Higher Education Regional Development Association (HERDA - South West)

HERDA South West performs a vital role by encouraging the Higher Education Institutions in the South West to work together on areas of activity which will be of major benefit to the economy of the region: Teaching and Learning, Research, Knowledge Transfer and Widening Participation, as well as sharing good practice for common functions

Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)

HEFCE is the major funder for higher education. The South West RDA has developed a Strategic Alliance with HEFCE - the first region to do so. This Alliance, launched in January 2007, recognises the key role of HE in the economic and social development of the region. It builds on the existing close relationship between the two organisations and signals a commitment to align our priorities for HE in the region so as to maximise the impact of our investments.

Regional Skills Partnership (RSP)

The RSP was created by the RDA with major partners to ''join up' public sector activities relating to skills in the South West. www.swrsp.org.uk

Association of Colleges (AoC)

The AoC is the representative body for further education (FE) colleges in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. AoC promotes the interests of FE sector colleges at ministerial level and works closely with key government departments and agencies. The South West RDA HE Team works with the AoC to encourage links between Further Education and Higher Education Institutions. www.aoc.co.uk

Foundation Degree Forward (fdf)

Foundation Degree Forward's primary objective is to support the development of high quality Foundation degrees. fdf works in partnership with all relevant agencies, institutions, organisations & interest groups to ensure that the development of Foundation degrees is driven by the needs of students & employers & satisfies the requirements of all stakeholders. The South West RDA works with fdf to ensure that the region's economy derives maximum benefit from the development of Foundation Degrees. www.fdf.ac.uk