Regulatory case report for the Open University – specific ongoing condition BA

This case report explains why we have decided to impose a specific condition of registration on the Open University.

In May 2022, the OfS used its validation powers to commission the Open University (OU) to operate the OU Validation project. Validation is where one established higher education provider validates courses provided by another that may not otherwise have the expertise and resources to create new courses itself. The OU Validation project will offer a partnership option to further education colleges and other providers interested in providing high quality vocational and technical (Level 4 and 5) courses that will give more choice to students.

We have imposed a specific condition of registration on the OU to set out the commissioning arrangements and terms and conditions for the OU Validation project.

The specific condition requires the OU, through its validation project, to enter into validation arrangements with other higher education providers registered with the OfS

The specific condition does not relate to the OU’s compliance with its ongoing conditions of registration with the OfS.

This programme of work allows the OfS to make progress towards strategic commitments set out in the regulatory framework and in the current OfS strategy on consideration of the current validation system. It also supports the government’s intention to enable delivery of Level 4 and 5 courses in areas where they are not widely available, benefitting both students and local employers.