The OfS has welcomed the publication of a Public Bodies Review into its work. Sir David Behan, who conducted the review, has been appointed to chair the OfS on an interim basis.
Susan Lapworth, chief executive of the OfS, said:
'We are very much looking forward to working with Sir David at this important time for higher education. His experience and leadership will be invaluable to the OfS as we embark on the next phase of the organisation’s development.
'I welcome the publication of Sir David’s review, and the thoughtful conclusions and recommendations in his report. Students and colleagues from across the higher education sector found time to speak with him during the review and their important perspectives are reflected in his report and its proposals.
'The review highlights a range of important areas – including the financial sustainability of the sector – that the OfS will continue to prioritise. More generally, the report will prompt reflection for government, the sector, and the OfS. It sets out areas in which the OfS can, and will, continue to improve. It also recognises the significant steps we have taken over recent months. We continue to work hard to improve our engagement with the institutions we regulate, to ensure that trust-based relationships can underpin effective regulation. And we are developing our understanding of the things that matter to students, and how their perspectives can inform our work, as we develop our new strategy.
'We are committed to working collaboratively with students and institutions as we develop our shared vision for the regulation of our important sector.'
The government has also announced today that it will stop the implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023. Susan Lapworth said:
'We are ready to support ministers as they consider the approach they want to take to securing free speech and academic freedom in higher education. In the meantime, we will continue to work with institutions as they discharge their long-standing obligations in this area.'