HESA Staff Data Return Overview

The HESA Staff Data Return is a mandatory annual submission that all UK Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) make to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). It provides detailed information about University staff, including demographics, employment contracts, salaries, and job role details.  

This data return contributes to the overall transparency and accountability of HEIs, and is used for national-level analysis and reporting by government, sector and funding bodies. Information derived from the data is published and used by various organisations and individuals, including news outlets. It also aids in informed decision-making at the University. The HESA dataset includes CMS employees and all relevant contracts active between 1 August and 31 July of the reporting year.  The University must submit its complete and accurate data return in November, with final approval from the Vice-Chancellor. 

Below is an overview of this year's processes. A larger version of this illustration is available under 'Documents' on the right.