network for excellence in
    mathematics and statistics support

Senior Management Perspectives on Mathematics and Statistics Support

As part of work on sustainability post HEFCE-funding, two education research consultants were commissioned by sigma to undertake a high level sector needs analysis relating to mathematics and statistics support of both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The purpose of the needs analysis was to guide the direction of travel of the sigma network moving forward. In addition, it is hoped that the findings will help to inform Funding Council policy in this area.

In May 2014, Pro Vice-Chancellors, responsible for teaching and learning, at all English Higher Education institutions were invited to take part in the research project. Over the following months, semi-structured interviews were conducted with senior managers (typically Pro Vice-Chancellors) from a sample of 23 institutions from across all of the mission groups.

The resulting report “Senior Management Perspectives on Mathematics and Statistics Support in Higher Education: A Research Report” by Professor Harry Tolley and Dr Helen Mackenzie was published on 15th May 2015. The sigma Directors have have produced a Response to this report.