About us
Working in partnership, HEFCE promotes and funds high-quality, cost-effective teaching and research, meeting the diverse and ever-evolving needs of students, the economy and society.
Our main function is to distribute nearly £8 billion of public money for higher education, supporting four main areas of activity:
- learning and teaching
- research
- widening participation and fair access
- enhancing the contribution of higher education to the economy and society.
As a non-departmental public body, we report to (but are distinct from) the Government, are accountable for the proper use of the money and for ensuring that the HE sector is financially healthy and well managed. For more detail see our website.
"What do I enjoy most about working at HEFCE? The variety, the intellectual challenge, and the fact that we have a national role to play."
We have a key role in developing and implementing higher education policy, based on in-depth research and consultation; we also provide independent advice to the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities, and Skills on the funding needs and development of higher education.
Everything we do is designed to ensure that the higher education sector has the capacity and funding to respond to present and future challenges.
Take a look at our strategic plan to get a more in-depth view of our priorities and commitments.
To find out more about our work, please visit our website at www.hefce.ac.uk or read the publication 'Who we are and what we do'.