The 1994 Group originally represented seventeen universities, rising to nineteen, and then dropping to eleven.

[2][3] The group sought "to represent the views of its members on the current state and the future of higher education through discussions with the government, funding bodies, and other higher education interest groups" and "[made] its views known through its research publications and in the media".

[11] On 19 December 2012 the University of Reading announced that it would cease to participate in the group, although its membership formally ended in July 2013.

In addition, an annual residential conference took place in the summer where longer-term strategic issues were discussed.

Professor Michael Farthing, vice-chancellor of University of Sussex, was elected chair in 2011.

The CAG had a central role in the development of relationships with government, funding bodies, and HE stakeholder organisations.