CVCP plans offshoots

Vice-chancellors have agreed a post-devolution structure to represent United Kingdom universities, writes Alan Thomson.

The Committee of Vice-Chancellors and Principals will act as a supra-national body representing the Committee of Scottish Higher Education Principals and the Heads of Higher Education in Wales. The CVCP has promised to write in safeguards to protect the "territorial autonomy" of Coshep and HHEW. A Coshep spokesman said it was a condition of agreement that Coshep remained able to speak on UK matters that affected it, while maintaining the right to make its own policy on Scottish matters. It also insisted that there should be an equivalent English body. The CVCP has agreed to a new English and Northern Irish committee.

The bodies will be represented on a UK board with 21 members, 12 elected by the whole membership, one each for Coshep, HHEW and the English and Northern Irish committee, four appointed by the president, plus the president (chairman-elect Howard Newby will take the title)and treasurer.