Office for Students (OfS)
Courses at Brit College de-designated as investigation into quality concerns continues
Repeated efforts to bring about ‘high-level systematic reform’ in English higher education flounder without buy-in from those doing the doing, says access tsar
The OfS’ recent imposition of its first fines over franchised provision highlighted what some regard as the dark underbelly of UK higher education. But is there really a significant problem in the for-profit sector? And, if so, who is to blame – and what should be done about it? Helen Packer reports
Ministers to seek to ensure money used to support high-cost subjects better aligns with priorities for growth
Religious institutions’ governing documents incompatible with OfS rules, says secular society
Office for Students warns providers against being overly ambitious in their forecasting after financial performance declines for third year running
Education secretary Bridget Phillipson takes action over concerns about attendance and recruitment at Oxford Business College
English universities pushing to show they are serious about tackling sexual misconduct ahead of new regulatory requirements but experts say efforts still ‘patchy’
English regulator promises to take more active role in protecting students during industrial action, as wave of fresh strikes hits the sector
University handed record fine over free speech breaches claims ruling gives ‘free rein’ to racists and sexists
OfS’ free speech director tells institutions to ensure they are meeting ‘regulatory obligations’ after Sussex fine
Now-closed private provider also documented education students working in cafes, clothes shops and building firms as part of their course
Leaders warn that over-regulation could shut down provision entirely after fraud connected to partnership agreements comes under the spotlight again
Any academic who adopts a social constructionist view of gender without studying the alternatives is embarrassingly superficial, says Eric Heinze
OfS defends ‘thorough’ investigation that legal expert says leaves institutions ‘without clear guidance’
The law around free speech is complex, but Sussex just seems to have got it wrong and has paid a hefty price, says James Murray
Regulator says English sector finances ‘appear to be towards the most pessimistic end’ of predictions, with risks escalating
Regulator heavily criticised for pausing much of its work to focus on finances announces ‘staggered’ restart in applications
Regulator ‘looking forward to getting on with it’ after key interventions delayed by political wrangling
New chair with long history in higher education welcomed by universities but Office for Students told it still has work to do to address long-running grievances
Most institutions in trouble can find balance between income and expenditure on their own, according to prospective new OfS chair
Edward Peck had already announced he would step down from university role this summer
Shadow minister urges government to investigate reports of attempts to pay money to relatives of university managers
The deadline for most 2023-24 financial accounts was the end of December
Employment prospects the main motivation for half of students with satisfaction levels dented by high fees and low contact hours
Consultation launched during pause in new registrations, with pent-up demand at end of hiatus likely to be joined by franchisees affected by government reforms
Former universities minister claims successful providers based overseas keen to invest in sector but have so far been left frustrated
Institutions with more than 300 students to be subjected to new rules as part of planned government ‘crackdown’ on poor-quality provision
In-depth Hepi report promises inside story of last summer’s UK campus protests
Former universities minister attacks ‘embarrassing’ regulator decision, claiming it will worsen sector’s financial woes
Regulator yet to conclude investigation into philosopher’s departure from Sussex despite renewed focus on free speech issues
Cambridge philosopher appointed to oversee free speech in English universities has been unusually quiet since starting the role. Might changes seen as ‘clipping his wings’ force him to be more vocal?
University required to report to English watchdog as it addresses quality concerns relating to business and management courses
Proposed strategy sets out ‘integrated approach’ to quality, built around ‘more routine’ Teaching Excellence Framework and possible realignment with European standards
Regulator accused of ‘dereliction of duty’ and faces potential legal action after temporarily shutting down key processes
‘Challenger’ institutions dealt blow as regulator temporarily shuts down processes seen as crucial for launching as a provider
English regulator responds to long-running criticism of engagement with learners
Lower than anticipated student recruitment worsening financial situation for more institutions, according to OfS analysis
University among the latest providers to be referred to National Trading Standards by English regulator
Wales’ groundbreaking Medr must boldly rethink how education and training work for society and the economy, says Ellen Hazelkorn
Question remain over regulator’s political neutrality and extent of ‘meaningful’ dialogue with sector
Office for Students summarises findings from first round of reviews looking at ‘areas of concern’ in teaching
Booming business school that withheld 20 per cent of lecturers’ pay unless they passed nearly all students is heavily criticised by watchdog
Man tasked with overseeing Office for Students’ transition says innovation, collaboration and mergers can all play a role in ensuring institutions are put on a better financial footing
The OfS’ approach is evolving, partly reflecting the fact that a course’s long-term value is not always immediately obvious, says John Blake
Critics warn that Health Sciences University – which incorporates chiropractic and osteopathic treatment – is ethically concerning and will mislead students and patients
It is heartening to have an education secretary who values universities as a public good, but public goods require public funding, says Jo Grady
Labour has placed its faith in better regulation sorting out the financial issues in the sector, but what tools and powers does an already overburdened organisation need to tackle its biggest challenge yet?
Departing London Met vice-chancellor says English regulator’s data-driven rules do not help socially disadvantaged students
The OfS needs only to tweak its guidance in light of the considerable free-speech duties by which universities are already bound, says James Murray
The OfS’ stronger than expected registration condition on sexual harassment and misconduct comes not a moment too soon, says Anna Bull
Results of Sir David Behan’s report set to shape future direction of regulator under Labour
Education secretary outlines new approach for English regulator, with focus on restoring sector’s financial health
Office for Students highlights issues with continuation and completion rates as well as graduate outcomes at range of institutions
Search for new leaders at OfS and UKRI offers chance for new government to break from the past in its approach to universities and research
Conservative peer steps down following long-running criticism of his political affiliation
Inventor’s Wiltshire-based training centre is first to go through new Office for Students process
Perhaps we need, instead, a specific tribunal to investigate and hear the most serious allegations, says Guy Micklewright
The regulator’s example scenarios fail to acknowledge the harm that even lawful speech can cause on campus, say Naomi Waltham-Smith and James Murray
Extending England’s proposed threshold for legal recourse would encourage universities to adopt delaying tactics, says Abhishek Saha
