A new, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for the Higher Education sector

This technical consultation (URN 11/1114) from the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) seeks views on technical aspects of regulatory reform of higher education, building on the proposals set out in the white paper Higher education: students at the heart of the system (URN 11/944).

The White Paper set out a commitment to introduce a new, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework to establish the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) as lead regulator. This document is a technical consultation, to be read alongside the White Paper, to inform what changes in procedures, powers and duties will need to be considered, particularly in forthcoming legislation, in order to protect the student interest and provide a high quality experience.

As set out in the White Paper the principal aim of the regulatory framework must be to protect the interests of students and the public investment. We are committed to reducing bureaucracy overall while maintaining accountability in the public interest. We will do this in the context of preserving academic freedoms and institutional autonomy and maintaining HEFCE’s independence as an arms-length body.

This document seeks your views on how the new regulatory system should operate within the principles we have already set out. It covers:

• The introduction of an independent lead regulator
• A single regulatory framework for provider designation for student support and HEFCE teaching grant
• The adoption of a single gateway for entry to the higher education sector
• Reforms to Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) and University Title (UT) criteria
• Simplifying the process for changing corporate status

The consultation document (PDF 52pp) is here.

Instructions from the BIS about responding are here. The deadline is 27 October 2011.

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