England's higher education regulator, the Office for Students (OfS), has been accused of being 'asleep at the wheel' over several key issues affecting higher education in England. This week, the High Court decisively rejected the OfS's attempts to fine the University of Sussex more than £585,000 for regulatory failings related to Kathleen Stock's time as an academic at Sussex. Stock quit in 2021, citing ostracisation for her views on gender identity and transgender rights. The court found the OfS guilty of bias and predetermination, along with other jurisdictional failings.
A History of Missed Opportunities
The OfS's handling of the Sussex case is just one example of its deeper failings. In 2023, the New York Times exposed profitable higher education colleges offering students with few qualifications access to student loans. The OfS's response was merely to say it was 'working to improve partnership data.' Similarly, the University of Greater Manchester faced allegations of management malfunctions, bullying, and financial issues, with the OfS only announcing an investigation in December, months after media reports and a police inquiry began.
Financial Turmoil in the Sector
The higher education sector in England is in financial turmoil, with departments closing and academics being made redundant. The OfS has made vague statements about institutions being at risk of 'exiting the market,' leaving students in the dark. Phil Brickell, Labour MP for Bolton West, accused the OfS of being 'asleep at the wheel' regarding the University of Greater Manchester.
New Leadership, New Hope?
There is some good news: the OfS's bumbling largely took place under previous management. Chief executive Susan Lapworth recently stood down, to be replaced from June by Ruth Hannant and Polly Payne, two experienced civil servants. Their challenge will be to regulate where needed and rebuild the OfS's relationship with the sector.
