The Office for Students in consulting on a new strategy for 2025 to 2030. The OfS published its last strategy in 2022 for the period 2022 to 2025. Some of the concerns the EPC raised at that time have been addressed in the latest strategy document:
- A focus on continued improvement.
- Alignment with quality standards (possibly).
- Adaptation to emerging educational trends like Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
Sir David Behan’s Independent Review of the Office for Students, recommended a shift towards a more proactive regulator focused on improving education quality rather than merely policing registration. As interim chair, Behan is now tasked with implementing his own recommendations.
The strategy outlines three main areas: quality, student experience, and sector resilience, with equality of opportunity as a central theme.
Quality: The focus is on ensuring high-quality education with lasting positive impacts, encouraging continuous improvement through a revised Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The OfS plans to publish a Quality Risk Register and align quality standards with European norms. There’s also emphasis on improving student choice and adapting to emerging educational trends like Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs).
Wider Student Experience: While OfS has limited regulatory levers here, it will publish information about student experiences, promote good practices, and protect consumer rights through initiatives like a model student contract. It will also continue addressing mental health and issues like harassment, though some areas are still vague. Behan suggests the regulator should focus more on governance, ensuring institutions align their wider student offerings with broader goals for student success.
Sector Resilience: OfS aims to help institutions become financially resilient while maintaining high education standards amidst financial constraints. This involves better financial management, risk assessments, and stronger governance, particularly for institutions with significant partnerships. OfS will also work to ensure institutions are equipped to navigate financial and strategic risks, ensuring long-term sustainability.
Success Measures: OfS will use clear “I statements” to measure success, focusing on students as the primary beneficiaries. These include indicators like well-organized courses and clear understanding of student rights, alongside feedback from institutions on their engagement with the regulator.
The consultation will close on 20th February. The EPC EES committee proposes an Executive response. If you would like to offer your thoughts to the committee, please contact us by Friday 31 January. Please see the EPC’s consultations policy for details of how the EPC responds to public consultations.
