Speaking to
leading figures from the Higher Education sector at the
Queen Elizabeth II Centre, London, the Minister
outlined the significant progress that has been made by
the Government to establish the OfS.
At a time when the university sector is experiencing
unprecedented levels of scrutiny, the Minister set out
how the launch of the OfS signified “a new age – the
age of the student”. He called on the sector to embrace
this new era and made clear that he expects the OfS to
put student interests at the centre of everything they
do.
The conference marked the publication of
the OfS new
framework – a blueprint for higher education –
and the biggest regulatory change in Higher Education
in over a quarter of a century. The truly modern
framework will ensure our world-class universities are
able to rise to the challenges of the future.
In his speech, the Minister set out his vision for a
successful higher education sector, including how
universities must fulfil their vital civic duty in
society by championing student interests and
transforming their lives.
Speaking at the OfS conference today, Universities
Minister said:
Since taking office I have visited universities
around the country to talk to students and listen to
their hopes and concerns.
What students have told me is that they value
excellent teaching, high quality information and want
a system that is responsive to their needs.
The new regulator will have real powers to deliver
these goals. By putting students’ interests first,
the OfS will play a key role in delivering an
accountability revolution.
The Office for Students will replace HEFCE and OFFA as
the single regulator for higher education in England.
It will take up its regulatory role in April 2018.
The minister’s speech can be read in full here
The Secretary of State’s guidance to the Office for
Students is available here
The new Regulatory Framework is available here
