MillionPlus welcomes announcement of OfS interim Chair and the publication of the independent review of the Office for Students

MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, has welcomed today (27 July) the Ministerial statement published by the Secretary of State, Bridget Phillipson, announcing that Sir David Behan will take up the role of interim Chair of the Office for Students, alongside the Government’s support for the conclusions of his independent review of the Office for Students Fit for the Future: Higher Education Regulation Towards 2035 which was also published today.

Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive of MillionPlus, said:

“MillionPlus warmly welcomes the appointment of Sir David as the interim Chair of OfS. His independent review of the OfS published today is thorough and carefully considered and MillionPlus and its members welcomed the opportunity to be involved in the consultative process.

“MillionPlus supports the review’s recommendations for the Office for Student’s work to be focused on key priorities, reducing the number of objectives to focus on core areas for the sustainability of the sector and in the interest of students. We also support the ambition to reduce unnecessary regulatory burden including the call for the OfS to work more collaboratively with other regulators and arm’s length bodies within the wider higher education system.

“We were pleased that the review acknowledged that there should not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to regulation; the diversity of our higher education sector is one of its key strengths and the regulatory system should better recognise this.

“In addition, MillionPlus welcomes the announcement that new measures due to come in next week on Freedom of Speech have been paused. These measures were likely to cause more problems than they were to solve, so it is beneficial for this to be looked at with fresh eyes.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

• For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Rachel Hewitt on 07795645241 or email ceo@millionplus.ac.uk.
• Higher education regulation update - Statement made by Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities can be found here
• Fit for the Future: Independent Review of the Office for Students can be found here
• MillionPlus is the Association for Modern Universities in the UK, and the voice of 21st century higher education. We champion, promote and raise awareness of the essential role and impact of modern universities in the UK’s world-leading higher education sector. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk
• What are modern universities? Modern universities are long established centres of higher education in their communities with roots that stretch back decades, if not centuries. Many gained university title following legislation agreed by parliament in 1992. They make up almost half of the UK university sector with over a million students studying at modern universities every year.
• For more interesting facts and stats on modern universities: #ThinkModern