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Colleagues, I have just received the ITT data requirements for the 2001 ITT census from the TTA, letter dated 18th September 2001. The census date for this survey is 10th October 2001, with a return date to TTA by no later than 17th October 2001. Given the annual nature of this request, we had previously anticipated the requirement and have already put measures in place to ensure that ITT students get priority in terms of data entry onto our Student Record system, given the very short time frame between our term start and this census. Our assumption has also been, in the absence of any indications to the contrary, that the standard data items would be required, and our reporting mechanisms have been checked and updated to ensure compliance. I was therefore somewhat disheartened to find that the TTA have decided to require additional data from us this year, for which we have had no forewarning. Thus at the busiest time of the year for us in terms of data collection and entry, we are now required to amend our reporting mechanisms to ensure that the data we are required to report to them is readily available for us to do this task. In the absence of time and resources, we will no doubt have to resort to 'paper-chasing' to provide the information now asked for. HEFCE normally provide a three month lead-in time to any changes to HESES, for which we are grateful, but which still proves challenging to meet. To be given three weeks is derisory. Am I alone in feeling frustrated and aggrieved? Judy ---------------------- Judy Evans Head of Management Information University of North London 166-220 Holloway Road London N7 8DB tel : 020 7753 5146 fax : 020 7753 5120 email : [log in to unmask]