First update from the chair

The Review Panel met for the first time last week to start discussing the task of making recommendations about higher education funding and student finance. Our discussions confirmed to me the complexity of the issues, but also the strength and expertise of the Panel. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Panel and listening to the views of the wider community of people who are interested in our work.

The Panel has made some initial decisions about how the review will operate. These have now been published on this website in our operating protocol and I hope they make it clear that we will be guided in our work by two fundamental principles. We will be independent in our approach; and open-minded in answering the questions posed by our terms of reference.

I know those with an interest in higher education are keen to get involved in the work of the Review. Following our initial meeting, the Panel has agreed that the Review will launch its first call for evidence at the beginning of December 2009. This will explore primarily the impact of the introduction of variable tuition fees since 2006. We will publish responses as we receive them on this website. The closing date for submissions will be 31 January 2010. During January, we will also hold public hearings, in which the Review Panel will take evidence from invited witnesses on key themes emerging from the written responses. At the end of the call for evidence, we will publish a summary of the responses received.

A second call for evidence will follow later in 2010 as we begin to look to future policy and will involve further public hearings.

Thank you for visiting the website and please look out for our call for evidence. Your interest and engagement is vital to the success of this Review.