits of the quality assurance systems of the institutions belonging to its constituent bodies and to promote quality enhancement in higher education. It also advises the Government on applications from institutions for degree awarding powers and university title.

The Government does not have responsibility for the membership, functions and costs of the council. These are determined by the bodies which own it.