§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what process he followed in appointing Mr. Steven Schwarz to lead a review into admissions to higher education; what(a) exchanges and (b) representations took place between himself and Mr. Schwarz regarding the independence of such a review; and what guidelines there are regarding independence of reviews carried out at his request.[139123]
§ Alan JohnsonThe Secretary of State for Education and Skills appointed Professor Steven Schwartz following discussion with organisations in the higher education sector. This included contact with the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), and Universities UK (UUK).
The Secretary of State for Education and Skills has drawn up clear terms of reference for the Admissions to Higher Education Steering Group which are set out in its recent consultation paper, "Consultation On Key Issues Relating To Fair Admissions To Higher Education", available from www.admissions-review.org.uk.
The Admissions to Higher Education Review adheres to good practice in preserving the independence of such reviews. This is demonstrated by the following:
Professor Schwartz, vice-chancellor of Brunel University, has been chosen as an independent chair from the HE sector.
Professor Schwartz has a Steering Group whose members represent a wide range of interests and views.
The secretariat support to the Steering Group is led by consultants seconded from universities, rather than permanent civil servants.
Any services commissioned by the Steering Group where resources or facilities are provided by the DfES have been subject to service level agreements.
An independent press agency has been used for all matters relating to the review.