The CUC Guide makes clear that the governing body has a key role in the strategic development of the institution. It should be involved in the development and approval of the institution’s strategic plan. In formulating their plans, governing bodies will wish to take note of government policy and funding council expectations with regard to sustainable development and CSR.
In its Sustainable Development Strategy and Action Plan, HEFCE states that it “wants to make sustainable development a central part of our strategy for the future development of the higher education sector.”
The HEFCE has published a strategy for higher education institutions in England for reducing carbon emissions and developing carbon management plans in line with government policy set out in the 2010/11 grant letter.
The HEFCW, in its 2009 request for updated strategic plans from Welsh institutions has specifically asked how institutions plan to address the Welsh Assembly Government priorities in relation to sustainable development.
The Scottish Funding Council has made sustainable development one of the 5 key themes of its strategic plan.
Governing bodies, with their responsibilities for the strategic development of their institutions may wish to consider:
The Climate Change Act 2008, which requires greenhouse gas emissions in the UK to be substantially reduced, will have implications for higher education, and targets for the sector are expected. Governing bodies will have to consider these as part of the strategic planning process.
Powerpoint presentations:
HEFCE and Corporate Social Responsibility: Joanna Simpson, Senior Policy Advisor, HEFCE
An Institutional Perspective: Professor Patricia Broadfoot, CBE, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Gloucester