To: Area Studies colleagues

The UK Council of Area Studies Associations has made contact with the RAE managers at hefce in order to ensure that the Area Studies community is fully represented in the forthcoming consultations. We expect the first phase of consultation, on panel structure, to begin shortly. A second phase of consultation, on panel membership, is not to be expected until any structural questions have been dealt with.
At all stages we shall keep UKCASA members informed of the process, and shall be drawing on the Area Studies community for views and expertise. We want to ensure that the parallel efforts of UKCASA and the individual Area Studies Associations give full and effective voice to Area Studies as the next RAE is developing.

Philip John Davies
Chair, UK Council of Area Studies Associations