Commission for Tertiary Education and Research newsletter: February 2024

Publication of the Statement of Strategic Priorities for Tertiary Education and Research and Innovation

Today marks another significant milestone in our tertiary education reform journey, with the publication of the Statement of Strategic Priorities for tertiary education and research and innovation in Wales, as required by the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022.

This document sets the course for the Commission in its mission to shape a vibrant and inclusive tertiary education landscape and making Wales a nation of second chances.

This first statement includes the key requirement for the Commission to develop itself into a highly effective organisation, providing stability and leadership during this time of transition.

The Strategic Priorities

• Develop a tertiary system that prepares learners for a dynamic and changing economy where all can acquire the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life and work.
• Maintain and enhance the quality of the tertiary system, continue and intensify work on widening participation and take steps to ensure a more equitable and excellent system for all.
• Putting the learner at the heart of the system by focusing on the experience of learners in the tertiary system and their wellbeing.
• Ensure that the tertiary education system contributes to the economy and society.
• Establish the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research as a highly effective organisation providing stability and leadership during this time of transition.

What Happens Next

The Commission must respond to the Statement by preparing and publishing a strategic plan setting out how it will address the priorities in conjunction with how it will discharge its strategic duties (as set out in the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022):

• Promoting lifelong learning
• Promoting equality of opportunity
• Encouraging participation in tertiary education
• Promoting continuous improvement in tertiary education
• Promoting research and innovation
• Promoting collaboration and coherence in tertiary education and research
• Contributing to a sustainable and innovative economy
• Promoting tertiary education through the medium of Welsh 
• Promoting a civic mission
• Promoting a global outlook
• Promoting collaboration between providers of tertiary education and Trade Unions

The Commission will consult its stakeholders regarding the plan before submitting it to Welsh Ministers for approval in December 2024.

The Statement of Strategic Priorities in full and the Minister’s statement can be accessed on the Welsh Government website.