Committee to hear views of finance directors, administrators and students on the Office for Students
The Industry and Regulators Committee will continue its inquiry into the work of the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator of higher education providers in England, by hearing from representatives of university administrators and finance directors. The Committee will discuss how the Office for Students has carried out its role and its relationship with higher education providers. The Committee will also consider the financial sustainability of the higher education sector. This will include discussing the business models of higher education providers, the financial risks that they face and the OfS’ approach to failing institutions.
The Committee will then hear from representatives of students’ unions. The Committee will discuss students’ unions’ experience of engaging with the OfS, how the OfS views the interests of students, and whether the regulator’s approach is driven by student input or political priorities. The session will include discussion of levels of student involvement in higher education institutions and how students view the value of their studies.
Meeting details
Possible questions include:
- How does the OfS oversee the financial sustainability of individual higher education providers and the higher education sector more broadly?
- How does the OfS evaluate whether higher education provides value for money? How do students view this issue?
- Are students really aware of the work of the OfS and its role in looking after their interests?