QAA pursues no-risk legal strategy with support from taxpayer guaranteed

By David Matthews. The Quality Assurance Agency will be bailed out by the taxpayer if it is sued by a private college that fails an inspection, it has emerged.
The UK Border Agency and the QAA signed a deed of indemnity in August 2011 that covers legal costs of up to £1 million a year.
Responsibility for carrying out "educational oversight" inspections, which colleges must pass if they wish to sponsor international students, has been given to the QAA and a number of other bodies.
The deed covers any legal action taken either by institutions or by students as a result of "decisions, actions or omissions" by the QAA - a charity funded by subscription fees from institutions and contracts from funding councils - as part of its educational oversight role.
Failing such an inspection could severely damage a college's business model as it would be prevented from accepting overseas students. Read more...