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HEIFES data return
Our story …….
Nigel Hurley
MidKent College
Background
College:
c8k learners mainly FE
with approximately 240 FT and 180 PT in HE
Mixture of own “numbers” and franchised
“FE” student Record System
0.5 FTE staffing to deal with HE data (and other things)
Background
College:
Over 400 FT courses
Of which c20 are HE
c400 PT courses
Of which c70 are PT
Background
Me:
12 years in FE
11 years in MIS
Almost no HE experience prior to 2012 HEIFES
never heard of HEIFES, HEFCE or HESA
I thought I knew what an FTE was ….
Where to start?
Went to the HEIFES Seminar
Went to UCAS for some training
HEFCE site and downloaded tons
Read the manual
Specified a report to gather the data
Tried to understand another FTE definition
Checked availability of the Directors
Checked availability of the Principal
Next steps
Looked at HEIFES answer self-check
Loaded data into Excel and created a pivot
Checked the data for sense
Dummy run using real data
Make good notes as you do the work
Make very good notes
Make better notes than I did! (every cell)
Still with me?
Errors!!!!!
Got warnings – contacted HEFCE
Clear answer to queries (quick too)
Discussed approach and results with Director
Late amendments needed (take care)
Made return
Problems encountered
FTE
Band – some have multiple and your letter will tell you
which they belong to
Numbers changing between forecast and actual
(why)
Non-completers
Late starters e.g. January starting courses
non-UCAS applications
Qualifications on entry
All the other data we need
Verification
Received letter
Looked at my very good notes
Drafted response
Spoke with Directors
Spoke with HEFCE (very helpful)
The final stages
Read Good Practice
Learning from other people’s mistakes
Peace of mind
Got sign-off
Reality check needed here I think
Reality Check
Understanding the terminology
Understanding the complexity
Check the setup of all courses
Check the enrolment records are accurate
Keep detailed records of the journey
Work on one cell and tab at a time
Everything is done to short deadlines
Lessons Learnt
Read the manual before you start
Understand the definitions before you start
Check your data before you start
Make very good notes as you go along
Keep as much evidence as you can
Don’t do it in isolation
“eggs in one basket” and “high risk”
Finally
The HEFCE team are friendly, helpful people with the
patience of saints.
They listened, helped and clearly explained what is a
complex and often daunting task.
And yes you are right - I think I am going to need their help this year too
If you think we can help
Nigel Hurley
01634 383196
BUT …. HEFCE are the experts and are really helpful
