Dear all
Very interested to read all these comments about the
administration of hardship funds in different institutions.
What is clear is that many places have either (a) not read
the DfES guidance (including HEFCE 01/15), or (b) have
chosen to ignore it as it is unworkable and contradictory.
We fall into the latter category, especially when the rules
are changed mid year.
I was absolutely appalled to read the latest information
from DfES about Hardship Loans (HLs). At the start of the
year, we installed a means-testing process which occupied a
large amount of staff time and caused some degree of
internal pain. The reason for this was that we were told
that we could not exceed our budget as we had in previous
years (160% in 00/01). What then are we to think when the
DfES decides, without consultation, in January 2002, to say
that actually we can give them away as we please. Where
now the joined-up government?
I will be feeding this formally back to DfES and I have
taken heart from colleagues' liberal attitude to the
guidance with which we are provided!
Neil...
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Neil Harrison
Head of Student Advice & Welfare Services
University of the West of England
Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane
Bristol, BS16 1QY
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
Tel : (0117) 344 2822
Fax : (0117) 344 2895
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