English regulator to ‘transform’ approach to assessing standards

England’s higher education regulator has set out plans to “transform” how it assesses standards in the sector.

Outlining a proposed strategy for the rest of the decade, which came after a major review of its operations, the Office for Students says that it will work with providers to develop an “integrated approach” to quality assessment.

Evaluations were conducted until March 2023 by the Quality Assurance Agency, which stepped back from the role amid concern that England’s currently regulatory approach was not compliant with European standards. The OfS then took over responsibility for assessments, ostensibly on an interim basis.

The OfS says its new approach will be one that “drives continuous improvement across the higher education sector”, and that at its “core” will be the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which gives institutions gold, silver or bronze medals – or a “requires improvement” rating – for their educational standards.

The OfS says that TEF assessments will become “more routine and more widespread to ensure that institutions are delivering high quality academic experiences and positive outcomes”.

And it says that it will “seek opportunities to involve students directly in our quality assessment activities”.

The new approach will extend to assessments conducted when providers are applying for degree-awarding powers.

The proposed changes may go some way to address concerns about non-alignment with standard international practice, with the lack of a cyclical review process and the absence of students from review teams being regarded as key omissions.

The OfS’ consultation on its proposed strategy says that with the sector it will “explore options for alignment with European standards for quality, including bringing clarity to the choices and trade-offs that may entail, including in terms of regulatory burden”.

And it says that transnational education courses delivered offshore will be folded into the regulator’s approach to standards, “ensuring students benefit from high quality courses wherever they study”.

The OfS adds that where institutions fall short of expected standards, it will use the “full range” of its powers.

“This enforcement activity will be focused on the small number of institutions with unacceptably weak performance. Predictive and lead indicators, alongside more effective use of qualitative intelligence, will help us anticipate, identify and respond quickly to emerging risks,” the report says.

The proposed strategy responds to the review of the OfS conducted by Sir David Behan – now the watchdog’s interim chair – by setting out three revised priorities: quality, the student interest, and sector resilience.

“The higher education sector is facing a period of significant change. It’s therefore important that we are confident and agile in our work to protect the interests of students and help universities and colleges continue to power growth and drive opportunity,” Sir David said.

“We’ve identified three areas of strategic priority: quality, the wider student interest, and sector resilience. Underpinning these is the aim that anyone with the ability and desire to pursue higher education should have the opportunity to access the life-changing benefits it can bring.

“To deliver these ambitious proposals, the OfS must change as a regulator. The student interest is not fixed, and as students’ priorities change it is incumbent on us to continue to listen and learn, as we embed their perspectives in our work.”

A consultation will be held on the proposals.

chris.havergal@timeshighereducation.com