New chairman for funding council
David Young, deputy chairman of the John Lewis Partnership and a former treasurer of the Open University, will chair the Higher Education Funding Council for England from next October. Richard Coldwell, consultant to National Grid plc, and Peter Scott, vice-chancellor of Kingston University and former editor of The THES , will be board members.
Universities go into the red
Some 54 universities and colleges will make a loss this financial year, according to the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Funding chiefs recommend institutions aim for an operating surplus of 3 per cent. Only 10 per cent of institutions expect to meet this target.
Former lecturer stands in byelection
MEP and former Stockport College lecturer Mark Hendrick is defending Labour's seat in the Preston byelection today. Controversy surrounded the selection of the 41-year-old Blairite last month after the death of Audrey Wise.
Author receives honorary degree
J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter novels, receives an honorary degree from Napier University, Edinburgh today. Assistant principal Patricia Peattie said Ms Rowling had nurtured the ambition to become a writer since childhood.