QAA cautiously welcomes OfS proposals on subcontractual provision

QAA has welcomed proposals from the Office for Students to address concerns about subcontractual provision and outline explicit expectations for providers in this area. 

Concerns remain, however, about the impact of such proposals without greater clarity as to how the regulator intends to monitor compliance and identify and address areas of potential risk.

We have therefore proposed that the periodic assessment element of OfS proposals for an integrated quality model should include a provider’s ability to manage its own quality and standards, including in relation to its partnership provision. 

We have also called for greater clarity as to how these proposals will align with those consulted on by the Department for Education to deliver a cohesive regulatory approach.

QAA’s Lead Policy Officer for England Helena Vine said: "Following increased external scrutiny on subcontractual provision, it is positive to see the regulator adopting an approach that is proportionate and accommodates a provider’s context.

"QAA will continue to support the sector in navigating the changing regulatory landscape via our membership programme and bespoke services and advocate for a policy approach that protects academic standards and enables high-quality provision to be delivered across the sector."