Our work

We work with government, the Senedd and stakeholders to support policy development and implementation in areas affecting higher education, meeting regularly with Senedd Members and Welsh Government officials to highlight key priorities for the higher education sector and the benefits we deliver to communities across Wales.

As education is devolved, our policy work is primarily focused on Welsh Government and the Senedd. However, we also represent our members’ interests to the UK Government and other relevant bodies and organisations as appropriate.

In addition to our work with government, we also:

  • provide consultation responses on key issues on behalf of our members
  • produce publications that explore and promote key areas of importance to higher education in Wales
  • perform horizon scanning for the sector
  • carry out analysis and research in key areas
  • deliver projects that strengthen the benefits that higher education offers Wales in accordance with our mission

See more on our work

Our aims

Our work is focused on 5 strategic areas:

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Research and innovation (R&I)
Welsh university research and innovation benefits people, businesses and public services in Wales. We are working to ensure that university-based research is central in government policy, and that universities are well positioned to work collaboratively with government and industry to draw down R&I investment from outside Wales.

Resources, partnerships and collaboration
Welsh universities are at the forefront of a progressive Welsh education system serving people, society and the economy. We are working to support collaboration between universities and others to deliver best value and public benefit.

Skills
The future prosperity of Wales depends on people and employers having access to the higher-level skills provided by universities. We aim to deliver widespread recognition of the vital role of universities in meeting Wales' future skills needs, ensuring universities are empowered to prepare Wales for the coming changes to the workforce.

Autonomy and governance
Universities are an important part of the economic and social fabric of Wales. We are focused on protecting important cornerstones such as academic freedom and autonomy, while also supporting the sector in operating at the leading edge of good governance.

International
University international activity is of crucial importance to Wales' future economic performance and global networks. Through the Global Wales programme, we aim to identify and capitalise on new opportunities for recruitment, research and mobility for Welsh universities.

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How we work

Our members meet regularly to discuss key issues facing the sector, and to decide upon collective positions and actions. We also convene several groups and networks which help to shape and develop our policy and strategic priorities.

Universities Wales Committee 
This is our governing committee to which we are accountable. Its membership consists of the vice-chancellors of Welsh universities and the Director of the Open University in Wales. The Committee provides a forum for the discussion of key matters affecting higher education in Wales. 
Chair: Professor Paul Boyle, Swansea University

Learning and Teaching Network 
The Learning and Teaching Network informs our work on policy issues in learning and teaching, quality assurance, quality enhancement and the student learning experience which are of short and long-term significance to the sector.
Chair: Claire Morgan, Cardiff University

Research and Innovation Network 
The Research and Innovation Network shapes our work on the research landscape in Wales, supporting the delivery of our strategic objectives on research and innovation.
Chair: Professor Paul Boyle, Swansea University

Wales Innovation Network Board
This Board provides oversight to the Wales Innovation Network project and operates as a subgroup of the Research and Innovation Network. The Board consists of representatives from every university in Wales including pro vice-chancellors for research and/or innovation and the Deputy Director for the Open University in Wales.
Chair: Professor Roger Whitaker, Cardiff University

International Network
The Universities Wales International Network is comprised of representatives from all universities in Wales and provides guidance and sector input to the Global Wales Board and Universities Wales’ international initiatives.
Chair: Dr Ben Calvert, University of South Wales

Civic Mission Network
Universities Wales facilitates the Civic Mission Network, which was set up to enable the sharing of practice and partnership working within communities.

Communications Group
The Universities Wales Communications Group provides a forum for communications colleagues at Welsh universities to share information and best practice.