Today we have submitted GuildHE’s response to the consultation on OfS strategy for 2025-30.

GuildHE broadly supports the OfS’s proposed strategic focus but we raise crucial questions about its implementation. The importance of protecting sector diversity is paramount, but the duty to ensure this is not mentioned in the strategy. We emphasise the need for collaboration between the OfS and the higher education sector, and a significant portion of our response focuses on the need for greater efficiency, transparency and flexibility in higher education regulation. For example, delays in registration, DAPs, general communication and other regulatory processes remain major issues which are not addressed through these strategies actions. We also call for a review of the regulatory framework to ensure it supports, rather than stifle, innovation and collaboration, as well as a more equal approach to funding competitions.

We agree that quality processes should be reformed to ensure a more flexible and transparent approach that recognises the diverse aspirations and missions of different institutions. Concerns are raised about the complexity and inconsistency of current data collection methods and we emphasise the need to move beyond a narrow focus on metrics and to consider broader educational goals. There’s also a call for leveraging existing sector-agreed standards and a move away from the ‘competition’ element of current activities like TEF.

GuildHE broadly supports student-focused objectives but emphasises that students should be seen as active collaborators and partners rather than just consumers. We recommend that the OfS integrate student partnership principles into their processes and advocate for these principles with individual HE institutions. Furthermore, we are concerned about the OfS’s proposed involvement in discussions with students on matters beyond the control of both the OfS and higher education providers. This could lead to regulatory overreach, especially given the government’s current push for leaner regulation. Furthermore, it might create unrealistic student expectations, cause mission creep, and lead to confusion about the OfS’s remit.

Our consultation response also identifies several areas where the OfS’s proposals lack clarity or long-term action. The lack of detail on how the OfS will implement the Lord’s recommendations on resource accountability and how it will address future challenges like the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) are prime examples of this. The need for a mid-term review of the strategy is therefore suggested, given the significant changes within the sector we expect to see.

We fully support the OfS’s commitment to enhancing relationships within the sector based on respect, confidence, trust, and reciprocity and look forward to collaborating with the OfS to shape and improve their activities – ensuring the diversity of Higher Education institutions is recognised and protected.

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