OfS consultation on the future approach to quality regulation: Response from the Chartered ABS

The Chartered ABS has submitted its response to the OfS’ consultation on the future approach to quality regulation based on feedback from our learning and teaching community.

While we support some proposals, including the proposal to include all undergraduate provision, including franchised providers, within the new TEF, we recommend adjustments to ensure that the new regulatory framework is fit-for-purpose and proportional. For example, we agree that student outcomes should remain central to TEF and support the removal of the progression indicator from condition B3. However, progression into employment remains critical and should be tracked using a more reliable methodology than the current ‘Graduate Outcomes’ survey.

Our response raises several other concerns, including that the proposed cyclical assessments will place considerable pressure on business schools, many of which are already subject to accreditation measures which help attract crucial international student revenue. The OfS should carefully consider the implications of the proposal to downgrade the status of a ‘Bronze’ award to meeting minimum requirements and how this may be perceived by stakeholders. We are also concerned that excluding Postgraduate Taught courses, which are central to business school provision, could weaken international competitiveness and leave much of our offering outside a national quality benchmark.

Download the full response here.