Student guide to industrial action
How the OfS protects student interests
We do not intervene in industrial disputes between higher education providers and their staff. But we will:
- Ensure that universities and colleges that are registered with us are meeting minimum standards (our conditions of registration), which continue to apply during periods of industrial action.
- Ensure that universities and colleges are meeting our expectations to minimise disruption to students during industrial action.
- Keep students informed of their consumer rights and what you can expect from your university or college, and provide information about how you can make complaints.
- Refer potentially unfair terms in student contracts to National Trading Standards.
- Continue to gather and engage with student feedback to understand the impact of industrial action.
- Where a university or college does not meet our regulatory expectations, we would investigate and take enforcement action if necessary.
- Evaluate intelligence related to approaches that different universities and colleges take to support and compensate students in different circumstances.
Submitting a notification
If you feel that your university or college may not be meeting our requirements, you can tell us by sending us a notification. We use notifications from students, staff and members of the public to help identify where we may need to take regulatory action to protect the interests of students.
Please see our guide to notifications for more information on when a notification should be sent and how to go about this.
Please note that we are unable to resolve individual student complaints. As a market regulator, we do not have the power to seek redress for individuals. Students with individual concerns or complaints should follow the steps about what to do if you're unhappy with the impact of industrial action.
Last updated 10 April 2025 + show all updates
10 April 2025 - Content updated following the publication of a letter to higher education providers on protecting students' interests in the event of industrial action.
24 November 2022 - Minor updates, changing 'providers' to 'universities or colleges'.
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