Tough decision

Who makes the really important decisions, like who should fill the new post of chief executive of the Committee of Vice Chancellors and Principals? The Higher Education Funding Council, perhaps?

Rumour has it that the shortlist for the job is headed by Diana Warwick, former head of the Association of University Teachers, with a civil servant from the Department of Trade and Industry and a woman from Rolls Royce as makeweights. It is said that the shortlist was drawn up with an eye to future relations with the funding council. Some potential candidates were ruled out because they did not meet with HEFCE approval. Council bosses surely would have no objection to Ms Warwick.