Who we are
We're the regulator for higher education in England.
We are a non-departmental public body, meaning we are accountable to Parliament. We receive statutory guidance on strategic priorities from the Department for Education, but our operations are independent. Read more about our relationship with government.
Our people
Our board is responsible for setting our strategy and making sure we deliver it.
Our leadership team is responsible for delivering our objectives and business plan.
Our scheme of delegation sets out how we make decisions in line with our legal powers and functions:
Our committees
The board has committees, with a mix of board members and independent members:
- The People Committee
- The Quality Assessment Committee
- The Risk and Audit Committee
- The Student Interest Board.
We are currently recruiting to the Provider Panel.
We also run the Disability in Higher Education Advisory Panel.
24 November 2025 - Revised scheme of delegation published.
14 November 2025 - The Remuneration and Nominations Committee has been renamed to the People Committee. The Provider Risk Committee has been dissolved.
22 May 2025 - Page updated with the announcement of our new Student Interest Board.
30 July 2024 - Page updated to reflect the appointment of Sir David Behan as Interim Chair.
10 July 2024 - Page updated to reflect the resignation of James Wharton as Chair.
02 September 2022 - Page updated to reflect the appointment of Susan Lapworth as chief executive.
01 May 2022 - Updated chief executive.
01 April 2021 - Updated to reflect change of chair
Describe your experience of using this website