Chris Husbands appointed as TEF chair

Chris Husbands, the vice-chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, has been named as the first chair of the teaching excellence framework (TEF).

Professor Husbands, a former director of the UCL Institute of Education, was named after a recruitment process led by the government. He will continue in his Sheffield Hallam post.

Professor Husbands, who has already begun his TEF role and will serve in it for two years, will lead the assessment panel that will make decisions on university ratings in the second and third year of the TEF (2017-18 and 2018-19), which will decide whether universities are allowed to raise their fees in line with inflation in 2018-19 and 2019-20.

A spokeswoman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, which made the announcement, said that Professor Husbands would not be involved in any discussions around what rating to assign Sheffield Hallam.

Higher education institutions will be allocated a rating of “outstanding”, “excellent” or “meets expectations” based on a number of metrics and other evidence.

Professor Husbands said: "The TEF aims to recognise and reward excellent learning and teaching in higher education. It will build on the existing high standards of learning and teaching in universities, and I hope that it provides positive outcomes for all students, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. 

“I’ve always been passionate about the importance of high-quality teaching, and look forward to working with the government and the sector to secure the benefits which TEF can bring.

"UK higher education has a global reputation for excellence, and I'm looking forward to working as part of the panel to help shape and guide the assessment process at this important time in the evolution of higher education."

Jo Johnson, the universities and science minister, said: “Professor Husbands has senior leadership experience from a varied range of higher education providers, in addition to direct knowledge of teaching in other sectors and a distinguished research background. 

"In his new role he will help to build on the existing high standards we expect of providers, stretching the best and rightly encouraging those with variable quality to improve.”

Maddalaine Ansell, the chief executive of University Alliance, said that Professor Husbands was "a highly trusted and respected figure both within the higher education sector and beyond. His strong track record – as well as his impartiality and rigour – make him the ideal candidate for this role." 

john.morgan@tesglobal.com