Higher Education Academy

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The Higher Education Academy is an independent organisation in the United Kingdom that supports higher education institutions with strategies for the development of research and evaluation to improve the learning experience for students.

It was founded in May 2004, from a merger of the Institute for Learning and Teaching in Higher Education (ILTHE), the Learning and Teaching Support Network (LTSN), and the TQEF National Co-ordination Team (NCT).

The Higher Education Academy is funded by grants from four higher education funding bodies in the UK (HEFCE, SFC, HEFCW and DELNI), subscriptions from higher education institutions, and grant/contract income for organised initiatives. It is owned by the representative bodies of the higher education sector - Universities UK and GuildHE (formerly known as the Standing Conference of Principals).

The Higher Education Academy administers the UK's annual National Teaching Fellowship awards. Subject specific learning and teaching issues are supported by 24 discipline-based Subject Centres that are based in higher education institutions throughout the UK.

[edit] Governance

The Academy is governed by a Board whose members are drawn mainly from institutional leaders and senior academics. There is also an advisory Council made up of Subject Centre representatives and Registered Practitioners. Day to day management of the Academy is undertaken by the Senior Executive Group (SEG).

The current Chief Executive of the Higher Education Academy is Paul Ramsden.