An Ofqual Recognised Awarding Organisation

Open consultation Office for Students: regulatory framework for higher education

Further information here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/office-for-students-regulatory-framework-for-higher-education

This consultation sets out the context for the creation of the Office for Students and for the proposed regulatory approach and the detail of that proposed approach.

This consultation seeks your views on:

  • the proposed risk-based regulatory approach for the higher education sector
  • the guidance on the conditions, behaviours, and evidence for registration
  • the approach to the transition of providers to the new regulatory framework

The Office is also providing:

  • a summary of the consultation focused on areas we expect to be especially of interest to students
  • a summary impact assessment of the risk-based regulatory approach and OfS registration fees

TheOffice is also holding separate consultations on related subjects:

  • Designated quality body for higher education in England
  • Designated Data Body for higher education in England
  • Degree Awarding Powers/University Title
  • Registration Fees

AoC responds to DfE consultation on the OfS regulatory framework

Full article here – https://www.aoc.co.uk/news/aoc-responds-dfe-consultation-the-ofs-regulatory-framework

In response, Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at the Association of Colleges, said: “Colleges have offered affordable, local and employment-focused higher education across the country ‎for decades.  Around 150,000 students in over 200 colleges benefit from these opportunities each year. The Minister is right that more choice is needed to provide alternatives to the three-year residential full-time degree and colleges are well-placed to deliver this. The Department for Education’s (DfE’s) consultation published today sets out a new framework to regulate higher education. Any new rules must not unnecessarily duplicate existing FE rules or add to costs, and AoC will be highlighting this to the department. It is also important that colleges can make proper arrangements to validate their courses to avoid some of the problems that occur when a university withdraws from doing this at short notice.  We want to see a genuine level playing field for colleges in the new HE landscape.”

Qualifi  is pleased to see that the little known alternatives to 3 year full-time Hons Degree study programmes i.e. higher education vocationally related qualifications (Advanced learner Loan recognised) deliverable via local providers, colleges and alternative providers, is becoming increasingly recognised in a complex, crowded and competitive market at the core of which should be provision of affordable, flexible high quality HE programmes of study.