“Academics and their representative bodies throughout Europe can learn much and strengthen our work to deliver sustainable education policies at national level by increasing our co-operation in future”, Frank Jones, IFUT Deputy General Secretary said following a meeting of the Higher Education & Research Standing Committee (HERSC),in Brussels on April9^thand 10^thlast.

Higher education faces similar challenges throughout Europe and internationally.  The twice yearlymeetings of HERSCenableeducation trade unions to discuss their reactions to higher education and research policiesand challengesin Europe.  

IFUT was represented by Frank Jones, Deputy General Secretary, and by General Secretary, Joan Donegan.  

HERSC is a permanent body of the European Trade Union Committee for Education(ETUCE). IFUT has an additional strong presencein this forum as ourformer General Secretary, Mike Jennings,isETUCETreasurerand a member of its officer board.  HERSCrepresents 45 ETUCE member organisations whose membership covers higher education and research staff.

“I look forward to building on relationships with all of the member groups in HERSC over the coming years and to maintaining the strong presence that IFUT has at this table. It will be an invaluable addition in helping to develop IFUT’s analysis of key issues affecting education policy and in strengthening the effectiveness of our own work in future,” Frank Jones said.