Universities UK
Encyclopedia
Universities UK began life as the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals of the Universities of the United Kingdom (CVCP) in the nineteenth century when there were informal meetings involving Vice-Chancellors of a number of universities and Principals of university colleges. The current President is Professor Eric Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol
.
In 1918 the first consultative meeting of all Vice-Chancellors was held. At that time, the committee consisted of just 22 universities and university colleges. In 1930, under the chairmanship of Sir Charles Grant Robertson
, Vice-Chancellors secured a mandate from their respective universities that "it is desirable in the common interests of the United Kingdom to constitute a Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals for purposes of mutual consultation".
In the early 80s, they commissioned the Jarratt report
, published in 1985, and which framed universities as businesses delivering a product to student-consumers.
Over the succeeding years the number of universities increased as a result of new universities being created and the change in legislation in 1992, which recognised the former Polytechnics as Universities thus doubling and diversifying the membership.
On 1 December 2000, CVCP’s name, logo and identity were changed to Universities UK in order to reflect changes which had taken place in the organisation in recent years.
Universities UK's task is to support the work of universities and promote their interests. It works to deliver its mission by speaking out for a thriving and diverse higher education sector which creates benefits for all; providing and disseminating essential information; bringing people together to share knowledge and good practice.
There is also an additional group, Universities Scotland
, whose membership comprises the Universities UK members in Scotland
. Universities Scotland promotes and supports the work of Universities UK.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...
.
In 1918 the first consultative meeting of all Vice-Chancellors was held. At that time, the committee consisted of just 22 universities and university colleges. In 1930, under the chairmanship of Sir Charles Grant Robertson
Charles Grant Robertson
Sir Charles Grant Robertson CVO , was a British academic historian. He was a Fellow of All Soul's College, Oxford and Vice-chancellor of the University of Birmingham.-Biography:...
, Vice-Chancellors secured a mandate from their respective universities that "it is desirable in the common interests of the United Kingdom to constitute a Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals for purposes of mutual consultation".
In the early 80s, they commissioned the Jarratt report
Jarratt report
An inquiry into British higher education published in 1985. While delivered during the Thatcher era, it was commissioned by the Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals. The report viewed Universities as enterprises not unlike a factory, and in which students were the customer...
, published in 1985, and which framed universities as businesses delivering a product to student-consumers.
Over the succeeding years the number of universities increased as a result of new universities being created and the change in legislation in 1992, which recognised the former Polytechnics as Universities thus doubling and diversifying the membership.
On 1 December 2000, CVCP’s name, logo and identity were changed to Universities UK in order to reflect changes which had taken place in the organisation in recent years.
Universities UK's task is to support the work of universities and promote their interests. It works to deliver its mission by speaking out for a thriving and diverse higher education sector which creates benefits for all; providing and disseminating essential information; bringing people together to share knowledge and good practice.
There is also an additional group, Universities Scotland
Universities Scotland
Universities Scotland was formed in 1992 as the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals adopting its current name in 2000, when Universities UK was also formed. It represents 14 Universities and six other higher education institutions in Scotland. The Convener serves a two-year term of...
, whose membership comprises the Universities UK members in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
. Universities Scotland promotes and supports the work of Universities UK.