The strategic authority for overseeing all aspects of Tertiary Education and Research in Wales.
Contents
About the Commission
The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act which became law on the 8 September 2022, establishes the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, a new Welsh Government sponsored body, and will dissolve the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) once operational.
The Commission for Tertiary Education and Research will be established in September 2023 and will be operational in April 2024, when it will become responsible for the strategy, funding and oversight of the following sectors:
- further education (FE), including colleges and school sixth-forms
- higher education (HE), including research and innovation
- adult education and adult community learning
- apprenticeships and training
The strategic vision outlines the vision for post-compulsory education and training sector in Wales. The establishment of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research is essential to realising this vision.
Responsibilities of the Commission
- Take a whole system approach to research and innovation funding with an ability to provide funding to a wide range of HE and FE institutions.
- Protect the interests of learners, ensuring vocational and academic learning are equally valued.
- Align education and training more closely with the needs of employers.
- Monitor performance and governance whilst protecting the academic freedom of institutions.
- Monitor and promote improvement in education and training providers.
- Increase the availability of Welsh-medium tertiary education and to encourage individuals to learn through the medium of Welsh.
Consultations
Proposed lists of unions and bodies eligible to nominate associate members of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research
We’ll be consulting on the list of Trade Unions and learner representation bodies who may nominate individuals for the purpose of appointing associate workforce members and associate learner members to the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. This consultation takes place between 21 June 2023 until 29 September 2023.
Register of tertiary education providers: initial regulations
We’ll be consulting to seek views on the regulations we need to make to enable the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research to establish the register of tertiary education providers. This consultation will be launched in Autumn 2023.
Amendment to the Digital Economy Act 2017 in respect of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research
We’ll be consulting on the proposed addition of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research to the list of persons who may share information for the purposes of taking action to combat fraud against the public sector. This consultation will be launched in Autumn 2023.
Technical amendments to The Inspection of Education and Training (Wales) Regulations 2001
We’ll be consulting on the revoking and remaking of The Inspection of Education and Training (Wales) Regulations 2001 to take account of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 and the role of the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research. This consultation will be launched in autumn/winter 2023.
Funding of further education and training regulations
We’ll be consulting on draft regulations to be made under section 94 of the Tertiary Education and Research Act regarding the funding of further education and training. The consultation on lifelong learning duty will be launched in early 2024.
Register of tertiary education providers: further regulations
We’ll be consulting to seek views on the regulations we need to ensure the register of tertiary education providers operates as intended. This consultation will be launched in spring summer 2024.
Contact us
If you require further information or guidance, please contact us at CTER@gov.wales.