In addition to the policy framework for the UK, the following are key contextual documents:
Reaching Higher: Higher Education and the Learning Country
The Welsh Assembly Government's first long-term vision for higher education was published in March 2002.
Review of Higher Education in Wales
A review group, chaired by Professor Merfyn Jones, Vice-Chancellor of Bangor University, submitted a first phase report in the Autumn of 2008 on funding and finance and a second on the mission of higher education in the Summer of 2009.
For Our Future – the 21st Century Plan for Higher Education in Wales
The Welsh Assembly Government published its plan for the future of Welsh higher education in late 2009. The plan set out a range of expectations for higher education, with emphasis on the WAG priorities of social justice and support for the economy. HEFCW has published changes to the funding system for higher education in Wales, and the teaching funding mechanism, following consultation with the sector, to address the priorities set out in For Our Future.
HEFCW Circular W11/01HE gives guidance to institutions on the submission of Reaching Wider Strategies to cover the period 2010-11 to 2013-14 and Circular W11/35HE reports the closure of the Reconfiguration and Collaboration Fund and gives advice on the Strategic Development Fund, effective from October 2011.
Regional Strategies
The HEFCW has published a more explicit description of the future shape of higher education in Wales, the key elements of which are that by March 2013 the structure of higher education in Wales should be based on no more than 6 institutions; that their distribution should reflect regional needs; and that there should be a balance of provision (in terms of research / teaching and community) in each region.
HEFCW has invited each region to submit a strategy by 31 October 2011 as part of the arrangements for the continuing development of a regional dimension for the planning and delivery of higher education in Wales.
The Welsh Government is now consulting on a Report from HEFCW which proposes specific mergers.
Supplementary Guidance
New arrangements for the allocation of full-time undergraduate and PGCE student numbers from 2013-14 have been published, following consultation with the sector. These new processes address the Welsh government's higher education priorities, as set out in For Our Future above.
HEFCW has issued supplementary guidance relating to learning and teaching and widening participation strategies up to 2013-14 to align with WAG and HEFCW priorities.