Advance HE MENU Search About News + Views Questions + Answers Visit: Equality Challenge Unit Higher Education Academy Leadership Foundation Questions + Answers Frequently asked questions about the new sector agency formed by the merger of the Equality Challenge Unit, the Higher Education Academy and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education: Questions + Answers Name and background How has the merger come about? The merger of the Equality Challenge Unit, the Higher Education Academy and the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education follows the recommendations of the Bell review for a single sector agency for equality and diversity, learning and teaching, and leadership and governance in higher education. What’s the agency’s name and what are its plans for branding? How did the name Advance HE come about? Does the new agency have charitable status? What’s Advance HE’s position in the sector? When will Advance HE formally come into being? Summary: All three agencies forming Advance HE have great track records in their respective fields. But they are stronger together – enriched by their combined commitment and expertise in Advance HE’s more rounded and complete offer. Leadership, organisation and structure Who will lead Advance HE? Advance HE will be led by Alison Johns, currently chief executive of the Leadership Foundation. Alison was appointed as CEO Designate, following a formal process in September 2017. What other interim senior appointments have made to steer the transition to a single agency? How will the transition be managed? What governance arrangements are planned? What is the process for the agencies to come to together as one entity? Summary: The senior leadership and working groups are already into the detail of their planning and are making very positive strides towards the formal merger and “go-live” date of 1 August 2018. Current work, consultation and continuity What are the arrangements for transition to a new membership model? During 2018-19 we will deliver a transitional range of products and services. There will be a further consultation later this year to determine our integrated membership model and offer for the academic year 2019-20. When will Advance HE be operational? When will the sector be consulted? How will the core work of ECU, HEA and LFHE continue under Advance HE? Will ECU’s work and partnership with Scottish colleges continue in Advance HE Summary: While the details of the propositions are to be shaped and informed by the sector consultation, leadership and governance, equality and diversity, and teaching excellence will remain core to Advance HE’s work. Institutional membership 2018-19 What are the arrangements for a transition to a new membership model? The chief executive plans to contact institutions in early May with the details of Advance HE’s membership scheme for 2018-19. This will be a transitional year and Advance HE has undertaken to give a price reduction on current membership fees. Advance HE will be consulting on a new membership model for 2019-20 later this year. What is the timeline for the merger? December 2017 Boards unanimous vote to merge, January 2018 March 2018 April/May 2018 July 2018 August 2018 September/October 2018 Terms Privacy Cookie Contact ©Advance HE 2018. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 04931031 | Registered charity, England and Wales 1101607 | Registered charity, Scotland SC043946 | VAT Registered number GB 152 1219 50. Advance HE, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR, United Kingdom Terms Privacy Cookie Contact ©Advance HE 2018. Company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 04931031 | Registered charity, England and Wales 1101607 | Registered charity, Scotland SC043946 | VAT Registered number GB 152 1219 50. Advance HE, Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York, YO10 5BR, United Kingdom We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies. OK, I agree No, give me more info