Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions

Version 1.0 Produced 2010-06-01

FSR

Q1. The operational documentation on the HESA website differs from that on the FSR template. Why is this?

A Each release of the coding manual has a version number, starting with the first annual release at 1.0. The latest version number is displayed on the main page and in the Documentation version in the Revision history.  This version number is incremented with each release of the manual. However, not every component of the manual (i.e. guidance, check documentation, FSR template) is updated with each release - only those that have been modified. This is shown at the top of that particular item (and the date this was last produced) as the Element version in the Revision history). 

Q2. Is there a reason why HESA does not pre-populate the FSR with the previous year's data, as it is unlikely that there will be any changes to it?

A The previous year's data is the previous year's data as 're-stated' in the current year's accounts. This may not be the same as the previous year's submitted data, and hence it cannot be pre-populated by HESA. HESA will look into the possibility of pre-populating the previous year's data for the future. However this would then need to be adjusted by institutions to take account of re-stated figures.

Q3. Why are the other returns collected earlier in the year and closed off completely before the FSR collection is opened?

A The schedule of collection is dictated by the onwards use of the data. The FSR data informs funding allocation in the Spring.

HE-BCI 

Q1. The definition of SME is different in the HE-BCI Survey, the Knowledge Transfer Return and the Inland Revenue. Which version is correct?

A The definition in the HE-BCI Survey is the new European definition. Institutions should use the definition provided in the HESA guidance.

A Match funding can be income in certain circumstances, and therefore can be included where this is true.  

A The only source that we are aware of is Companies House.

Q4. Could a definition of 'In kind' be given?

A Payment in kind refers to payment for goods or services with a medium other than legal tender (anything can be used as money, but legal tender is what the State accepts for all debts). From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In-kind. HE-BCI seeks to use income to the HEI as a proxy for impact of the activity on the economy and society and therefore exclusion of in-kind contributions gives an incomplete picture. However, in-kind contributions (such as access to data or equipment) should only be included where the financial value has been specified in the formal contract or collaborative agreement etc. Worked examples are available in the main guidance for HE-BCI Part B Table 1.

Q5. Institutions are required to return information about  'In kind' contributions but it isn't something which is in there financial accounts. What to do as collaborative activities and in kind collation is difficult to estimate/collate?

A An HEI suggested that colleagues could use flags on their internal records and then it can be used for such things as the HESA return. 

Q6. Will HESA undertake audits of the HE-BCI survey?

A HESA does not have the power to audit. Best guesses are sufficient where appropriate to make them.  Take guidance, particularly in the case of the HE-BCI elements, from HEFCE. 

Q7.  Are there any plans to help institutions by developing a single IT platform which all institutions could use to ensure they are all 'singing from the same hymn sheet'? 

A We try to ensure the generic parts of the return are captured easily, but it would be unrealistic to develop such a system as we would be unable to focus on the individuality of each institution.

Q8. Graduate spin out companies - institutions are unable to easily identify these, the information is captured in the DLHE Survey which is collected too late for the information to be used in the HE-BCI Survey. Also some companies are not obliged to give the institution information if the company is not shared ownership.  So is the data meaningful if some HEIs cannot effectively capture it? 

A Data may not be complete but will be useful as a proxy for the extent to which HEIs are engaged in graduate start-up activity.

Q9. HESA only have one contact that receives the access code and one pincode - can colleagues in institution use it?

A Yes, it is within the HEI discretion to whom has access to the codes. 

General

Q1. How will we know which version of the form is the final version? 

A We can never be sure but anticipate that the final version will be the version live at the end of October.