CPHC Chair’s Report: October 2016

After the summer, some key activity must begin in earnest.  CPHC has been in discussions with CASE to explore the benefit of undertaking and producing a joint report on the CS/STEM landscape.  Suggestions from members are welcome. 

Key points:

This week the Prime Minister has started to outline a BREXIT timeline.  I think it will be important for CPHC to identify opportunities as well as issues.  Our approach for identifying such issues and opportunities, and communicating our message, is being considered.  It is worth exploring whether we should work in partnership on such a programme.

A Shadbolt Implementation Group has been established by DfE (who will lead the follow up work, reporting to Jo Johnson).  Representatives from CPHC, DCMS, Tech Partnership, BCS and HEFCE are on the group.  A meeting was held in August, with a follow-up arranged for 5 October.  CPHC has been asked to lead on two actions, and support a third.  CPHC members will indirectly support the fourth action on Accreditation.  A ministerial round table with Jo Johnson has been scheduled for late November.

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Shadbolt Review Published

The Review of Computer Sciences Degree Accreditation and Graduate Employability, by Professor Sir Nigel Shadbolt, has been published and identifies significant roles for CPHC.

Nigel ShadboltShadbolt Review – FINAL REPORT – 20 April 2016

The 91-page report sets out ten recommendations and notes that: “It is important that reforms and recommendations across education and within industry are coordinated and meet the needs of different types of employers as well as enabling graduates to enjoy a career that will span many more scientific and technological advances.”  CPHC is identified as a leading force in a number of these recmmendations, particularly in relation to “Improving data” (Recommendation 1), “Work experience” (Recommendation 2), “Careers advice and graduate opportunities” (Recommendation 5) and “Horizon scanning” (Recommendation 8).

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