Policy Documents

Latest Documents

• 18 September 2015

  Quality Assessment Review Consultation

  It is vital that any new quality assessment (QA) system, or adaptation of the current system, supports the globally-renowned quality of UK higher education. A new QA regime should eliminate unnecessary burdens and support a system that recognises and rewards high quality institutions.

• 18 September 2015

  Review of skilled worker visa route

  Proposals being considered by the Migration Advisory Committee could have significant negative consequences for the UK’s universities and research base. Careful consideration is needed before any reforms are made to the Tier 2 route to ensure universities can continue to recruit and retain world-leading academics and researchers and to attract talented international students.

• 07 September 2015

  Comprehensive Spending Review

  Our evidence sets out how investing in world-class research, innovation and higher education will build a resilient economy and create highly-skilled jobs. The positive impacts would be felt immediately and continue to deliver across the country for decades to come.

• 04 September 2015

  Parliamentary inquiry on the science budget

  Investment in excellent research should be increased in order for the UK to continue to be internationally competitive and to strengthen the pipeline for growth and jobs.

• 03 July 2015

  Review of salary thresholds for skilled worker visas

  We are concerned about the impact that an increase in the minimum salary thresholds for Tier 2 (skilled worker) visas could have for our universities' ability to attract and retain international staff across a range of roles, and in the attractiveness of the UK for international students who may find it harder to switch from Tier 4 into Tier 2. 

• 14 June 2015

  EU data protection regulations

  A joint statement with research charities and organisations calling on the European Parliament, Commission and Council to maintain exemptions that will allow vital research to continue under proposed new data protection regulations.

• 30 April 2015

  Paper on the future of quality assurance in UK higher education

  This paper builds on the Russell Group’s submission to the review of quality assessment in England, Wales and Northern Ireland conducted by HEFCE in early 2015.

• 17 April 2015

  Response to the Nurse Review of Research Councils

  As an essential part of the dual support system, the Research Councils are vital for supporting excellent research in the UK, playing a key role in sustaining the UK’s position as a global leader in science and research.

• 10 March 2015

  Russell Group immigration discussion in the House of Lords

  The Russell Group held a lunch discussion on the issue of international students and staff, and the impact of recent changes to immigration policy on our universities and the UK as a whole. This is a note of the meeting in the House of Lords on 10 March 2015.

• 06 March 2015

  Dowling Review of university-business collaboration

  Russell Group universities are leaders in establishing long-term multi-dimensional relationships with businesses and contribute out of all proportion to their size on key economic measures.