Higher Education Data Insight Group (HEDIG)

Exec lead: Laura Knox

HEDIG exists to enhance understanding of data on higher education and promote and influence better use of such data within the public domain broadly and, more specifically, within UK public policy. The group aims to:

1. Enhance transparency and increase understanding of policy and practice relating to the use and supply of data about higher education within the public domain.

2. Influence the use of data about higher education by third parties, through:

a. effective supply of appropriate data
b. provision of contextual understanding and accessible, relevant, high quality supporting information
c. contributing to sector commentary (for example, in blogs, opinion pieces and editorial communications)
d. occasional seminars/conferences.

3. Act as a forum for the discussion of issues relating to the use and understanding of higher education data and a resource for the development of joint solutions.

4. Capture and apply ‘data intelligence’ to support the above, for example through commissioning research and/or evidence gathering on the intended use of data and its wider implications.

The group meets twice annually and reports, via the chair, to the HESPA Executive Committee.

Group Members

• David Bryan (De Montfort University)
• Jackie Njoroge (University of Salford)
• Laura Knox (University of St Andrews)
• Jenny Walker (Loughborough University)
• Aash Khadia (University of Leicester)
• Paula Keys (University of South Wales)
• Lucy Hodson (Birmingham City University)
• Jonathan Waller (HESA)
• Dee Jones (Jisc)
• Alison Brunt (OfS)
• Mark Gittoes (OfS)
• Hannah Falvey (HEFCW)
• Naomi Jeffery (SFC) 
• Andy Hepburn (Research England)
• Eleanor Rutherford (Department for Education)
• Kirti Mistry (Department for Education)
• Richard O'Kelly (UCAS)
• Naomi Tully (Anglia Ruskin University)
• Julie Leeming (St. George's, University of London)
• Aaron Morrison (University of Derby)
• Mark Dixon (University of Winchester)
• Richard O'Kelly (UCAS)
• Claire Dale (Student Loans Company)
• Stephen Bland (University of Essex)
• Richard Puttock (University of Leeds)
• Mike Arthur (University of the West of Scotland)
• Jennifer Summerton (HESPA)

HEDIG Resources and Minutes

Guardian University Guide’s value-added score

In this video presentation Matt Hiely-Rayner, of Intelligent Metrix, explains the Guardian University Guide’s value-added score which is based on a detailed indexing methodology that tracks students from enrolment to graduation - qualifications upon entry are compared with the award that a student receives at the end of their studies to identify the unique impact of the teaching within each university.

League Tables

HESPA holds annual meetings with compilers of the following league tables:

• Guardian Good University Guide
• Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide
• Complete University Guide
• Daily Mail University Guide

Questions are sought from the entire membership and put to representatives in turn. Responses and any additional notes are then shared back for information. HESPA also keeps in contact with compilers throughout the year in case of ad hoc enquiries which need clarification.

If you have any concerns, questions or comments for compilers, please send them to us and we can raise on your behalf. Alternatively, we can put you in direct contact with relevant colleagues from the various league tables.