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Can we persuade the Higher Education Funding Council for England to cut unnecessary bureaucracy and focus on more risk-based regulation? Recent initiatives are encouraging, but there is much to do; which is why I am looking forward to joining its board.

Peep's Diary (August 19) speculated about possible conflicts of interest with my role as chair of the independent Higher Education Regulation Review Group. Our group has discussed this issue and would make two points. First, Hefce is the gatekeeper for regulation of universities and colleges and there is much to be gained from persuading it to simplify its processes from within. And second, by the time I join Hefce I will be six months from the end of my appointment to the group, when we expect our recommendations to be taken forward under new arrangements and a new chair.

I look forward to an effective pincer movement against red tape.

Dame Patricia Hodgson
Chair, HERRG