27 February 2019 
Matt Sisson, Projects and Membership Manager
Over the last year or two BUFDG has taken lots of little steps to encourage universities to take more of a lead in communicating their business models and the value that universities produce. We’ve championed the use of Integrated Reporting, and the FSSG cross-flows report mentioned above, staffed in large part by former and current FDs, is part of the important work of shedding light on the complexity of universities. It helps answer the “Where do student fees really go?” question which never seems to be too far away.
Of course, part of the problem with the ‘student fees’ question is that they’re not really even student fees. It is yet another communications challenge, tackled this week by MoneySavingExpert.com and Russell Group universities, who are piloting a redesign of the student loan statement. Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com, said: "The student loan statement is misleading and dangerous. For most university leavers, their outstanding 'debt' is one of the least important figures, yet the statement only lists this and the interest added, panicking many into poor decisions that cost some £1,000s.” It is hoped the trial statement will make the inner workings of the student loan system more apparent to students and their parents, lead to better financial decisions, and eventually be adopted by government. Fingers crossed.
You can help improve understanding of the work of universities, the value they create, the challenges they face, and the workings of the student loan system, by sharing our six short videos. Use the link in the bottom-right corner.
