Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) ethical review

Description

In 2008 we carried out an ethical review of the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), focusing on its published values, mission statement and code of conduct, and assessing its ability to meet its particular ethical challenges. By interviewing HEFCE’s employees, we uncovered a picture of what life is like ‘on the ground’ for employees at different levels, assessed the extent to which employees had a shared understanding of the values and principles underlying their work, and how well-equipped they were to deal with ethical concerns.

"Commissioning the Leeds IDEA team to assess [our] culture has proved invaluable. A professional, open, trusting, co-operative and flexible relationship was readily established between us, resulting in mutually beneficial outcomes. The work of the Leeds team was thorough. In particular, it made the significant connection between our role, both strategically and operationally, and theoretical ethical principles. The Board and Audit Committee have both been interested to see the results. The final report, which leave the Council with much to think about, has been well received by the Council overall."

Ian Gross, Head of Internal Audit, HEFCE.