The most important development for governors in relation to students is almost certainly associated with future student demand for higher education and the associated issue of how it will be funded. The forthcoming demographic downturn is predicted to have significant implications for student demand, and the additional effects of major funding reductions are not yet clear.
The Coalition Government has signalled its policy of making more information available to students and prospective students, particularly in relation to employment after graduation, and in England institutions have been asked to publish an Employability Statement, to assist applicants. A similar arrangement applies to the larger institutions in 
Wales. From September 2012 universities and colleges in England will have to publish Key Information Sets (KIS) for all undergraduate programmes to help to provide more comprehensive information for prospective students.
Governors may also wish to monitor the future of and outcomes from the National Student Survey (NSS).
An important report on the future of postgraduate education One Step Beyond: Making the most of Postgraduate Education was published in April 2010. One of its 24 recommendations focuses on linking funding more directly to research quality.
Governors will wish to have an opportunity to consider options for the development of student residential accommodation. It has been reported that the University of Reading has entered into a long-term agreement with UPP (University Partnerships Programme) for the development and management of all its student accommodation.