The National Assembly for Wales is the legislative body with responsibility for higher education in Wales, though Science and Research Council funding remains a ‘reserved’ matter for the UK Government. The National Assembly is based in Cardiff Bay and was established under the Government of Wales Act 1998 following a referendum. The National Assembly was granted further legislative powers under the Government of Wales Act 2005.

The National Assembly’s business is conducted in plenary meetings (open sessions at which all Assembly Members can participate) and at committee meetings. The main committees that relate to the higher education sector in Wales are the:

• Enterprise and Learning Committee (remitted to discuss education and economic policy)
• Finance Committee (remitted to discuss the Assembly’s budget)
• Public Accounts Committee (remitted to discuss reports from the Wales Audit Office)

The UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills currently holds the functions relating to UK science policy, the UK Research Councils and the Technology Strategy Board.