Next steps in higher education regulatory reform

The Government has announced its intention to make further changes to the regulation of higher education in England [Note 1]. These changes follow the 2011 Higher Education White Paper ‘Students at the heart of the system’ [Note 2], which sets out the Government’s plans for placing higher education on a financially sustainable footing, delivering a better quality student experience, and promoting social mobility.
The success of higher education in England is underpinned by the principles of institutional autonomy and academic freedom, and the new arrangements build on these strong foundations. The Government has asked HEFCE and the Regulatory Partnership Group (RPG) [Note 3] to implement them within existing legislation, while recognising that a new legislative framework will be required in the longer term.
Working in partnership with the RPG, HEFCE is asked to take on a regulatory oversight and coordination role [Note 4]. HEFCE is leading work on a number of strands of the new arrangements:

• developing a register of higher education provision in England [Note 5]
• consulting on proposed revisions to HEFCE’s Financial Memorandum [Note 6]
• operating of a new system of specific-course designation for alternative providers [Note 7]
• implementing further changes to student number controls, including extending them to alternative providers from 2014-15.

The Government has announced that it intends to delegate to HEFCE responsibility for the process of approving designation of HEFCE-funded universities and colleges, and for providing assurance that the agreed terms and conditions are met. Eligible courses at these institutions are and will continue to be designated automatically, allowing students to access student support. Institutions will not be required to undergo a separate designation process. This means that in practice there will be little change for existing institutions, and no additional administrative burden. More...