The Social Policy Association is intending to respond to the DfES consultation on the future of the RAE. This email outlines how the SPA will conduct this consultation and what role you can play if you want to make your view heard.
Last week, the DfES published "Reform of Higher Education Research Assessment and Funding". Details can be found at:
http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1404
The consultation proposes that: the 2008 RAE will continue largely as planned and will determine funding from 2009/10 onwards; a system of metrics will 'shadow' the current RAE process; and, a metrics-based research assessment and funding system will replace the RAE after 2008.
The DfES is inviting responses to the proposals from individuals and/or groups. If you click on the website above you will find all the necessary documentation including the 'Consultation Response Form' which has 8 questions that you are asked to address. The completed form can be submitted electronically or printed off and sent to the DfES by post (details on the form itself). THE CLOSING DATE FOR ALL RESPONSES IS 13 OCTOBER 2006.
If you want to respond to the DfES consultation then you have a number of options, including: You can do this as an individual in your own right; and/or you can respond though the SPA (and/or your university/organisation if they are planning a response).
If you do respond in your own right (and you want the SPA to know your response), or if you prefer to respond just via the SPA, please send the SPA a copy of your answers to the 8 questions (preferably electronically) so that the SPA can integrate responses into one submission.
The person coordinating the SPA response is Steve McKay:
SD McKay, PFRC
School of Geographical Sciences
University of Bristol, University Road
BRISTOL BS8 1SS
0117 928 9713
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Please send your answers or a copy of your response to Steve by FRIDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER so that he can collate responses and help to draft an SPA response (which will be discussed at the SPA Executive meeting in mid-September, before final drafting of the formal SPA response).
I hope that you will take this opportunity to give your view.
Best wishes
Saul Becker, Chair, Social Policy Association
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