Committee to question Office for Students on its regulatory framework, independence and the financial sustainability of higher education
The Industry and Regulators Committee will hear from the Chief Executive and Chair of the Office for Students (OfS), the regulator of higher education providers in England, as part of the Committee’s inquiry into the OfS’ work. The Committee will discuss whether the OfS’ statutory duties are appropriate, how it has carried out its role in practice, the development of its regulatory framework over time 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.
Meeting details
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Inquiry
The work of the Office for Students
Chief Executive at Office for Students
Chair at Office for Students
Possible questions include:
- What is the main purpose of the Office for Students? Did the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 give the OfS a clear job to do?
- Is there a need for the OfS to rebuilt trust with the higher education sector? What actions will the OfS be taking to improve this relationship?
- How does the relationship between the OfS and the Government work in practice? To what extent do political and media priorities drive the OfS’ work and decision-making?
- What financial risks does the higher education sector face? Is there a growing crisis in the finances of higher education providers?