What steps is the Minister taking to regulate alternative higher education providers?
Our current policy on the regulation of alternative HE providers (APs) is set out here: Eich cyf (govwales).
APs that are not automatically designated must apply for specific designation in order for Welsh students to have access to student support. As the regulator of HE in Wales, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) administers the specific course designation process on behalf of Welsh Government (WG). However, the final decision on whether or not to designate rests with the Welsh Ministers based on HEFCW’s recommendation.
The process for APs to apply for specific designation is set out in the policy, including the eligibility criteria. The criteria require APs to demonstrate their financial sustainability as well as providing evidence of adequate quality, amongst other things. HEFCW is responsible for monitoring providers’ compliance with the specific course designation criteria on an annual basis, following the designation of courses. Designation can be withdrawn if ongoing compliance with the criteria is not met.
APs must apply to HEFCW on an annual basis to have their courses specifically designated in Wales in order to ensure providers continue to meet the criteria for designation as set out in the policy and to provide assurance for both continuing and potential new students.
Looking forward, implementation of the Tertiary Education and Research Bill will require the proposed Commission for Tertiary Education and Research to establish and maintain a register of tertiary education providers. The register will be a legal mechanism by which appropriate and proportionate regulation and oversight is applied to registered tertiary education providers in Wales in receipt of public funds, including grant funding from the Commission and Welsh Government student support. Registered providers will be required to demonstrate satisfaction of initial baseline regulatory requirements and as a condition of registration their subsequent compliance with ongoing regulatory requirements.
The Welsh Government’s proposals for the categories of registration to be applied to higher education providers are set out in the Statement of Policy Intent which accompanied the Bill. The proposed categories will enable the voluntary registration of alternative higher education providers who wish their relevant higher education courses to be designated for Welsh Government student support. The subordinate legislation necessary to implement the register will be subject to consultation in due course.