Plans for a new confederal university in Wales has been revealed.
While at an exploratory stage the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) and the University of Wales are is discussions with a number of colleges the with aim of providing courses aligned to the high skilled requirements of employers.
It is not clear whether the University of Wales brand, which entered in a deed of union with UWTSD in 2017, would be used for the project, or how any revenue sharing model would operate between the universities and colleges.
In a statement UWTSD said it has informed the Welsh Government and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) of its thinking.
It added: “Both the University of Wales and UWTSD are working with a number of colleges across Wales to establish a new confederal arrangement which will deliver on the key objectives of the Welsh Government’s new Tertiary Bill. This will offer seamless progression opportunities and a focus on higher technical skills, enterprise and applied innovation.
" Both HEFCW and officials of the Welsh Government are aware of these developments. The common objective is to build upon the expertise of the partners to create a new confederal university for Wales which will deliver on the priorities of the government and create a made in Wales technical solution for higher learning. The universities and partners are at an initial stage of discussions and further information will be made available in due course.”
One Welsh college chief executive, who didn’t want to be named, said: “All we have an at the moment is an agreement to explore a possible agreement, so it is very early stage. From our perspective if they can deliver say higher national diplomas or foundational degrees for employees who approach us, it will all be about speed. If they are quicker than other universities, we could look to utilise that. However, this is not about exclusivity. That is something we would not be interested in and whatever happens we would still look to partner with other universities in Wales.”
The new confederal university project is being driven by UWTSD’s newly appointed pro-vice chancellor Iestyn Davies, formerly the chief executive of ColegauCymru which promotes the college sector in Wales.
Vice chancellor of UWTSD Professor Medwin Hughes, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Iestyn on board. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise both from the further education sector in Wales, and other key leadership roles. He joins us at a very exciting time for the University, when we look to the future in our bicentenary year, and as we plan to deepen our collaboration with the further education sector.”
Mr Davies said: “As part of the new role I will be providing strategic and operational leadership. One key aspect will be working with a network of FE colleges to provide access to higher level technical and vocational learning across Wales.”
ColegauCymru has launched a recruitment process to appoint Mr Davies’ successor.
Chair of ColegauCymru, Guy Lacey, said: “We are grateful for the seven years of service that Iestyn has given, helping to shape a stronger further education sector for Wales, most notably in the context of the recent challenges brought about by the pandemic.”
