The challenges of significant change Colin J Webb New Zealand December 2008
Tertiary system – original objectives 2006 To develop and implement a new investment system for tertiary education that: aligns planning, funding, and quality assurance and monitoring to achieve more strategic investment decisions that support achievement of New Zealand’s development goals strengthens the capability of the system and the players within it to operate effectively in the new environment supports a high-trust, high accountability, low cost compliance environment supports a differentiated approach supports continuous improvement and innovation
System intention TEC Government Strategy TEOsStakeholders Strategy & Plans Stakeholder voice strong links Influence Listen Strengthen Deliver Evidence Listen Invest
Progress New Tertiary Education Strategy, Investment Guidance, Legislation All public institutions (Universities, Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics (ITPs), and Wānanga) on to Plans – and now other organisations too Significant shifts in provision for ITPs and Wānanga Facilitation process led by ITPs with external stakeholders to identify regional needs Most funding allocated on basis of Plan engagement Investment in LLN, part of new Skills Strategy
Transitional Challenges The move to a focus on learner needs and outcomes rather than numbers and growth The move to a managed rather than uncapped funding Complication of unanticipated student growth in university sector Resistance to out-of-region policy for ITPs Developing operational policy while implementing the new approach Workloads for TEC and the sector
Priorities – 1 Change of government could shift focus International financial situation impacts on budgets and enrolments The role of, and approach to, Private Training Establishments (PTEs) Maintaining international standing of universities
Priorities – 2 Progressing implementation of a quality and performance enhancement system for tertiary organisations School transitions to tertiary Enhancing participation and achievement for Māori, Pacific Peoples, new migrants, etc. Fees policy, student loans and allowances, and who-should-pay issues Linking tertiary education to government’s economic agenda Evidence-based recommendations for budgets in tertiary education
Some Operational Investment Challenges Moving to a more networked and differentiated approach Expectations of stakeholders – reviews Data quality and analysis Making progress on lessening compliance cost through simplifying the system Rationalising funds and allocating through Plans Understanding the importance of TEO Governance in the reforms to ensure improved tertiary education outcomes