AoC responds to OfS review

David Hughes, Chief Executive, Association of Colleges, said: “Sir David Behan's review of the Office for Students provides good insight upon which ministers will be able to make informed decisions about improving regulation of higher education. The report rightly sets out the changing context in which the OfS operates and builds a good case for regulation that is forward facing and strategic. We are keen to ensure that the role of colleges is fully considered in any reforms.

“Colleges are regulated by multiple regulators resulting in disproportionate costs and too much unnecessary bureaucracy, which acts as a disincentive for colleges to deliver HE and to innovate.

“Good regulation needs an effective relationship between a regulator and the sector it regulates. This was highlighted in the House of Lords inquiry into the work of the OfS and is echoed in Sir David's report. OfS has since improved relationships and we are keen to work with the OfS to identify approaches to strengthen this.

“I welcome the appointment of Sir David Behan as the interim chair of the OfS. Sir David has considerable knowledge and experience of regulatory principles and practices and his recent experience of leading on the independent review of the OfS will be immensely valuable. We look forward to working with him in his new role.”