ABSTRACT

Drawing together a team of expert contributors from across the sector to offer contemporary descriptions and critical reflection of practice in higher education, Influencing Higher Education Policy uncovers the nature of policymaking and interpretation. With a suite of authors whose experiences range from governmental to academic, this book shares insights from professionals working in the field of higher education policy to provide useful, practical, and implementable information.

Placing focus on professional aspects, and with practical examples bringing to light experiences, insights, and recommendations across policy and public affairs, this book is divided into three sections. It covers concepts and theories for policy influence, regulation and the role of government, and institutions’ engagement with policy. Furthermore, it considers:

  • what it means to work in policy and public affairs in higher education;
  • the increased complexity and fluidity of higher education politics;
  • regulatory reforms in higher education;
  • the position of the student in policy discourses.

Offering a contemporary representation, Influencing Higher Education Policy is an indispensable guide for all those who work in higher education, particularly those who work in communications, strategy, planning, and leadership roles.

part 1|1 pages

Concepts and theories for policy influence

chapter Chapter 1|13 pages

Power and influence in higher education policymaking

Who controls the debate?

chapter Chapter 2|12 pages

Preparing for politics with a capital P

chapter Chapter 3|10 pages

Evidence and policy

Theoretical approaches for higher education policymaking

chapter Chapter 4|14 pages

Working with think-tanks

chapter Chapter 5|13 pages

International organisations in higher education policymaking

The role of the OECD

chapter Chapter 6|13 pages

Contesting student identities

Making sense of students’ positioning in higher education policy

part 2|1 pages

Regulation and the role of government

chapter Chapter 8|13 pages

Lessons from the legislative process

How representative groups shape government policy and legislation

chapter Chapter 9|10 pages

Delivering Diamond

A policy development case study of student funding in Wales

chapter Chapter 10|12 pages

Performance measurement and student information in the UK

Adapting to a diverging policy context between Scotland and England

part 3|1 pages

Institutions’ engagement with policy

chapter Chapter 11|9 pages

A study in imperfection

Five lessons on how to influence with impact

chapter Chapter 12|11 pages

Punching above your weight

Establishing a policy and public affairs function in a modern university