Impact Executives Comment on the Recent Proposed Changes to Student Finance

LONDON, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading Interim Management provider, Impact Executives believes that Lord Browne's recent review of student finance could be the most radical reform of UK universities yet, if Browne's recommendations are adopted.

The fears amongst those in the education sector are shared by the management team at Impact Executives – that with such radical change just around the corner, UK universities may not be well positioned to manage these reforms in student funding should they come to surface.

The speculation is that universities may need experienced interims to lend a hand in these times of change, particularly when dealing with bureaucracy and changes in IT systems.

The Lord Browne review announced on the 12th October suggested removing the cap that universities have in place on tuition fees.  This means that the cap could be lifted from the current 3,290 pounds Sterling, allowing universities in England to charge what they like and for different fees to be set for different courses.

With student debt high combined with the current economic climate, the proposed reforms have caused concern in the education sector.

 Education opinion leaders such as Sally Hunt, University & College Union's General Secretary, and Mary Bousted, General Secretary of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, have both expressed concern over the proposed changes.

Sally Hunt states that if these recommendations are enacted, they would "represent the final nail in the coffin for affordable higher education...pricing the next generation out of education."

Mary Bousted feels that an unlimited rise in tuition fees or any rise in the rate to repay them would "severely damage higher education in the UK, leave students burdened with huge debts, discourage poorer students from going to university, and discourage graduates from becoming teachers and other moderate-to-lower-paid professions."

Christine De Largy, Managing Director of Impact Executives commented, "Change is imminent, whether some or all of Lord Browne's recommendations are adopted. However, in the interim the process of reviewing their processes, procedures and IT systems will have to very quickly be set into motion if universities are to ensure compliance with these changes when they are introduced in 2012. In times of crippling debt, reduced workforce and the looming spending review, how well positioned are the universities to manage this change?"

To read more about the student finance reform and find links to online updates visit the Impact Executives blog: http://www.impactexecutives.com/journal/christinedelargy/2010/10/lord-browne-review-of-student.html

About Impact Executives

Impact Executives is a leading interim management provider to organisations of every size in the UK and globally.

Originally formed as a specialist practice within PA Consulting Group, over the past 20 years Impact Executives has helped more than 2000 companies. These include more than two-thirds of the FTSE 250 - find the very best executive interim management talent.

With offices covering the UK, continental Europe, Asia Pacific and Australia, Impact Executives is part of the global services consultancy Harvey Nash Group plc, giving clients and interim managers the confidence that we have the resources, expertise and focus to deliver results - fast.

For more information about how an interim manager can help in making the necessary reforms please contact:

SOURCE Impact Executives