109 Predecessor bodies and preservation of symbolic property
(1) The following bodies corporate (each a “research council”) cease to exist—
(a) the Arts and Humanities Research Council,
(b) the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council,
(c) the Economic and Social Research Council,
(d) the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council,
(e) the Medical Research Council,
(f) the Natural Environment Research Council,
(g) the Science and Technology Facilities Council, and
(h) the Technology Strategy Board.
(2) The Royal Charters establishing the research councils, and any supplemental Royal Charter granted to a council, are revoked.
(3) A property transfer scheme made by the Secretary of State under Schedule 10 in connection with a research council must, in particular, make provision for the transfer of the symbolic property of the council to UKRI.
(4) The symbolic property of a research council is—
(a) the name of, and any other name used by, the council,
(b) any goodwill in a name falling within paragraph (a),
(c) any logo or insignia of the council, and
(d) any seal of the council.
(1) In section 5 of the Science and Technology Act 1965 (further powers of Secretary of State), after subsection (1) insert—
(1ZA) The power to give financial support under subsection (1)(a) includes, in particular, power to make a grant, loan or other payment, on such terms and conditions as the relevant authority considers appropriate.
(1ZB) The terms and conditions may, in particular—
(a) enable the relevant authority to require the repayment, in whole or in part, of sums paid by it if any of the terms and conditions subject to which the sums were paid is not complied with,
(b) require the payment of interest in respect of any period during which a sum due to the relevant authority in accordance with any of the terms and conditions remains unpaid, and
(c) require a person to whom financial support is given to provide the relevant authority with any information it requests for the purpose of the exercise of any of its functions.
(1ZC) In subsections (1ZA) and (1ZB), “the relevant authority” means—
(a) in the case of the power of the Secretary of State to give financial support under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State;
(b) in the case of the power of the Welsh Ministers to give financial support under subsection (1)(a), the Welsh Ministers;
(c) in the case of the power of the Scottish Ministers to give financial support under subsection (1)(a), the Scottish Ministers.
(2) In section 10 of the Higher Education Act 2004 (research in arts and humanities), after subsection (4) insert—
(5) The powers under this section to give financial support include, in particular, power to make a grant, loan or other payment, on such terms and conditions as the relevant authority considers appropriate.
(6) The terms and conditions may, in particular—
(a) enable the relevant authority to require the repayment, in whole or in part, of sums paid by it if any of the terms and conditions subject to which the sums were paid is not complied with,
(b) require the payment of interest in respect of any period during which a sum due to the relevant authority in accordance with any of the terms and conditions remains unpaid, and
(c) require a person to whom financial support is given to provide the relevant authority with any information it requests for the purpose of the exercise of any of its functions.
(7) In subsections (5) and (6), “the relevant authority” means—
(a) in the case of the power under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State;
(b) in the case of the power under subsection (2)(a), the Welsh Ministers;
(c) in the case of the power under subsection (3)(a), the Scottish Ministers;
(d) in the case of the power under subsection (4)(a), the Northern Ireland Department having responsibility for higher education.
(1) In this Part—
“Council” has the meaning given by section 92;
“humanities” includes the arts;
“knowledge exchange” has the meaning given by section 93;
“research and innovation strategy” has the meaning given by section 99;
“science” includes social sciences.
(2) In this Part, a reference to the United Kingdom includes a reference to any part of the United Kingdom.
112 Cooperation and information sharing between the OfS and UKRI
(1) The OfS and UKRI may cooperate with one another in exercising any of their functions.
(2) The OfS and UKRI must, if required to do so by the Secretary of State, cooperate with one another in exercising any of their functions.
(3) The OfS may provide information to UKRI if the disclosure is made for the purposes of the exercise of any function of UKRI.
(4) UKRI may provide information to the OfS if the disclosure is made for the purposes of the exercise of any function of the OfS.
(5) Provision of information which is authorised by this section does not breach—
(a) an obligation of confidence owed by the person making the disclosure, or
(b) any other restriction on the provision of information (however imposed).
(6) But nothing in this section authorises the OfS or UKRI to provide information where doing so contravenes the data protection legislation .
(7) In this section, “the data protection legislation” has the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of that Act).
(1) A relevant authority may exercise any of its functions jointly with another relevant authority if the condition in subsection (2) is met.
(2) The condition is that it appears to the relevant authorities concerned that exercising the function jointly—
(a) will be more efficient, or
(b) will enable them more effectively to exercise any of their functions.
(3) In this section “relevant authority” means—
(a) the OfS,
(b) UKRI, but only in relation to functions exercisable by Research England pursuant to arrangements made under section 97,
(c) the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research,
(d) the Scottish Further and Higher Education Funding Council,
(e) the Secretary of State to the extent that the Secretary of State is exercising functions under section 14 of the Education Act 2002 (power to give financial assistance for purposes related to education or children etc),
(f) the Welsh Ministers to the extent that they are exercising their functions under any of the following provisions of the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022—
(i) section 92 (financial support by Welsh Ministers for certain higher education courses);
(ii) section 97 (financial support for further education or training);
(iii) section 100 (means tests);
(iv) section 103(1) (financial support for other activities connected to tertiary education), or
(g) the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland, or the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland, in relation to funding higher education, or research, in Northern Ireland but only to the extent that the Department is exercising functions in connection with such funding.
(4) For the purposes of subsection (3)(g), “higher education” has the same meaning as in Article 2(2) of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/1772 (N.I. 15)).
(1) The OfS and UKRI may provide such advisory services as the Department for the Economy in Northern Ireland or the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland may require in connection with the discharge of the Department's functions relating to higher education in Northern Ireland.
(2) The services may be provided on such terms as may be agreed.
(3) For the purposes of this section “higher education” has the same meaning as in Article 2(2) of the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 (S.I. 1997/1772 (N.I. 15)).
Schedule 10 contains provision about schemes for the transfer of staff and property, rights and liabilities in connection with—
(a) the establishment of the OfS or UKRI by this Act, or
(b) a body or office ceasing to exist by virtue of this Act.
(1) The Secretary of State may by regulations make such provision as appears to the Secretary of State to be appropriate in consequence of any provision made by or under this Act.
(2) The power conferred by subsection (1) includes power to amend, repeal, revoke or otherwise modify—
(a) primary or secondary legislation passed or made before this Act or in the same Session as this Act, or
(b) subject to subsections (3) and (4), a Royal Charter granted before this Act is passed or in the same Session as this Act.
(3) Provision may be made under subsection (1) by virtue of subsection (2)(b) only if such provision appears to the Secretary of State to be appropriate in consequence of provision made by or under any of sections 42 to 60 (degree awarding powers and university title).
(4) Provision made under subsection (1) by virtue of subsection (2)(b) may not revoke a Royal Charter in its entirety.
The Secretary of State may by regulations make such transitional, transitory or saving provision as the Secretary of State considers appropriate in connection with the coming into force of any provision of this Act.
(1) Subsections (2) and (3) apply in relation to a provision of this Act under or by virtue of which the OfS has a function of consulting another person.
(2) At any time before the provision comes into force (and whether before or after the passing of this Act), the Secretary of State, the DFA or HEFCE or any of them acting jointly—
(a) may carry out any consultation that the OfS would have power or a duty to carry out after the provision comes into force, and
(b) for that purpose, may prepare drafts of any documents to which the consultation relates.
(3) At any time after the provision comes into force, the OfS may elect to treat any consultation carried out or other thing done under subsection (2) by the Secretary of State, the DFA or HEFCE (or any of them acting jointly) as carried out or done by the OfS.
(4) Where the OfS has a consultation function involving registered higher education providers, references to registered higher education providers in the provisions describing the consultees are to be read as references to English higher education providers—
(a) for the purposes of applying subsection (2) at any time when there are no registered higher education providers, and
(b) for the purposes of applying subsection (3) in relation to any thing done under subsection (2) in reliance upon paragraph (a) of this subsection.
(5) For the purposes of subsection (4), “a consultation function involving registered higher education providers” is a function of consulting—
(a) registered higher education providers (whether generally or a description of such providers), or
(b) persons with a connection (however described) to such providers.
(6) In subsections (4) and (5), “English higher education provider” and “registered higher education provider” have the same meaning as in Part 1 (see sections 83 and 85).
(7) Subsections (8) and (9) apply in relation to a provision of this Act under or by virtue of which UKRI has a function of consulting another person.
(8) At any time before the provision comes into force (and whether before or after the passing of this Act), the Secretary of State or HEFCE or the Secretary of State and HEFCE acting jointly—
(a) may carry out any consultation that UKRI would have power or a duty to carry out after the provision comes into force, and
(b) for that purpose, may prepare drafts of any documents to which the consultation relates.
(9) At any time after the provision comes into force, UKRI may elect to treat any consultation carried out or other thing done under subsection (8) by the Secretary of State or HEFCE (or the Secretary of State and HEFCE acting jointly) as carried out or done by UKRI.
(10) In this section—
“the DFA” means the Director of Fair Access to Higher Education;
“HEFCE” means the Higher Education Funding Council for England.
(1) Any power to make regulations under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument.
(2) A statutory instrument which contains (whether alone or with other provision) any of the following may not be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution of, each House of Parliament—
(a) regulations under section 9(1) (prescribed description of providers for whom a transparency condition is mandatory);
(b) regulations under section 15(2) or 69B(3) (power to impose monetary penalties);
(c) regulations under section 29(5) (regulations regarding the OfS's approval of access and participation plans);
(d) regulations under section 32(1) (content of such a plan: equality of opportunity);
(e) regulations under section 39(3) (prescribed description of providers eligible for financial support);
(f) regulations under section 92(2) (regulations changing the structure of UKRI's Councils);
(g) regulations under section 95(5) (regulations in connection with changes made to structure of UKRI's Councils or changing the fields of activity of the Councils);
(h) regulations under section 116(1) (power to make consequential provision) which include provision that amends, repeals or revokes a provision of primary legislation or of a Royal Charter;
(ha) regulations under paragraph 1(3) of Schedule 2 (choice of method for determining fee limit);
(hb) regulations under paragraph 1B, 1C or 1F of Schedule 2 (credit-based method for determining fee limit);
(i) regulations under paragraph 2 or 3 of Schedule 2 (regulations prescribing the higher amount, basic amount or floor amount), except regulations to which paragraph 5(2)(b) of that Schedule applies (regulations increasing the higher amount to an amount greater than that required to maintain its value in real terms).
(3) Any other statutory instrument containing regulations under this Act is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.
(4) But subsection (3) does not apply to regulations under Schedule 2 to which paragraph 5(2)(b) of that Schedule applies (regulations increasing the higher amount to an amount greater than that required to maintain its value in real terms).
(5) Regulations under this Act may—
(a) make different provision for different purposes, cases or areas,
(b) make provision generally or only in relation to specified cases,
(c) make incidental, consequential, supplementary, transitional, transitory or saving provision, and
(d) include provision framed by reference to matters determined or published by the OfS (whether before or after the regulations are made).
(6) Nothing in this Act is to be regarded as affecting the generality of subsection (5).
(7) This section does not apply to regulations made under section 124 (commencement).
Any power conferred by this Act to give directions includes power, exercisable in the same manner and subject to the same conditions or limitations, to vary or revoke directions previously given.
In this Act—
“notice” means written notice (and to “notify” means to give written notice);
“the OfS” has the meaning given by section 1;
“primary legislation” means—
an Act of Parliament;
an Act of the Scottish Parliament;
a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales;
Northern Ireland legislation;
“secondary legislation” means an instrument made under primary legislation;
“UKRI” has the meaning given by section 91.
(1) Schedule 11 contains minor and consequential amendments relating to Part 1.
(2) Schedule 12 contains minor and consequential amendments relating to Part 3.
(1) Subject to the rest of this section, this Act extends to England and Wales only.
(2) The following provisions also extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland—
(a) section 25 (rating the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education);
(b) sections 79 and 80 (powers to obtain and use application-to-acceptance information);
(c) section 83 (meaning of “English higher education provider” etc);
(d) Part 3 (research);
(e) this Part.
(3) Section 86(9)—
(a) so far as it relates to section 22(4B)(e) of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998, also extends to Scotland and Northern Ireland;
(b) so far as it relates to section 22(4B)(f), (g) and (h) of that Act, also extends to Northern Ireland.
(4) Any amendment or repeal made by this Act has the same extent within the United Kingdom as the enactment amended or repealed.
(5) Subsection (4) does not apply to the amendment made by section 86(4) (power to make alternative payments) which—
(a) so far as it inserts subsection (4B)(e) into section 22 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998, extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland,
(b) so far as it inserts subsection (4B)(f), (g) and (h) into that section, extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland, and
(c) otherwise extends to England and Wales only.
(6) Subsection (4) does not apply to the amendments and repeals made by paragraph 13 of Schedule 12 to section 41 of the Patents Act 1977 which have the same extent as that section.
(1) The following provisions of this Part come into force on the day on which this Act is passed—
(a) sections 115 to 117;
(b) sections 119 to 121;
(c) section 123;
(d) this section;
(e) section 125.
(2) Sections 86, 87 and 88 come into force, so far as relating to a matter specified in an entry in column 1 of the following table, on such day as the person specified in the corresponding entry in column 2 of the table may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint, after consulting the person (if any) specified in the corresponding entry in column 3 of the table.
TABLE
1. Matters: | 2. Commencement by: | 3. After consulting:
Powers exercisable by the Welsh Ministers | The Welsh Ministers
Powers exercisable by the Secretary of State concurrently with the Welsh Ministers | The Secretary of State | The Welsh Ministers
Powers exercisable by the Secretary of State in relation to Wales | The Secretary of State | The Welsh Ministers
Other matters | The Secretary of State.
(3) Section 89(2)(h)(ii) and (4) come into force, in relation to Wales, on such day as the Welsh Ministers may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.
(4) Section 110 comes into force at the end of the period of two months beginning with the day on which this Act is passed.
(5) The remaining provisions of this Act come into force on such day as the Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument appoint.
(6) Regulations under this section may appoint different days for different purposes or areas.
(1) This Act may be cited as the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.
(2) This Act is to be included in the list of Education Acts set out in section 578 of the Education Act 1996.
Section 1
Status
1 (1) The OfS is not to be regarded—
(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or
(b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.
(2) The OfS's property is not to be regarded—
(a) as the property of the Crown, or
(b) as property held on behalf of the Crown.
Membership
2 (1) The OfS is to consist of the following members appointed by the Secretary of State—
(a) a chair (“the chair”),
(b) the Chief Executive Officer,
(c) the Director for Fair Access and Participation, ...
(ca) the Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom, and
(d) at least seven and not more than twelve other members (“the ordinary members”).
(2) The Secretary of State must, in appointing the chair and the ordinary members, have regard to the desirability of the OfS's members (between them) having experience of—
(a) representing or promoting the interests of individual students, or students generally, on higher education courses provided by higher education providers,
(b) providing higher education on behalf of an English higher education provider or being responsible for the provision of higher education by such a provider,
(c) employing graduates of higher education courses provided by higher education providers covering a range of academic and practical disciplines,
(d) promoting choice for consumers or other service users, and encouraging competition, in industry or another sector of society,
(e) creating, reviewing, implementing or managing a regulatory system in industry or another sector of society,
(f) managing or auditing the financial affairs of an organisation, and
(g) a broad range of the different types of English higher education providers.
(3) But at least one of the ordinary members must have experience of representing or promoting the interests of individual students, or students generally, on higher education courses provided by higher education providers.
(4) A person may not be appointed as a member of the OfS if the person is a civil servant.
(5) In this Schedule, “civil servant” means a person employed in the civil service of the State.
The Director for Fair Access and Participation
3 (1) The Director for Fair Access and Participation (“the Access and Participation Director”) is responsible for—
(a) overseeing the performance of the OfS's access and participation functions,
(b) performing, in accordance with paragraph 11, any of those functions, or other functions, of the OfS which are delegated to the Access and Participation Director under that paragraph, and
(c) reporting to the other members of the OfS on the performance of the OfS's access and participation functions.
(2) The Access and Participation Director may also report to the other members of the OfS on the measures taken by the OfS to comply with its duty under section 2(1)(e) (duty to have regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity etc) in performing a particular function of the OfS.
(3) For the purposes of this Schedule, the OfS's “access and participation functions” are the functions conferred on it by or under—
(a) section 21 (refusal to renew an access and participation plan),
(b) sections 29 to 34 (access and participation plans),
(c) section 35 (advice on good practice),
(d) section 36 (duty to protect institutional autonomy in performing certain access and participation functions), and
(e) section 37 (power of the Secretary of State to require a report).
The Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom
3A (1) The Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom (“the Free Speech Director”) is responsible for—
(a) overseeing the performance of the OfS’s free speech functions,
(b) performing, in accordance with paragraph 11, any of those functions, or other functions, of the OfS which are delegated to the Free Speech Director under that paragraph, and
(c) reporting to the other members of the OfS on the performance of the OfS’s free speech functions.
(2) For the purposes of this Schedule, the OfS’s “free speech functions” are—
(a) its functions relating to monitoring and enforcing the registration conditions of registered higher education providers under section 8A, and
(b) its functions under sections 69A to 69E and Schedule 6A.
Terms of appointment and tenure of members
4 (1) A person holds and vacates office as a member of the OfS in accordance with the terms of his or her appointment.
(2) The terms and conditions of a person's appointment as a member of the OfS are to be determined by the Secretary of State; but that is subject to the following provisions of this Schedule.
(3) The matters with which the terms and conditions of a member's appointment may deal include, in particular—
(a) the period for which the member is to hold office;
(b) the member's eligibility for re-appointment;
(c) circumstances in which membership may be suspended.
5 (1) A person may resign from office as a member of the OfS by notifying the Secretary of State.
(2) The Secretary of State may remove a person from office as a member of the OfS on any of the following grounds—
(a) absence from the OfS's meetings for a continuous period of more than six months without the OfS's permission,
(b) inability or unfitness to carry out the functions of the office, or
(c) such other grounds as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(3) If a person appointed as a member of the OfS becomes a civil servant, the person ceases to be a member.
Remuneration etc of members
6 (1) The OfS must pay to members of the OfS such remuneration as the Secretary of State may determine.
(2) The OfS must pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of a person who is or has been a member of the OfS such sums as the Secretary of State may determine in respect of pension, allowances, expenses or gratuities.
(3) If, where a person ceases to be a member of the OfS, the Secretary of State determines that he or she should be compensated because of special circumstances, the OfS must pay him or her compensation of such amount as the Secretary of State may determine.
Staffing of the OfS
7 (1) The OfS may—
(a) appoint employees, and
(b) make such other arrangements for the staffing of the OfS as it considers appropriate.
(2) The terms and conditions of appointment as employees are to be determined by the OfS with the approval of the Secretary of State.
(3) The OfS must pay its employees such remuneration as the OfS may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State.
(4) The OfS must pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of a person who is an employee of the OfS, such sums as the OfS may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State in respect of allowances or expenses.
(5) The OfS may pay, or make provision for paying—
(a) to or in respect of a person who is or has been an employee of the OfS, such sums as the OfS may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State in respect of pensions or gratuities, and
(b) to or in respect of a person who has been an employee of the OfS, such sums as the OfS may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State in respect of allowances or expenses.
(6) In the Superannuation Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”), in Schedule 1 (kinds of employment to which a scheme under section 1 of the 1972 Act can apply), in the list of “Other Bodies”, at the appropriate place insert— “ Office for Students. ”
(7) The OfS must pay to the Minister for the Civil Service, at such times as the Minister may direct, such sums as the Minister may determine in respect of any increase attributable to sub-paragraph (6) in the sums payable out of money provided by Parliament under the 1972 Act.
Committees
8 (1) The OfS may establish committees, and any committee so established may establish sub-committees.
(2) A committee or sub-committee so established is referred to in this Schedule as an “OfS committee”.
(3) An OfS committee may consist of or include persons who are neither members, nor employees, of the OfS.
(4) The OfS must pay such allowances as the Secretary of State may determine to any person who—
(a) is a member of an OfS committee, but
(b) is neither a member, nor an employee, of the OfS.
(5) The OfS must keep under review—
(a) the structure of the OfS committees, and
(b) the scope of each committee's activities.
Procedure
9 (1) The OfS may determine—
(a) its own procedure, and
(b) the procedure of any OfS committee;
but that is subject to the rest of this paragraph.
(2) The quorum for a meeting of the OfS is half the number of its members.
(3) A representative of the Secretary of State is entitled—
(a) to attend any meeting of the OfS or of any OfS committee, and
(b) to take part in any deliberations (but not in decisions) at such meetings.
(4) The OfS must provide the Secretary of State, or a representative of the Secretary of State, with such copies of documents distributed to its members or to any OfS committee as the Secretary of State or representative may require it to provide.
10 The validity of any proceedings of the OfS, or of any OfS committee, is not affected by a vacancy or a defective appointment.
Delegation of functions
11 (1) The OfS may delegate any of its functions to—
(a) a member of the OfS,
(b) an employee of the OfS authorised for that purpose, or
(c) an OfS committee.
(2) But a function which is one of the OfS's access and participation functions may only be delegated to the Access and Participation Director.
(3) A function is delegated under this paragraph to the extent, and on the terms that, the OfS determines.
Accounts and audit
12 (1) The OfS must—
(a) keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to them, and
(b) prepare a statement of accounts in respect of each financial year.
(2) Each statement of accounts must comply with any directions given by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury as to—
(a) its content and form;
(b) the methods and principles to be applied in preparing it;
(c) the additional information (if any) which is to be provided for the information of Parliament.
(3) The OfS must send a copy of each statement of accounts to the Secretary of State and the Comptroller and Auditor General before the end of August next following the financial year to which the statement relates.
(4) The Comptroller and Auditor General must—
(a) examine, certify and report on each statement of accounts, and
(b) send a copy of each report and certified statement to the Secretary of State.
(5) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a copy of each such report and certified statement.
(6) In this Schedule “financial year” means—
(a) the period beginning with the date on which the OfS is established and ending with the second 31 March following that date, and
(b) each successive period of 12 months.
Annual report
13 (1) The OfS must prepare a report on the performance of its functions during each financial year.
(2) The report must include the statement of accounts in respect of that year.
(3) The report must include a statement regarding how the OfS has cooperated with UKRI during that year.
(3A) The report must include—
(a) a summary of information received by the OfS pursuant to sections 69D and 69E for that year, and
(b) a summary of conclusions drawn by the OfS for that year, from its monitoring under sections 69D(1) and 69E(1), regarding relevant patterns, trends or other matters which it has identified and which are of concern to the OfS.
(4) If, at any time in the financial year to which the report relates, all of the OfS's access and participation functions were not delegated to the Access and Participation Director under paragraph 11, the report must include a statement specifying—
(a) the period or periods in that year during which those functions were not delegated to the Access and Participation Director, and
(b) the reasons why they were not so delegated.
(5) The report relating to a financial year must be prepared as soon as possible after the end of the financial year.
(6) The OfS must send the report to the Secretary of State.
(7) The Secretary of State must lay the report before Parliament.
Seal and evidence
14 (1) The application of the OfS's seal must be authenticated by the signature of—
(a) the chair or some other person authorised for that purpose by the OfS, and
(b) one other member of the OfS.
(2) A document purporting to be duly executed under the OfS's seal or signed on its behalf—
(a) is to be received in evidence, and
(b) is to be taken to be executed or signed in that way, unless the contrary is shown.
Supplementary powers
15 (1) The OfS may do anything (except borrow money) which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of, or in connection with, the performance of its functions.
(2) In particular, the OfS may—
(a) acquire and dispose of land and other property,
(b) enter into contracts,
(c) invest sums, and
(d) accept gifts of money, land or other property.
Public records
16 In Part 2 of the Table in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Public Records Act 1958 (definition of public records), at the appropriate place insert— “ Office for Students. ”
Investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner
17 In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments etc subject to investigation), at the appropriate place insert— “ Office for Students. ”
House of Commons disqualification
18 In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), at the appropriate place insert— “ The Office for Students. ”
Northern Ireland Assembly disqualification
19 In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), at the appropriate place insert— “ The Office for Students. ”
Freedom of information
20 In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (public authorities to which that Act applies), at the appropriate place insert— “ The Office for Students. ”
Public sector equality duty
21 In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (authorities subject to the public sector equality duty), in the group of entries under the heading “Other educational bodies”, at the appropriate place insert— “ The Office for Students. ”
Section 10
Introduction
1 (1) This Schedule provides for the determination of the fee limit, for the purposes of a fee limit condition, applicable to a course year of a qualifying course.
(2) There are two methods of determining the fee limit: the credit-based method (see paragraphs 1A to 1G) and the fixed method (see paragraph 1H).
(3) Which method is to be used in a given case is to be determined by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
The credit-based method: basic concepts
1A (1) For the purposes of this Schedule, “credits” are units used to signify the total amount of learning time that a student would ordinarily be expected to spend in order to complete a particular course or part of a course.
(2) “Learning time” means time spent in any form of study, learning or assessment.
The credit-based method: attachment of credits
1B (1) Regulations must, in relation to each course year for which the credit-based method is to be used, make provision about the circumstances in which the course year is to be regarded as having a number of credits attached to it for the purposes of paragraphs 1D and 1E.
(2) Such regulations may, for instance, provide that the course year is to be regarded as having a number of credits attached to it if—
(a) that number of credits is notified in relation to the year by the provider of the course to a particular person by a particular date;
(b) in arriving at that number, a particular number of credits is used by the provider to denote each hour of learning time.
(3) Regulations may, in relation to a course year for which the credit-based method is to be used—
(a) provide for a particular description of activity to be undertaken during the course year to be “credit-differentiated activity”, and
(b) make provision about the circumstances in which a number of credits, out of those that are regarded as attached to the course year, are to be further regarded as attached to the credit-differentiated activity.
(4) Credits are not to be regarded for the purposes of paragraphs 1D and 1E as attached to a course year, or to activity undertaken during a course year, except by virtue of regulations under sub-paragraph (1) or (3).
The credit-based method: maxima and defaults
1C (1) Regulations must, in relation to each course year for which the credit-based method is to be used, specify or provide for the determination of—
(a) a maximum number of credits for the course year, and
(b) a default number of credits for the course year (which may not exceed the maximum number).
(2) Sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) apply in relation to a course year that includes credit-differentiated activity.
(3) Regulations must specify or provide for the determination of—
(a) a maximum number of credits, and
(b) a default number of credits (which may not exceed the maximum number),
for each credit-differentiated activity to be undertaken during the course year.
(4) In relation to a given course year—
(a) the total of those maximum numbers must not exceed the maximum number of credits for the course year, and
(b) the total of those default numbers must not exceed the default number of credits for the course year.
(5) This paragraph does not apply in relation to qualifying courses that are modules.
The credit-based method: fee limit where credits attached
1D (1) If—
(a) the credit-based method is to be used for a course year, and
(b) credits are attached to the course year,
the fee limit is to be determined in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) Unless the course year includes credit-differentiated activity to which credits are attached, the fee limit is the amount produced by multiplying the chargeable number of credits for the course year by the per-credit limit.
(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2), the chargeable number of credits is—
(a) the number of credits attached to the course year, or
(b) if fewer, the maximum number of credits for the course year (see paragraph 1C(1)(a)).
(4) If the course year includes credit-differentiated activity to which credits are attached, the fee limit is the amount produced by—
(a) for each such activity, multiplying the chargeable number of credits by the per-credit limit, and
(b) adding together the sums arrived at under paragraph (a).
(5) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (4)(a), the chargeable number of credits is—
(a) the number of credits attached to the activity, or
(b) if fewer, the maximum number of credits for the activity (see paragraph 1C(3)(a)).
(6) In relation to a qualifying course that is a module—
(a) sub-paragraphs (2) and (4) do not apply, and
(b) the fee limit is the amount produced by multiplying the number of credits attached to the course year by the per-credit limit.
(7) The “per-credit limit” is the per-credit limit determined in accordance with paragraphs 1I to 3.
The credit-based method: fee limit where credits not attached
1E (1) If—
(a) the credit-based method is to be used for a course year, but
(b) credits are not attached to the course year,
the fee limit is to be determined in accordance with this paragraph.
(2) Unless the course year includes credit-differentiated activity, the fee limit is the amount produced by multiplying the default number of credits for the course year (see paragraph 1C(1)(b)) by the per-credit limit.
(3) If the course year includes credit-differentiated activity, the fee limit is the amount produced by—
(a) for each such activity, multiplying the default number of credits (see paragraph 1C(3)(b)) by the per-credit limit, and
(b) adding together the sums arrived at under paragraph (a).
(4) The “per-credit limit” is the per-credit limit determined in accordance with paragraphs 1I to 3.
The credit-based method: adjustments for transfer cases
1F (1) Regulations may provide, in relation to transfer cases, for a reduction in—
(a) the chargeable number of credits for the purposes of paragraph 1D(2) or (4)(a), or
(b) the default number of credits for the purposes of paragraph 1E(2) or (3)(a).
(2) “Transfer cases” are cases in which a provider relieves a student of the need to undertake part of a course because of activity undertaken by the student other than as part of that course.
The credit-based method: supplementary
1G (1) Regulations under paragraph 1B, 1C or 1F are to be made by the Secretary of State.
(2) Such regulations may refer to matters determined or published by the Secretary of State or other persons (whether before or after the regulations are made).
(3) If the fee limit determined in accordance with paragraphs 1D and 1E would, apart from this sub-paragraph, be an amount including a fraction of a penny, the fraction is to be disregarded.
The fixed method
1H Under the fixed method, the fee limit is the fixed limit determined in accordance with paragraphs 1I to 3.
Determination of the per-credit and fixed limits
1I (1) Paragraphs 2 and 3 apply for the purposes of determining both—
(a) the per-credit limit (for the purposes of the credit-based method), and
(b) the fixed limit (for the purposes of the fixed method).
(2) References in those paragraphs to “the relevant limit” are to be read accordingly.
(3) References in those paragraphs to “the course year” are to the course year in respect of which the fee limit is being determined.
(4) Where an amount is prescribed or determined under either paragraph, the regulations or determination must specify whether the amount is prescribed or determined for the purposes of the per-credit limit or the fixed limit.
(5) The power for regulations to prescribe different amounts for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a) includes power for regulations under paragraph 2 or 3 to prescribe different per-credit limits in respect of different credit-differentiated activity.
Limits where the provider has an access and participation plan
2 (1) This paragraph applies if an access and participation plan approved by the OfS under section 29 in relation to the provider is in force, or comes into force, when the course year begins.
(2) If the provider—
(a) had a high level quality rating at the relevant time, the relevant limit is such limit, not exceeding the higher amount, as is provided by the plan ..., and
(b) in any other case, the relevant limit is such limit, not exceeding the sub-level amount, as is provided by the plan ....
(3) “A high level quality rating” means such rating or ratings given in accordance with arrangements made under section 25 (rating the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education) as the Secretary of State determines to be a high level quality rating for the purposes of this paragraph.
(4) “The relevant time” means at the time when the access and participation plan is approved.
(5) “The higher amount” means such amount as may be prescribed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a) as the higher amount.
(6) “The sub-level amount” means such amount as may be determined by the Secretary of State for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(b)—
(a) as the sub-level amount in respect of the higher amount, or
(b) where different amounts are prescribed as the higher amount for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a), as the sub-level amount in respect of each higher amount.
(7) Different amounts may be determined under sub-paragraph (6) for different descriptions of provider.
(8) Those descriptions of provider may be by reference only to—
(a) whether a provider has or has not a rating given to it in accordance with arrangements under section 25, and
(b) where it has such a rating, the level, type or other description of the rating.
(9) Any amount determined as “the sub-level amount”—
(a) must not exceed the higher amount, and
(b) must be equal to or greater than the floor amount.
(10) But any amount determined as “the sub-level amount” for a description of provider by virtue of sub-paragraph (7) must be equal to the higher amount where—
(a) the description is of providers who have a rating given to them in accordance with arrangements under section 25, and
(b) the amount is in respect of an academic year which begins before 1 August 2020.
(11) “The floor amount” means such amount as may be prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph—
(a) as the floor amount in respect of the higher amount, or
(b) where different amounts are prescribed as the higher amount for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a), as the floor amount in respect of each higher amount.
(12) Where different amounts are prescribed as the higher amount for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a)—
(a) the reference in sub-paragraph (9)(a) to the higher amount is to the higher amount in respect of which the sub-level amount is determined, and
(b) the reference in sub-paragraph (9)(b) to the floor amount is to the floor amount prescribed under sub-paragraph (11) in respect of that higher amount.
(13) “Prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
Limits where the provider has no access and participation plan
3 (1) This paragraph applies if an access and participation plan approved by the OfS under section 29 in relation to the provider is not in force, and does not come into force, when the course year begins.
(2) If the provider—
(a) had a high level quality rating within the meaning of paragraph 2 at the relevant time, the relevant limit is the basic amount, and
(b) in any other case, the relevant limit is the sub-level amount.
(3) “The relevant time” means on 1 January in the calendar year ... in which the course year begins.
(4) “The basic amount” means such amount as may be prescribed for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a) as the basic amount.
(5) “The sub-level amount” means such amount as may be determined by the Secretary of State for the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(b)—
(a) as the sub-level amount in respect of the basic amount, or
(b) where different amounts are prescribed as the basic amount for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a), as the sub-level amount in respect of each basic amount.
(6) Different amounts may be determined under sub-paragraph (5) for different descriptions of provider.
(7) Those descriptions of provider may be by reference only to—
(a) whether a provider has or has not a rating given to it in accordance with arrangements under section 25, and
(b) where it has such a rating, the level, type or other description of the rating.
(8) Any amount determined as “the sub-level amount”—
(a) must not exceed the basic amount, and
(b) must be equal to or greater than the floor amount.
(9) But any amount determined as “the sub-level amount” for a description of provider by virtue of sub-paragraph (6) must be equal to the basic amount where—
(a) the description is of providers who have a rating given to them in accordance with arrangements under section 25, and
(b) the amount is in respect of an academic year which begins before 1 August 2020.
(10) “The floor amount” means such amount as may be prescribed for the purposes of this paragraph—
(a) as the floor amount in respect of the basic amount, or
(b) where different amounts are prescribed as the basic amount for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a), as the floor amount in respect of each basic amount.
(11) Where different amounts are prescribed as the basic amount for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a)—
(a) the reference in sub-paragraph (8)(a) to the basic amount is to the basic amount in respect of which the sub-level amount is determined, and
(b) the reference in sub-paragraph (8)(b) to the floor amount is to the floor amount prescribed under sub-paragraph (10) in respect of that basic amount.
(12) “Prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.
Accelerated courses
4 (1) The power for regulations to prescribe different amounts for different cases or purposes by virtue of section 119(5)(a) includes power for regulations under paragraph 2 or 3 to prescribe different amounts as the higher amount, basic amount and floor amount in the case of an accelerated course.
(2) An “accelerated course” means a higher education course where the number of academic years applicable to the course is at least one fewer than would normally be the case for that course or a course of equivalent content leading to the grant of the same or an equivalent academic award.
Procedure
5 (1) The Secretary of State must—
(a) notify the OfS of initial and subsequent determinations made under—
(i) paragraph 2(3) (meaning of “a high level quality rating” for the purposes of paragraph 2),
(ii) paragraph 2(6) (meaning of “the sub-level amount” for the purposes of paragraph 2), or
(iii) paragraph 3(5) (meaning of “the sub-level amount” for the purposes of paragraph 3), and
(b) publish those determinations.
(2) No regulations may be made under paragraph 2 increasing the higher amount unless—
(a) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the increase is no greater than is required to maintain the value of the amount in real terms, or
(b) each House of Parliament has passed a resolution that, with effect from a date specified in the resolution, the higher amount should be increased to an amount specified in the resolution, and the increase is an increase to the specified amount with effect from the specified date.
(3) For the purposes of sub-paragraph (2)(a), the Secretary of State is to have regard to such index of prices as may be specified in, or determined in accordance with, regulations made by the Secretary of State under this sub-paragraph.
(4) In sub-paragraph (2)(b), effect “from a date” includes effect in relation to a course year beginning on or after a date.
SCHEDULE 3 Monetary penalties: procedure, appeals and recovery etc
Section 15
Introduction
1 This Schedule applies in relation to the imposition by the OfS of a monetary penalty on a registered higher education provider under section 15.
Procedure
2 (1) Before imposing a monetary penalty on the provider under that section, the OfS must notify the provider of its intention to do so.
(2) The notice must—
(a) specify the proposed amount of the penalty,
(b) specify the OfS's reasons for proposing to impose the penalty,
(c) specify the period during which the provider may make representations about the proposal (“the specified period”), and
(d) specify the way in which those representations may be made.
(3) The specified period must not be less than 28 days beginning with the date on which the notice is received.
(4) The OfS must have regard to any representations made by the provider during the specified period in deciding whether to impose a monetary penalty on it.
(5) Having decided whether or not to impose a monetary penalty, the OfS must notify the provider of its decision.
(6) Where the decision is to impose a monetary penalty, the notice must specify—
(a) the amount of the penalty, and
(b) the period within which the penalty must be paid or the periods within which different portions of the penalty must be paid.
(7) The notice must also contain information as to—
(a) the grounds for imposing the penalty,
(b) how payment may be made,
(c) rights of appeal,
(d) the period within which an appeal may be made, and
(e) the consequences of non-payment.
(8) The requirement to pay the penalty is suspended at any time when—
(a) an appeal under paragraph 3(1)(a) or (b), or a further appeal, could be brought in respect of the penalty, or
(b) such an appeal is pending.
(9) But that does not prevent the requirement to pay taking effect if the provider notifies the OfS that it does not intend to appeal.
Appeals
3 (1) The governing body of a provider may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against—
(a) a decision under section 15 to impose a monetary penalty on the provider;
(b) a decision as to the amount of the penalty.
(2) An appeal under this paragraph may be made on the grounds—
(a) that the decision was based on an error of fact;
(b) that the decision was wrong in law;
(c) that the decision was unreasonable.
(3) On an appeal under this paragraph the Tribunal may—
(a) withdraw the requirement to pay the penalty;
(b) confirm that requirement;
(c) vary that requirement;
(d) remit the decision whether to confirm the requirement to pay the penalty, or any matter relating to that decision, to the OfS.
Interest and recovery
4 (1) This paragraph applies if all or part of a monetary penalty imposed on a provider under section 15 is unpaid by the time when it is required to be paid.
(2) The unpaid amount of the penalty for the time being—
(a) carries interest at the rate for the time being specified in section 17 of the Judgments Act 1838, and
(b) does not also carry interest as a judgment debt under that section.
(3) The total amount of interest imposed under sub-paragraph (2) must not exceed the amount of the penalty.
(4) The OfS may recover from the provider, as a civil debt due to it, the unpaid amount of the penalty and any unpaid interest.
Retention of sums received
5 The OfS must pay the sums received by it by way of a penalty under section 15 or interest under paragraph 4 to the Secretary of State.
SCHEDULE 4 Assessing higher education: designated body
Section 27
Part 1 Designation
Consultation prior to recommendation
1 (1) The OfS may consult in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) about whether there is a body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions.
(2) The Secretary of State may direct the OfS to consult in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) about whether there is a body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions.
(3) The OfS consults in accordance with this sub-paragraph if it consults—
(a) a number of registered higher education providers that, taken together, appear to the OfS to comprise a broad range of the different types of such providers,
(b) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the OfS to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of students on higher education courses provided in England by registered higher education providers,
(c) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the OfS to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of employers of graduates, and
(d) such other persons as the OfS considers appropriate.
Recommendation
2 (1) This paragraph applies where the OfS has consulted in accordance with paragraph 1.
(2) The OfS must consider whether there is a body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions.
(3) If the OfS considers that there is only one body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions, the OfS must recommend that body to be designated to perform those functions.
(4) If the OfS considers that there is more than one body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions, the OfS must recommend the most appropriate body to be designated to perform those functions.
(5) “The most appropriate body” means, out of those bodies, the body whose designation the OfS considers would be most appropriate for securing the effective assessment of the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education provided by English higher education providers.
(6) If the OfS considers that there is no body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions, the OfS may not recommend a body to be designated to perform those functions.
(7) The OfS must—
(a) notify the Secretary of State of its recommendation or that no recommendation is made, and
(b) publish that notification.
Designation
3 (1) This paragraph applies where, in accordance with paragraph 2, the OfS recommends that a body (“the recommended body”) be designated to perform the assessment functions.
(2) The Secretary of State may designate the recommended body only if the Secretary of State considers that—
(a) the body is suitable to perform the assessment functions, and
(b) designating the body would be appropriate for securing the effective assessment of the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education provided by English higher education providers.
(3) If the Secretary of State decides to designate the recommended body, the Secretary of State must—
(a) notify the body of the designation before the date on which the designation takes effect (“the effective date”), and
(b) publish notice of the designation before that date.
(4) The notice of the designation must state—
(a) the name of the body, and
(b) the effective date.
(5) If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the recommended body, the Secretary of State must publish the reasons for not doing so.
Bodies suitable to perform assessment functions
4 (1) A body is suitable to perform the assessment functions if the body satisfies conditions A to D.
(2) Condition A is that the body is capable of performing the assessment functions in an effective manner.
(3) Condition B is that—
(a) the persons who determine the strategic priorities of the body represent a broad range of registered higher education providers,
(b) the body commands the confidence of registered higher education providers, and
(c) the body exercises its functions independent of any particular higher education provider.
(4) Condition C is that the body consents to being designated under this Schedule.
(5) Condition D is that the body is a body corporate and is not—
(a) a servant or agent of the Crown, or
(b) a body to which the Secretary of State appoints members.
Removal of designation
5 (1) The Secretary of State may by notice remove a designation under this Schedule.
(2) The notice must—
(a) include the reasons for the Secretary of State's decision, and
(b) specify the date on which the designation is removed.
(3) The Secretary of State may only remove the designation if—
(a) the Secretary of State is satisfied that removing the designation would be appropriate for securing the effective assessment of the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education provided by English higher education providers,
(b) the Secretary of State is satisfied that the designated body is failing to perform in an effective manner its functions under section 46, or
(c) the designated body consents to the removal of the designation.
(4) Before removing the designation the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the OfS,
(b) a number of registered higher education providers that, taken together, appear to the Secretary of State to comprise a broad range of the different types of such providers,
(c) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the Secretary of State to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of students on higher education courses provided in England by registered higher education providers,
(d) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the Secretary of State to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of employers of graduates, and
(e) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5) In determining whether a designation under this Schedule should be removed, the Secretary of State must have regard to any relevant information that the OfS has provided to the Secretary of State.
(6) The Secretary of State must publish a notice under this paragraph.
Part 2 Oversight by the OfS
Application
6 This Part applies if there is a body designated under this Schedule to perform the assessment functions.
Oversight arrangements
7 The OfS must make arrangements for holding the designated body to account for the performance of the assessment functions.
Annual report by the designated body
8 (1) As soon as possible after the end of each annual reporting period, the designated body must prepare and send to the OfS a report about the performance of the assessment functions during the period.
(2) “Annual reporting period”, in relation to a designated body, means—
(a) the period of 12 months beginning with the effective date, and
(b) each successive period of 12 months.
Triennial report by the OfS
9 (1) As soon as possible after the end of each triennial reporting period, the OfS must prepare and send to the Secretary of State a triennial report about—
(a) how the designated body has performed the assessment functions during the period,
(b) whether the designated body should continue to be designated under this Schedule,
(c) the appropriateness of any fees charged by the designated body under section 28, and
(d) any other matters that the OfS considers relevant.
(2) In preparing a triennial report, the OfS must have regard to any views provided to the OfS by a person listed in sub-paragraph (3) about—
(a) the matters listed in sub-paragraph (1)(a) to (c), and
(b) what other matters, if any, should be dealt with in the report.
(3) Those persons are—
(a) registered higher education providers,
(b) persons representing, or promoting the interests of, students on higher education courses provided in England by registered higher education providers,
(c) persons representing, or promoting the interests of, employers of graduates, and
(d) such other persons as the OfS considers appropriate.
(4) “Triennial reporting period”, in relation to a designated body, means—
(a) the period of 3 years beginning with the effective date, and
(b) each successive period of 3 years.
Power of the OfS to give directions
10 (1) The OfS may give the designated body general directions about the performance of any of the assessment functions.
(2) In giving such directions, the OfS must have regard to the need to protect—
(a) the expertise of the designated body, and
(b) the designated body's ability to make, or make arrangements for, an impartial assessment of the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education provided by a provider.
(3) Such directions must relate to—
(a) English higher education providers or registered higher education providers generally, or
(b) a description of such providers.
(4) The designated body must comply with any directions given under this paragraph.
Duty of the OfS to inform the Secretary of State about significant concerns
11 The OfS must inform the Secretary of State if it has significant concerns about—
(a) how the designated body is performing the assessment functions, or
(b) the continued suitability of the designated body to carry out those functions.
Part 3 Interpretation
12 (1) In this Schedule—
“the assessment functions” has the meaning given in section 27;
“designated body” means a body for the time being designated under this Schedule;
“the effective date”, in relation to a designated body, has the meaning given in paragraph 3;
“graduate” means a graduate of a higher education course provided in England by a registered higher education provider.
(2) References in this Schedule to a body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions are to be read in accordance with paragraph 4.
Section 61
Power to issue search warrant
1 (1) A justice of the peace who is satisfied that the requirements in sub-paragraph (3) are met in relation to relevant higher education premises may issue a warrant under this paragraph (a “search warrant”) in respect of the premises.
(2) “Relevant higher education premises” means premises in England which—
(a) are occupied by a supported higher education provider or a linked institution in relation to such a provider, and
(b) are used for, or in connection with, the provision of higher education courses by such a provider,
but does not include premises which are used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling.
(3) The requirements of this sub-paragraph are met in relation to premises occupied by a supported higher education provider or a linked institution in relation to such a provider if—
(a) there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that there is, or has been, a breach of a registration condition or funding condition of the provider,
(b) the suspected breach is sufficiently serious to justify entering the premises,
(c) entry to the premises is necessary to determine whether the suspected breach is taking place or has taken place, and
(d) either of the requirements in sub-paragraph (4) is met.
(4) The requirements referred to in sub-paragraph (3)(d) are—
(a) that entry to the premises has been, or it is likely to be, refused;
(b) that requesting entry may frustrate or seriously prejudice the purpose of entry.
(5) References in this Schedule to a registration condition of a supported higher education provider are to an ongoing registration condition of the provider (see section 3(8)).
(6) References in this Schedule to a funding condition of a supported higher education provider are to—
(a) a term or condition subject to which a grant, loan or other payment under section 39 or 40 (financial support for providers) was paid to the provider, or
(b) a condition imposed on the provider by or under regulations made under section 22 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 (financial support for students) in connection with the designation of a course for the purposes of that section.
Application for search warrant by an authorised person
2 (1) A search warrant may be issued only on the application of a person authorised in writing by the OfS or the Secretary of State to exercise the powers conferred by a search warrant (an “authorised person”).
(2) An application for a search warrant in respect of premises may be made without notice being given to—
(a) the supported higher education provider or linked institution occupying the premises, or
(b) any other persons who may be affected by it.
(3) An application for a search warrant in respect of premises must be supported by an information in writing.
(4) An authorised person applying for a search warrant must answer on oath any question that the justice of the peace hearing the application asks the person.
Search warrant
3 (1) A search warrant must—
(a) specify the name of the authorised person who applied for it,
(b) specify the date on which it is issued,
(c) state that it is issued under this Schedule,
(d) specify the premises to be searched,
(e) specify the supported higher education provider or linked institution occupying the premises, and
(f) identify, so far as is possible, the suspected breach of a registration condition or funding condition of the provider.
(2) A search warrant may permit or require a constable to accompany an authorised person who is executing it.
(3) A search warrant authorises an authorised person to enter each set of premises specified in the warrant on one occasion only unless it specifies that it authorises multiple entries.
(4) If a search warrant specifies that it authorises multiple entries, it must also specify whether the number of entries authorised is unlimited or limited to a specified maximum.
(5) Two copies must be made of a search warrant that specifies only one set of premises and does not authorise multiple entries.
(6) As many copies as are reasonably required may be made of any other kind of search warrant.
(7) The copies made under sub-paragraphs (5) and (6) must be clearly certified as copies.
Powers conferred by search warrant
4 (1) A search warrant authorises an authorised person—
(a) to enter the premises specified in the warrant at a reasonable hour,
(b) to search the premises to the extent that is reasonably required for the purpose of determining whether there is, or has been, a breach of a registration condition or funding condition of the relevant supported higher education provider,
(c) for that purpose, to inspect items found on the premises,
(d) for that purpose, to copy documents found on the premises, and
(e) to seize and retain items found on the premises which the authorised person reasonably believes are evidence of a breach of a registration condition or a funding condition of the relevant supported higher education provider.
(2) A search warrant may be executed by any authorised person.
(3) A constable accompanying an authorised person under paragraph 3(2) may, if necessary, use reasonable force to enable the exercise of the powers conferred by the warrant.
(4) An authorised person entering premises under a search warrant may—
(a) be accompanied by such other persons as the authorised person considers necessary, and
(b) take onto the premises such equipment as the authorised person considers necessary.
Entering and searching premises
5 (1) Where the occupier of the premises to be entered and searched is present at the time when an authorised person seeks to execute a search warrant, the authorised person must—
(a) identify himself or herself to the occupier,
(b) produce to the occupier documentary evidence that he or she is an authorised person,
(c) produce the search warrant to the occupier, and
(d) supply the occupier with a certified copy of it.
(2) Where the occupier of the premises is not present at the time when an authorised person seeks to execute a search warrant—
(a) if another person who appears to the authorised person to be in charge of the premises is present, sub-paragraph (1) has effect as if references to the occupier were references to the other person;
(b) if there is no such person present, the authorised person must leave a certified copy of the warrant in a prominent place on the premises.
(3) An authorised person who enters premises under a search warrant must take reasonable steps to ensure that, when the authorised person leaves the premises, they are as secure as they were before the authorised person entered them.
(4) Entry and search under a search warrant may not take place after the end of the period of one month beginning with the date on which it is issued.
Inspecting, copying, seizing and retaining items
6 (1) The powers conferred by a search warrant to inspect, copy, seize and retain items found on premises include—
(a) power to require a person on the premises who is holding or accountable for items that are on the premises to produce them,
(b) power to require a person on the premises to provide an explanation of an item or state where an item may be found,
(c) in relation to documents kept by means of a computer, power to require them to be produced in a form in which they are legible and can be taken away, and
(d) power to require a person on the premises to provide such other assistance as the authorised person may reasonably require.
(2) Those powers also include—
(a) power to check the operation of a computer or electronic storage device, and
(b) power to require a person within sub-paragraph (3) to provide the authorised person with such reasonable assistance as the authorised person may require for that purpose.
(3) A person is within this sub-paragraph if the person is—
(a) a person by whom or on whose behalf the computer or device is or has been used, or
(b) a person having charge of, or otherwise concerned with the operation of, the computer or device.
(4) The power conferred by a search warrant to inspect, copy, seize and retain items does not include power to inspect, copy, seize or retain excluded items.
(5) “Excluded items” means items that are—
(a) items subject to legal privilege (as defined in section 10 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984);
(b) excluded material (as defined in section 11 of that Act);
(c) special procedure material (as defined in section 14 of that Act).
(6) If an item is seized from premises in the exercise of powers conferred by a search warrant, the authorised person executing the warrant—
(a) must make reasonable efforts to give a notice to a person who appears to be the occupier of the premises or otherwise to be in charge of the premises (an “affected person”), and
(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to do so, must leave a copy of the notice in a prominent place on the premises.
(7) A notice under sub-paragraph (6) must—
(a) state what has been seized and the reason for its seizure, and
(b) specify which registration condition or funding condition the authorised person believes has been breached.
(8) An authorised person exercising powers under a search warrant must—
(a) make a record of items seized from premises in the exercise of the powers, and
(b) if a person who appears to the authorised person to be an affected person in relation to the premises asks for a copy of that record, provide a copy of that record to that person within a reasonable time.
(9) An item which is seized in the exercise of powers under a search warrant may be retained as long as is necessary in all the circumstances, including for use as evidence on a prosecution for an offence.
(10) An item may not be retained for use as evidence on a prosecution for an offence if a photograph or a copy would be sufficient for that purpose.
(11) Nothing in this paragraph confers power to search a person.
Offence
7 (1) A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the person—
(a) intentionally obstructs the exercise of a power conferred by a search warrant, or
(b) fails to comply with a requirement reasonably imposed in the exercise of a power conferred by a search warrant.
(2) A person guilty of an offence under this paragraph is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
Self-incrimination
8 (1) An explanation or information provided by a person in response to a requirement under paragraph 6(1)(b) or (d) or (2)(b) may be used in evidence against the person, subject to sub-paragraphs (2) to (4).
(2) In criminal proceedings against the person—
(a) no evidence relating to the explanation or information may be adduced by or on behalf of the prosecution, and
(b) no question relating to it may be asked by or on behalf of the prosecution.
(3) Sub-paragraph (2) does not apply if the proceedings are for—
(a) an offence under paragraph 7 of this Schedule, or
(b) an offence under section 5 of the Perjury Act 1911 (false statements made otherwise than on oath).
(4) Sub-paragraph (2) does not apply if, in the proceedings—
(a) evidence relating to the explanation or information is adduced by or on behalf of the person who provided it, or
(b) a question relating to it is asked by or on behalf of that person.
Interpretation
9 (1) In this Schedule—
“authorised person” has the meaning given in paragraph 2;
“document” means anything in which information of any description is recorded;
“item” includes—
a document;
a computer or electronic storage device;
“linked institution”, in relation to a supported higher education provider, has the meaning given in section 61(3);
“relevant supported higher education provider” means—
in the case of premises occupied by a supported higher education provider, that provider, and
in the case of premises occupied by a linked institution in relation to a supported higher education provider, that provider;
“supported higher education provider” has the meaning given in section 61(2).
(2) For the purposes of this Schedule, references to items found on premises include—
(a) documents stored on computers or electronic storage devices on the premises, and
(b) documents stored elsewhere which can be accessed by computers on the premises.
SCHEDULE 6 English higher education information: designated body
Section 66
Part 1 Designation
Consultation prior to recommendation
1 (1) The OfS may consult in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) about whether there is a body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule.
(2) The Secretary of State may direct the OfS to consult in accordance with sub-paragraph (3) about whether there is a body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule.
(3) The OfS consults in accordance with this sub-paragraph if it consults—
(a) a number of registered higher education providers that, taken together, appear to the OfS to comprise a broad range of the different types of such providers,
(b) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the OfS to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of students on higher education courses provided by registered higher education providers,
(c) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the OfS to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of employers of graduates, and
(d) such other persons as the OfS considers appropriate.
Recommendation
2 (1) This paragraph applies where the OfS has consulted in accordance with paragraph 1.
(2) The OfS must consider whether there is a body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule.
(3) If the OfS considers that there is only one body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule, the OfS must recommend the designation of that body under this Schedule.
(4) If the OfS considers that there is more than one body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule, the OfS must recommend the designation under this Schedule of whichever one of those bodies it considers appropriate.
(5) If the OfS considers that there is no body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule, the OfS may not recommend the designation of a body under this Schedule.
(6) The OfS must—
(a) notify the Secretary of State of its recommendation or that no recommendation is made, and
(b) publish that notification.
Designation
3 (1) This paragraph applies where, in accordance with paragraph 2 the OfS recommends the designation of a body (“the recommended body”) under this Schedule.
(2) The Secretary of State may designate the recommended body for the purposes of sections 64 and 65 only if the Secretary of State considers that the body is suitable to be designated under this Schedule.
(3) If the Secretary of State decides to designate the recommended body, the Secretary of State must—
(a) notify the body of the designation before the date on which the designation takes effect (“the effective date”), and
(b) publish notice of the designation before that date.
(4) The notice of the designation must state—
(a) the name of the body, and
(b) the effective date.
(5) If the Secretary of State decides not to designate the recommended body, the Secretary of State must publish the reasons for not doing so.
Bodies suitable to be designated under this Schedule
4 (1) A body is suitable to be designated under this Schedule if the body satisfies conditions A to D.
(2) Condition A is that the body is capable of performing the duties of the relevant body under sections 64(1) and 65(1) in an effective manner.
(3) Condition B is that—
(a) the persons who determine the strategic priorities of the body represent a broad range of registered higher education providers,
(b) the body commands the confidence of registered higher education providers, and
(c) the body exercises its functions independent of any particular higher education provider.
(4) Condition C is that the body consents to being designated under this Schedule.
(5) Condition D is that the body is a body corporate and is not—
(a) a servant or agent of the Crown, or
(b) a body to which the Secretary of State appoints members.
Removal of designation
5 (1) The Secretary of State may by notice remove a designation under this Schedule.
(2) The notice must—
(a) include reasons for the Secretary of State's decision, and
(b) specify the date on which the designation is removed.
(3) The Secretary of State may only remove the designation if—
(a) the Secretary of State is satisfied that removing the designation would be appropriate, or
(b) the designated body consents to the removal of the designation.
(4) Before removing the designation the Secretary of State must consult—
(a) the OfS,
(b) a number of registered higher education providers that, taken together, appear to the Secretary of State to comprise a broad range of the different types of such providers,
(c) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the Secretary of State to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of students on higher education courses provided by registered higher education providers,
(d) a number of persons that, taken together, appear to the Secretary of State to represent, or promote the interests of, a broad range of employers of graduates, and
(e) such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5) In determining whether a designation under this Schedule should be removed, the Secretary of State must have regard to any relevant information that the OfS has provided to the Secretary of State.
(6) The Secretary of State must publish a notice under this paragraph.
Part 2 Oversight by the OfS
Application
6 This Part applies if there is a body designated under this Schedule.
Oversight arrangements
7 The OfS must make arrangements for holding the designated body to account for the performance of its duties under sections 64(1) and 65(1).
Annual report by the designated body
8 (1) As soon as possible after the end of each annual reporting period, the designated body must prepare and send to the OfS a report about the performance of its duties under sections 64(1) and 65(1) during the period.
(2) “Annual reporting period”, in relation to a designated body, means—
(a) the period of 12 months beginning with the effective date, and
(b) each successive period of 12 months.
Triennial report by the OfS
9 (1) As soon as possible after the end of each triennial reporting period, the OfS must prepare and send to the Secretary of State a triennial report about—
(a) how the designated body has performed its duties under sections 64(1) and 65(1) during the period,
(b) whether the designated body should continue to be designated under this Schedule,
(c) the appropriateness of any fees charged by the designated body under section 67, and
(d) any other matters that the OfS considers relevant.
(2) In preparing a triennial report, the OfS must have regard to any views provided to the OfS by a person listed in sub-paragraph (3) about—
(a) the matters listed in sub-paragraph (1)(a) to (c), and
(b) what other matters, if any, should be dealt with in the report.
(3) Those persons are—
(a) registered higher education providers,
(b) persons representing, or promoting the interests of, students on higher education courses provided by registered higher education providers,
(c) persons representing, or promoting the interests of, employers of graduates, and
(d) such other persons as the OfS considers appropriate.
(4) “Triennial reporting period”, in relation to a designated body, means—
(a) the period of 3 years beginning with the effective date, and
(b) each successive period of 3 years.
Duty of the OfS to inform the Secretary of State about significant concerns
10 The OfS must inform the Secretary of State if it has significant concerns about—
(a) how the designated body is performing its duties under section 64(1) or 65(1), or
(b) the continued suitability of the designated body to be designated under this Schedule.
Part 3 Interpretation
11 (1) In this Schedule—
“designated body” means a body for the time being designated under this Schedule;
“the effective date”, in relation to a designated body, has the meaning given in paragraph 3;
“graduate” has the same meaning as in section 65.
(2) References in this Schedule to a body that is suitable to be designated under this Schedule are to be read in accordance with paragraph 4.
Introductory
1 (1) The OfS must provide a scheme under which the OfS is to review and determine free speech complaints (in this Schedule called “the scheme”).
(2) In this Schedule “free speech complaint” means—
(a) a HEP free speech complaint (see paragraph 2), or
(b) a students’ union free speech complaint (see paragraph 3).
2 (1) A HEP free speech complaint is a complaint made by an eligible person to the OfS which—
(a) claims that the person has suffered adverse consequences as a result of action or inaction of the governing body of a registered higher education provider or of a constituent institution of such a provider, and
(b) claims that, or gives rise to a question as to whether, the action or inaction was a breach of a duty of the governing body under section A1.
(2) In sub-paragraph (1), “eligible person” means—
(a) a person who is or was a student, member or member of staff of the provider or constituent institution (as the case may be),
(b) a person who has applied to become a member of academic staff of the provider or constituent institution (as the case may be), or
(c) a person who was, or was at any time invited to be, a visiting speaker.
(3) A HEP free speech complaint may include claims other than those described in sub-paragraph (1).
3 (1) A students’ union free speech complaint is a complaint made by an eligible person to the OfS which—
(a) claims that the person has suffered adverse consequences as a result of action or inaction of a students’ union for students at a registered higher education provider that is eligible for financial support, and
(b) claims that, or gives rise to a question as to whether, the action or inaction was a breach of a duty of the students’ union under section A5.
(2) In sub-paragraph (1), “eligible person” means—
(a) a person who is or was—
(i) a member or member of staff of the students’ union,
(ii) a student of the provider, or
(iii) a member or member of staff of the provider or of any of its constituent institutions, or
(b) a person who was, or was at any time invited to be, a visiting speaker.
(3) A students’ union free speech complaint may include claims other than those described in sub-paragraph (1).
4 In this Schedule, references to the “parties” to a free speech complaint are to—
(a) the person making the complaint (“the complainant”), and
(b) the governing body of a registered higher education provider or constituent institution or students’ union about which the complaint is made.
Scope of scheme
5 (1) The scheme must provide that every free speech complaint is capable of being referred under the scheme.
(2) But the scheme may include provision that—
(a) free speech complaints must be referred under the scheme within a time limit specified in, or determined in accordance with, the scheme;
(b) a free speech complaint is not to be referred under the scheme until the complainant has exhausted any internal procedure for the review of complaints which is provided by the registered higher education provider, constituent institution or students’ union about which the complaint is made;
(c) a free speech complaint is not to be referred under the scheme if proceedings relating to the subject-matter of the complaint, to which the complainant is or was a party, are being, or have been, dealt with by a court or tribunal;
(d) a free speech complaint is not to be referred under the scheme if a complaint brought by the complainant and relating to the same subject-matter is being, or has been, dealt with under the student complaints scheme.
(3) In sub-paragraph (2)(d), the “student complaints scheme” means the scheme for the review of qualifying complaints (within the meaning of section 12 of the Higher Education Act 2004) that is provided by the designated operator (within the meaning of section 13(5)(b) of that Act).
Decisions and recommendations
6 (1) The scheme must require the OfS—
(a) to make a decision as to the extent to which a free speech complaint which is referred under the scheme and not withdrawn is justified, and
(b) to make that decision as soon as reasonably practicable.
(2) But the scheme may allow the OfS to dismiss a free speech complaint without consideration of the merits of it if the OfS considers the complaint to be frivolous or vexatious.
7 (1) The scheme must provide that, where the OfS considers a free speech complaint to be justified (wholly or partly), it may make a recommendation to the governing body or students’ union about which the complaint is made.
(2) A complaint may be partly justified if, for example, the OfS considers that the governing body or students’ union has breached a duty under section A1 or A5 but the complainant did not suffer adverse consequences as a result of the breach.
(3) A recommendation for which the scheme may provide is a recommendation—
(a) to do anything specified in the recommendation (which may include the payment of sums specified in the recommendation), or
(b) to refrain from doing anything specified in the recommendation.
(4) But the scheme may not provide for recommendations arising from claims included in a free speech complaint which are not claims described in paragraphs 2(1) and 3(1).
(5) The scheme may not authorise the OfS to require anyone to do or not do anything.
(6) The powers of the OfS to make recommendations under the scheme do not affect any of its other powers.
8 The scheme must require the OfS to notify the parties to a free speech complaint in writing of—
(a) its decision and its reasons for making it, and
(b) any recommendation it has made and its reasons for making it.
Fees
9 The scheme may not require complainants to pay any fees in connection with the operation of the scheme.
Publication
10 The OfS must publish the latest version of the scheme in such manner as it thinks fit.
Duty to comply
11 (1) The OfS, a registered higher education provider, a constituent institution of such a provider and a students’ union must comply with any requirements that the scheme imposes on it.
(2) If a registered higher education provider, a constituent institution or a students’ union fails to comply with a requirement imposed by the scheme, and does not satisfy the OfS that it is unable to comply, the OfS may enforce the requirement in civil proceedings for an injunction.
Review
12 (1) This paragraph applies if the Secretary of State requests the OfS to—
(a) conduct a review of the scheme or its operation (or any aspect of either of those matters), and
(b) report the results of the review to the Secretary of State.
(2) The OfS must comply with the request within such time as may be specified by the Secretary of State.
(3) In conducting the review, the OfS must comply with any particular requirements imposed by the Secretary of State.
Defamation
13 For the purposes of the law of defamation, absolute privilege attaches to the publication under section 67A of—
(a) any decision or recommendation made by the OfS under the scheme, and
(b) any report under paragraph 12(1)(b).
SCHEDULE 7 Costs recovery: procedure, appeals and recovery etc
Section 73
Introduction
1 This Schedule applies in relation to the imposition by the OfS of a requirement to pay costs on the governing body of a provider under section 73. where under section 73 the OfS imposes a requirement to pay costs on—
(a) the governing body of a registered higher education provider,
(b) the governing body of a constituent institution of a registered higher education provider, or
(c) a students’ union.
Procedure
2 (1) The notice which the OfS gives the governing body under section 73(1) 73 must specify—
(a) the amount required to be paid, and
(b) the period within which payment is required to be made (which must not be less than 28 days).
(2) The notice must also contain information as to—
(a) how payment may be made,
(b) rights of appeal,
(c) the period within which an appeal may be made, and
(d) the consequences of non-payment.
(3) The governing body may require the OfS to provide a detailed breakdown of the amount specified in the notice.
(4) The requirement to pay the costs is suspended at any time when—
(a) an appeal under paragraph 3(1)(a) or (b), or a further appeal, could be brought in respect of the requirement to pay the costs, or
(b) such an appeal is pending.
(5) But that does not prevent the requirement to pay the costs taking effect if the governing body notifies the OfS that it does not intend to appeal.
Appeals
3 (1) The governing body of a provider or students’ union may appeal to the First-tier Tribunal against—
(a) a decision under section 73 to require it to pay costs;
(b) a decision as to the amount of those costs.
(2) An appeal under this paragraph may be made on the grounds—
(a) that the decision was based on an error of fact;
(b) that the decision was wrong in law;
(c) that the decision was unreasonable.
(3) On an appeal under this paragraph the Tribunal may—
(a) withdraw the requirement to pay the costs;
(b) confirm that requirement;
(c) vary that requirement;
(d) remit the decision whether to confirm the requirement to pay the costs, or any matter relating to that decision, to the OfS.
Interest and recovery
4 (1) This paragraph applies if all or part of an amount of costs that a governing body is required to pay under section 73 is unpaid by the time when it is required to be paid.
(2) The unpaid amount of the costs for the time being—
(a) carries interest at the rate for the time being specified in section 17 of the Judgments Act 1838, and
(b) does not also carry interest as a judgment debt under that section.
(3) The total amount of interest imposed under sub-paragraph (2) must not exceed the amount of the costs.
(4) The OfS may recover from the governing body, as a civil debt due to it, the unpaid amount of the costs and any unpaid interest.
Retention of sums received
5 (1) The OfS must pay the sums received by it by way of a requirement to pay costs under section 73 to the Secretary of State except to the extent that the Secretary of State, with the consent of the Treasury, directs otherwise.
(2) The OfS must pay the sums received by it by way of interest under paragraph 4 to the Secretary of State.
SCHEDULE 8 Higher education corporations in England
Section 90
Education Reform Act 1988
1 The Education Reform Act 1988 is amended as follows.
2 In section 122 (orders incorporating higher education institutions maintained by local authorities)—
(a) in the heading, after “local authorities” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(b) in subsection (1), after “local authority” insert “ in Wales ”.
3 Before section 122A insert—
Orders for further education corporations in England to become higher education corporations
122ZA (1) The Secretary of State may by order provide for a further education corporation in England to become a higher education corporation.
(2) The first members of the higher education corporation are to be appointed by the governing body of the further education corporation.
(3) On such date as may be specified in the order—
(a) the corporation ceases to be a further education corporation and becomes a higher education corporation, and
(b) any member of the further education corporation who is not re-appointed by the governing body as a member of the higher education corporation ceases to hold office.
4 In section 122A (orders transferring further education corporations to higher education sector)—
(a) in the heading, after “further education corporations” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(b) in subsection (1), after “further education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
5 In section 123 (provisions supplementary to sections 121 and 122)—
(a) in the heading, for “and 122” substitute “ to 122A ”,
(b) in subsection (1), after “by virtue of section” insert “ 122ZA or ”, and
(c) in subsections (3) and (4), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
6 Before section 124 insert—
Principal powers of a higher education corporation in England
123A (1) A higher education corporation in England has power—
(a) to provide higher education;
(b) to provide further education;
(c) to provide secondary education suitable to the requirements of persons who have attained the age of 14 years;
(d) to provide education which is secondary education by virtue of section 2(2B) of the Education Act 1996 (definition of secondary education);
(e) to participate in the provision of secondary education at a school; and
(f) to carry out research and to publish the results of the research or any other material arising out of or connected with it in such manner as the corporation think fit.
(2) A higher education corporation in England may not provide education of a kind specified in subsection (1)(c) or (d) unless they have consulted such local authorities as they consider appropriate.
Supplementary powers of a higher education corporation in England
123B (1) A higher education corporation in England has power to do anything which appears to the corporation to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of, or in connection with, the exercise of any of their principal powers.
(2) The corporation's “principal powers” are the powers conferred by section 123A(1).
7 In section 124 (powers of a higher education corporation)—
(a) in the heading, after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(b) in subsections (1), (1A) and (2), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
8 Before section 124A insert—
Instrument of government of higher education corporations in England
124ZA (1) For each higher education corporation in England there is to be an instrument providing for the constitution of the corporation (to be known as the instrument of government).
(2) A higher education corporation in England may vary, replace or revoke the instrument of government.
(3) The corporation must not make changes to the instrument of government that (but for section 125A) would result in the corporation ceasing to be a charity.
Proceedings etc. of higher education corporations in England
124ZB (1) The validity of any proceedings of a higher education corporation in England, or of a committee of such a corporation, is not affected by—
(a) a vacancy among the members, or
(b) a defect in the appointment or nomination of a member.
(2) The application of the seal of a higher education corporation in England must be authenticated by the signature of—
(a) the chair of the corporation or some other person authorised for that purpose by the corporation, and
(b) any other member of the corporation.
(3) A document purporting to be duly executed under the seal of a higher education corporation in England or signed on the corporation's behalf—
(a) is to be received in evidence, and
(b) is to be taken to be executed or signed in that way, unless the contrary is shown.
(4) The members for the time being of a higher education corporation in England are to be known as the board of governors of the institution conducted by the corporation.
9 In section 124A (constitution and conduct of higher education corporations)—
(a) in the heading, for “corporations” substitute “ higher education corporations in Wales ”, and
(b) in subsections (1), (2), (3)(a) (in each place), (4), (6), (7) and (8), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
10 In section 124B(2)(b) (accounts), at the beginning insert “ in the case of a higher education corporation in Wales, ”.
11 In section 124C (initial and transitional arrangements)—
(a) in the heading, at the end insert “ : Wales ”,
(b) in subsection (1), after “a corporation” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(c) in subsection (3), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
12 Before section 125 insert—
Articles of government: higher education corporations in England
124E (1) An institution conducted by a higher education corporation in England is to be conducted in accordance with articles of government made by the corporation.
(2) The articles of government may make provision with respect to the powers of the corporation under section 123B.
(3) A higher education corporation in England may vary, replace or revoke the articles of government.
(4) The corporation must not make changes to the articles of government that (but for section 125A) would result in the corporation ceasing to be a charity.
13 In section 125 (articles of government)—
(a) in the heading, at the end insert “ : higher education corporations in Wales ”,
(b) in subsection (1), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(c) in subsection (6)—
(i) after “higher education corporations” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(ii) after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
14 In section 125A (charitable status of a higher education corporation)—
(a) for “an English higher education corporation” substitute “ a higher education corporation in England ”, and
(b) for “Welsh higher education corporation” substitute “ higher education corporation in Wales ”.
15 In section 127(1) (transfer of staff to higher education corporations), after “higher education corporation” insert “ established under section 121 or 122 ”.
16 Before section 128 insert—
Dissolution of higher education corporations in England
127A (1) If requested to do so by notice given by a higher education corporation in England, the Secretary of State may make an order providing for—
(a) the dissolution of the corporation, and
(b) the transfer of property, rights and liabilities of the corporation to—
(i) a person appearing to the Secretary of State to be wholly or mainly engaged in the provision of educational facilities or services of any description;
(ii) a body corporate established for purposes which include the provision of such facilities or services;
(iii) the Office for Students.
(2) An order under this section must not provide for transferring the property, rights or liabilities of a higher education corporation in England to a person or body without the consent of the person or body.
(3) Subsection (4) applies where the recipient of a transfer under an order under this section is not a charity established for charitable purposes which are exclusively educational purposes.
(4) Any property transferred must be transferred on trust to be used for charitable purposes which are exclusively educational purposes.
(5) Before making an order under this section the Secretary of State must consult the Office for Students.
(6) In this section “charitable purposes” has the meaning given by section 11 of the Charities Act 2011.
(7) An order under this section may apply section 127 with such modifications as the Secretary of State may consider necessary or desirable.
17 In section 128 (dissolution of higher education corporations)—
(a) in the heading, after “higher education corporations” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(b) in subsections (1)(a), (2) and (4), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
18 In section 129(5)(e) (designation of institutions), before “128” insert “ 127A or ”.
19 In section 157(2)(a) (variation of trust deeds etc: institutions conducted by higher education corporations), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
20 In section 161(1) (interpretation of Part 2)—
(a) after paragraph (b) insert—
(ba) “further education corporation in England” means a further education corporation established to conduct an institution whose activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in England;
(bb) “further education corporation in Wales” means a further education corporation established to conduct an institution whose activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in Wales;
, and
(b) after paragraph (d) insert—
(e) “higher education corporation in England” means a higher education corporation established to conduct an institution whose activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in England;
(f) “higher education corporation in Wales” means a higher education corporation established to conduct an institution whose activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in Wales.
21 In Schedule 7 (the higher education corporations)—
(a) for the heading substitute “ Higher education corporations in Wales established before the appointed day ”, and
(b) in paragraph 1(1), (2) and (3)(a), after “higher education corporation” insert “ in Wales ”.
22 In Schedule 7A (instruments of government made by Privy Council), for the heading substitute “ Higher education corporations in Wales established on or after the appointed day: instruments of government made by Privy Council ”.
Further and Higher Education Act 1992
23 The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 is amended as follows.
24 (1) Section 78 (financial years of higher education corporations) is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, at the end insert “ : Wales ”.
(3) In subsection (1), after “higher education corporations” insert “ in Wales ”.
(4) After subsection (2) insert—
(3) In this section “higher education corporation in Wales” means a higher education corporation established to conduct an institution whose activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in Wales.
25 In section 90(1) (interpretation of Act), in the definition of “higher education corporation”, after “by virtue of section” insert “ 122ZA or ”.
26 In section 91 (interpretation of Education Acts), in subsection (6)(b), for “by virtue of section 122A” substitute “ by virtue of section 122ZA or 122A ”.
Section 91
Status
1 (1) UKRI is not to be regarded—
(a) as the servant or agent of the Crown, or
(b) as enjoying any status, immunity or privilege of the Crown.
(2) UKRI's property is not to be regarded—
(a) as the property of the Crown, or
(b) as property held on behalf of the Crown.
Membership of UKRI
2 (1) UKRI is to consist of the following members appointed by the Secretary of State—
(a) a chair (“the chair”),
(b) the Chief Executive Officer (“the CEO”),
(c) the Chief Finance Officer (“the CFO”), and
(d) at least nine and not more than twelve other members.
(2) In this Schedule, references to the “members of UKRI” are to the members mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).
(3) The chair may not also be the CEO or the CFO.
(4) Before appointing the members mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(b) to (d), the Secretary of State must consult the chair.
(5) The Secretary of State must, in appointing the members of UKRI, have regard to the desirability of the members (between them) having experience of—
(a) research into science, technology, humanities and new ideas,
(b) the development and exploitation of science, technology, new ideas and advancements in humanities, and
(c) industrial, commercial and financial matters, the charitable sector and the practice of any profession.
(6) The Secretary of State must, in appointing the members of UKRI, have regard to the desirability of the members including at least one person with relevant experience in relation to at least one of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
(7) “Relevant experience” means experience of one or more of the following—
(a) research into science, technology, humanities or new ideas;
(b) the development or exploitation of science, technology, new ideas or advancements in humanities;
(c) industrial, commercial or financial matters, the charitable sector or the practice of any profession.
Membership of the Councils
3 (1) Each Council is to consist of—
(a) an executive chair appointed by the Secretary of State (the “executive chair”), and
(b) at least five and not more than twelve other members (the “ordinary Council members”).
(2) In this Schedule, a reference to the “Council members” is to the executive chair and the ordinary Council members of each Council.
(3) The Secretary of State may appoint one of the ordinary Council members of each Council after consulting the chair of UKRI.
(4) The other ordinary Council members are to be appointed by UKRI after consulting the executive chair.
(5) A majority of the ordinary Council members of a Council must be persons who are neither members, nor employees, of UKRI.
Terms of appointment and tenure
4 A person holds and vacates office as a member of UKRI or as a Council member in accordance with the terms of his or her appointment.
5 (1) This paragraph applies to a person (a “Ministerial appointee”) appointed as—
(a) a member of UKRI,
(b) an executive chair, or
(c) an ordinary Council member where the appointment was made by the Secretary of State.
(2) The terms and conditions of a Ministerial appointee's appointment are to be determined by the Secretary of State; but that is subject to the following provisions of this Schedule.
(3) A Ministerial appointee may resign from office as a member of UKRI, executive chair or an ordinary Council member by notifying the Secretary of State.
(4) The Secretary of State may remove a Ministerial appointee from office on any of the following grounds—
(a) absence from UKRI's or the Council's meetings, as the case may be, for a continuous period of more than six months without UKRI's or the Council's permission,
(b) inability or unfitness to carry out the functions of the office, or
(c) such other grounds as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
6 (1) This paragraph applies to a person (an “UKRI appointee”) appointed as an ordinary Council member where the appointment was made by UKRI.
(2) The terms and conditions of an UKRI appointee's appointment are to be determined by UKRI; but that is subject to the following provisions of this Schedule.
(3) An UKRI appointee may resign from office as an ordinary Council member by notifying UKRI.
(4) UKRI may remove an UKRI appointee from office on any of the following grounds—
(a) absence from the Council's meetings for a continuous period of more than six months without the Council's permission,
(b) inability or unfitness to carry out the functions of the office, or
(c) such other grounds as UKRI considers appropriate.
Remuneration etc
7 (1) UKRI must pay to members of UKRI and Council members such remuneration as the Secretary of State may determine.
(2) UKRI must pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of a person who is or has been a member of UKRI or a Council member, such sums as the Secretary of State may determine in respect of pension, allowances, expenses or gratuities.
(3) If, where a person ceases to be a member of UKRI or a Council member, the Secretary of State determines that he or she should be compensated because of special circumstances, UKRI must pay him or her compensation of such amount as the Secretary of State may determine.
Staffing of UKRI
8 (1) UKRI may—
(a) appoint employees, and
(b) make such other arrangements for the staffing of UKRI as it considers appropriate.
(2) The terms and conditions of appointment as employees are to be determined by UKRI with the approval of the Secretary of State.
(3) UKRI must pay its employees such remuneration as UKRI may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State.
(4) UKRI must pay, or make provision for paying, to or in respect of a person who is an employee of UKRI, such sums as UKRI may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State in respect of allowances or expenses.
(5) UKRI may pay, or make provision for paying—
(a) to or in respect of a person who is or has been an employee of UKRI, such sums as UKRI may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State in respect of pensions or gratuities, and
(b) to or in respect of a person who has been an employee of UKRI, such sums as UKRI may determine with the approval of the Secretary of State in respect of allowances or expenses.
(6) In the Superannuation Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”), in Schedule 1 (kinds of employment to which a scheme under section 1 of the 1972 Act can apply), in the list of “Other Bodies”, at the appropriate place insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation. ”
(7) UKRI must pay to the Minister for the Civil Service, at such times as the Minister may direct, such sums as the Minister may determine in respect of any increase attributable to sub-paragraph (6) in the sums payable out of money provided by Parliament under the 1972 Act.
Executive Committee
9 (1) UKRI must establish a committee called “the Executive Committee”.
(2) The Executive Committee is to consist of—
(a) the CEO, who is to be its chair,
(b) the CFO,
(c) the executive chair of each of the Councils, and
(d) such other members as the CEO may appoint.
(3) Those appointed under sub-paragraph (2)(d)—
(a) must be employees of UKRI, and
(b) if they cease to be such employees, may not continue as members appointed under that provision.
(4) The Executive Committee may establish sub-committees, and a sub-committee so established is referred to in this Schedule as an “Executive sub-committee”.
(5) An Executive sub-committee may include persons who are not members of UKRI, Council members or employees of UKRI.
(6) UKRI must pay such allowances as the Secretary of State may determine to any person who—
(a) is a member of an Executive sub-committee, but
(b) is not a member of UKRI, a Council member or an employee of UKRI.
Other committees and sub-committees
10 (1) UKRI may establish committees (in addition to the Councils and the Executive Committee).
(2) A committee established under sub-paragraph (1) may establish sub-committees.
(3) A committee or sub-committee established under sub-paragraph (1) or (2) is referred to in this Schedule as a “general committee”.
(4) A Council may establish sub-committees and a sub-committee so established is referred to in this Schedule as a “Council sub-committee”.
(5) A general committee and a Council sub-committee may include persons who are not members of UKRI, Council members or employees of UKRI.
(6) UKRI must pay such allowances as the Secretary of State may determine to any person who—
(a) is a member of a general committee or a Council sub-committee, but
(b) is not a member of UKRI, a Council member or an employee of UKRI.
(7) UKRI must keep under review—
(a) the structure of the general committees, and
(b) the scope of each such committee's activities.
(8) Each Council must keep under review—
(a) the structure of its Council sub-committees, and
(b) the scope of each such sub-committee's activities.
Procedure
11 (1) UKRI, a Council and the Executive Committee may each determine their own procedure and the procedure of any relevant committee.
(2) “Relevant committee” means—
(a) in the case of UKRI, a general committee,
(b) in the case of a Council, a Council sub-committee established by it, and
(c) in the case of the Executive Committee, an Executive sub-committee.
(3) But sub-paragraph (1) is subject to the rest of this paragraph.
(4) The quorum for a meeting of UKRI or a Council is half the number of its members.
(5) The Secretary of State, or a representative of the Secretary of State, is entitled—
(a) to attend any meeting of UKRI or of any Council, Council sub-committee or general committee, and
(b) to take part in any deliberations (but not in decisions) at such meetings.
(6) UKRI must provide the Secretary of State, or a representative of the Secretary of State, with such copies of documents distributed to its members or to any general committee as the Secretary of State or the representative may require it to provide.
(7) A Council must provide the Secretary of State, or a representative of the Secretary of State, with such copies of documents distributed to its members or to any Council sub-committee as the Secretary of State or the representative may require it to provide.
12 The validity of any proceedings of UKRI, or of any Council, Council sub-committee or general committee, or of the Executive Committee or any Executive sub-committee, is not affected by a vacancy or a defective appointment.
Delegation of functions by UKRI
13 (1) UKRI may delegate any of its functions to—
(a) a member of UKRI,
(b) an employee authorised for that purpose,
(c) a Council or a Council sub-committee, or
(d) a general committee.
(2) A function is delegated under this paragraph to the extent, and on the terms that, UKRI determines.
Accounts and audit
14 (1) UKRI must—
(a) keep proper accounts and proper records in relation to them, and
(b) prepare a statement of accounts in respect of each financial year.
(2) Each statement of accounts must comply with any directions given by the Secretary of State with the approval of the Treasury as to—
(a) its content and form;
(b) the methods and principles to be applied in preparing it;
(c) the additional information (if any) which is to be provided for the information of Parliament.
(3) UKRI must send a copy of each statement of accounts to the Secretary of State and the Comptroller and Auditor General before the end of August next following the financial year to which the statement relates.
(4) The Comptroller and Auditor General must—
(a) examine, certify and report on each statement of accounts, and
(b) send a copy of each report and certified statement to the Secretary of State.
(5) The Secretary of State must lay before Parliament a copy of each such report and certified statement.
(6) In this Schedule “financial year” means—
(a) the period beginning with the date on which UKRI is established and ending with the second 31 March following that date, and
(b) each successive period of 12 months.
Annual report
15 (1) UKRI must prepare a report on the exercise of its functions during each financial year.
(2) The report must include the statement of accounts in respect of that year.
(3) The report must include a statement regarding how UKRI has cooperated with the OfS during that year.
(4) The report relating to a financial year must be prepared as soon as possible after the end of the financial year.
(5) UKRI must send the report to the Secretary of State.
(6) The Secretary of State must lay the report before Parliament.
Seal and evidence
16 (1) The application of UKRI's seal must be authenticated by the signature of—
(a) a member of UKRI, or
(b) another person authorised for that purpose by UKRI.
(2) A document purporting to be duly executed under UKRI's seal or signed on its behalf—
(a) is to be received in evidence, and
(b) is to be taken to be executed or signed in that way, unless the contrary is shown.
(3) But this paragraph does not apply in relation to any document which is, or is to be, signed in accordance with the law of Scotland.
Supplementary powers
17 (1) UKRI may do anything which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of, or in connection with, the exercise of its functions.
(2) In particular, UKRI may—
(a) acquire and dispose of land and other property,
(b) enter into contracts, and
(c) accept gifts of money, land or other property.
(3) But UKRI may do any of the following only in accordance with terms and conditions specified from time to time by the Secretary of State—
(a) borrow money;
(b) enter into joint ventures;
(c) form, participate in forming, or invest in, a company, partnership or other similar form of organisation;
(d) invest sums.
Public records
18 In Part 2 of the Table in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Public Records Act 1958 (definition of public records), at the appropriate place insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation. ”
Investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner
19 In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments etc subject to investigation), at the appropriate place insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation. ”
House of Commons disqualification
20 In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), at the appropriate place insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“UKRI”), any Council or other committee of UKRI and any sub-committee of such a Council or committee (see section 92 of, and paragraphs 9 and 10 of Schedule 9 to, the Higher Education and Research Act 2017). ”
Northern Ireland Assembly disqualification
21 In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), at the appropriate place insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“UKRI”), any Council or other committee of UKRI and any sub-committee of such a Council or committee (see section 92 of, and paragraphs 9 and 10 of Schedule 9 to, the Higher Education and Research Act 2017). ”
Freedom of information
22 In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (public authorities to which that Act applies), at the appropriate place insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation. ”
Public sector equality duty
23 In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (authorities subject to the public sector equality duty), in the group of entries under the heading “Industry, business, finance etc”, at the end insert— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation. ”
Section 115
Transfer schemes
1 (1) The Secretary of State may make one or more property transfer schemes or staff transfer schemes in connection with—
(a) the establishment of the OfS or UKRI by this Act, or
(b) any of the following ceasing to exist by virtue of this Act—
(i) the Higher Education Funding Council for England,
(ii) the office of Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, or
(iii) a research council listed in section 109(1).
(2) In this Schedule, a “permitted transferor” means the Secretary of State or a body or office listed in sub-paragraph (1)(b).
(3) A “property transfer scheme” is a scheme for the transfer from a permitted transferor of any property, rights or liabilities, other than rights or liabilities under or in connection with a contract of employment, to a permitted transferee.
(4) A “staff transfer scheme” is a scheme for the transfer from a permitted transferor of any rights or liabilities under or in connection with a contract of employment to a permitted transferee.
(5) In this Schedule, a “permitted transferee” means—
(a) the OfS,
(b) UKRI,
(c) the Secretary of State, or
(d) such other person as may be specified by the Secretary of State in the scheme.
Supplementary
2 (1) The things that may be transferred under a property transfer scheme or a staff transfer scheme include—
(a) property, rights and liabilities that could not otherwise be transferred;
(b) property acquired, and rights and liabilities arising, after the making of the scheme;
(c) criminal liabilities.
(2) A property transfer scheme or a staff transfer scheme may make supplementary, incidental, transitional or consequential provision and may, in particular—
(a) create rights, or impose liabilities, in relation to property or rights transferred;
(b) make provision about the continuing effect of things done by the permitted transferor in respect of anything transferred;
(c) make provision about the continuation of things (including legal proceedings) in the process of being done by, or on behalf of, or in relation to, the permitted transferor in respect of anything transferred;
(d) make provision for references to the permitted transferor in an instrument or other document in respect of anything transferred to be treated as references to the permitted transferee.
(3) A property transfer scheme may make provision for the shared ownership or use of property.
(4) A staff transfer scheme may make provision which is the same as or similar to the TUPE regulations.
(5) A property transfer scheme or a staff transfer scheme may provide—
(a) for the scheme to be modified by agreement after it comes into effect, and
(b) for any such modifications to have effect from the date when the original scheme comes into effect.
Interpretation
3 (1) For the purposes of this Schedule—
(a) an individual who holds employment in the civil service is to be treated as employed by virtue of a contract of employment, and
(b) the terms of the individual's employment in the civil service are to be regarded as constituting the terms of the contract of employment.
(2) In this Schedule—
(a) “civil service” means civil service of the State;
(b) “TUPE regulations” means the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (S.I. 2006/246);
(c) references to the transfer of property include references to the grant of a lease.
SCHEDULE 11 Minor and consequential amendments relating to Part 1
Section 122
Public Records Act 1958
1 In Part 2 of the Table in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Public Records Act 1958 (definition of public records), omit—
(a) “Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.”, and
(b) “Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967
2 In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments etc subject to investigation), omit—
(a) “The Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.”, and
(b) “Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Superannuation Act 1972
3 In Schedule 1 to the Superannuation Act 1972 (kinds of employment to which a scheme under section 1 of the 1972 Act can apply), omit—
(a) “Employment by the Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.”, and
(b) “Higher Education Funding Council for England.”
House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975
4 In Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (disqualifying offices), omit—
(a) “Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.”, and
(b) “Any member of the Higher Education Funding Council for England in receipt of remuneration.
Education (No. 2) Act 1986
5 (1) Section 43 of the Education (No. 2) Act 1986 (freedom of speech in universities etc) is amended as follows.
(2) After subsection (4) insert—
(4A) The establishments in England to which this section applies are—
(a) any registered higher education provider;
(b) any establishment of higher or further education which is maintained by a local authority;
(c) any institution within the further education sector.
(3) In subsection (5), after “The establishments” insert “ in Wales ”.
(4) In subsection (6), in the definition of “governing body”, for “in relation to any university” substitute
—
(a) in relation to a registered higher education provider, has the meaning given by section 85(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017;
(b) in relation to a university in Wales,
.
(5) In subsection (6), after the definition of “governing body” insert—
“registered higher education provider” has the meaning given by section 3(10) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017;
.
(6) After subsection (6) insert—
(6A) For the purposes of this section—
(a) an establishment is taken to be in England if its activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in England;
(b) an establishment is taken to be in Wales if its activities are carried on, or principally carried on, in Wales.
(7) In subsection (7)(a), after “subsection” insert “ (4A)(b) or ”.
Education Reform Act 1988
6 The Education Reform Act 1988 is amended as follows.
7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 In section 129(1) (designation of institutions), for “a higher education funding council” substitute “ the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales ”.
10 (1) Section 133 (payments in respect of persons employed in the provision of higher or further education) is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, omit “by Polytechnics and Colleges Funding Council”.
(3) In subsection (1)—
(a) for “A higher education funding council shall” substitute “ The Office for Students and the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales each ”, and
(b) for “the council” substitute “ they ”.
11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Further and Higher Education Act 1992
12 The Further and Higher Education Act 1992 is amended as follows.
13 In section 61 (interpretation of Part 1), omit subsection (3)(b).
14 (1) Section 62 (establishment of the Higher Education Funding Councils) is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, for “The Higher Education Funding Councils” substitute “ The Higher Education Funding Council for Wales ”.
(3) In subsection (1)—
(a) omit paragraph (a), and
(b) in paragraph (b), after “them” insert “ (referred to in this Act as “the HEFCW”) ”.
(4) Omit subsection (2).
(5) In subsection (4), for “a council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(6) Omit subsections (5) and (6).
(7) In subsection (7)—
(a) omit “institutions in England or”,
(b) in paragraph (a), omit “England or, as the case may be,”, and
(c) in paragraph (b), omit “, in both cases,”.
(8) In subsection (7A), for “each council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(9) In subsection (8), for “one of the councils” substitute “ the HEFCW or the Office for Students ”.
(10) In subsection (9), for “each of the councils” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
15 (1) Section 65 (administration of funds by councils) is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, for “councils” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(3) In subsection (1)—
(a) for “Each council” substitute “ The HEFCW ”, and
(b) for “the council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(4) In subsection (2)(a), for “the council's” substitute “the HEFCW's”.
(5) In subsection (3)—
(a) for “A council” substitute “ The HEFCW ”, and
(b) for “the council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(6) In subsection (3A)—
(a) for “a Council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”, and
(b) for “the Council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(7) In subsection (3B), for “the Council in question” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(8) In subsection (4)—
(a) for “a council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”, and
(b) for “the council”, in each place, substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
16 (1) Section 66 (administration of funds: supplementary) is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (1)—
(a) for “a council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”, and
(b) for “the council”, in each place, substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(3) In subsections (2) and (3), for “a council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
(4) In subsection (4), for “the council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”.
17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 (1) Section 69 (supplementary functions) is amended as follows.
(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4) In subsection (2), for “Each council” substitute “ The HEFCW ”.
(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 Omit section 70 (England: assessment of quality of education provided by institutions).
20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21 Omit section 79A (Higher Education Funding Council for England's power to request information from institutions that are exempt charities).
22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23 (1) Section 82 (joint exercise of functions) is amended as follows.
(2) Omit subsections (1) to (1B).
(3) In subsection (2), for “Great Britain” substitute “ Wales and Scotland ”.
(4) In subsection (2A), after “Scottish” insert “ Further and ”.
(5) In subsection (3)(a)—
(a) for “a higher education funding council” substitute “ the HEFCW ”,
(b) for “the National Assembly of Wales” substitute “ the Welsh Ministers ”,
(c) for “it is discharging its” substitute “ they are discharging their ”, and
(d) after “Scottish” insert “ Further and ”.
24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 (1) Section 92 (index) is amended as follows.
(2) Omit the entry for “council (in Part 2), or higher education funding council”.
(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(4) For “institution in England or in Wales (in relation to higher education funding councils)” substitute “ institution in Wales (in relation to the HEFCW) ”.
Education Act 1994
27 (1) Section 18 of the Education Act 1994 (power to reimburse certain payments to persons formerly employed in teacher training) is amended as follows.
(2) In subsection (1), for “A higher education funding council” substitute “ The Office for Students or the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales ”.
(3) In subsection (4)—
(a) for “a higher education funding council” substitute “ the Office for Students or (as the case may be) the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales ”, and
(b) for “the council” substitute “ they ”.
Education Act 1996
28 In section 13 of the Education Act 1996 (local authorities' general responsibility for education), for subsection (2)(b) substitute—
(b) the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales, or
(c) the Office for Students.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
29 (1) Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (public authorities to which that Act applies) is amended as follows.
(2) In Part 4 (educational institutions), in paragraph 53(1)—
(a) after paragraph (a) insert—
(aa) a registered higher education provider of a description prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State for the purposes of section 39(1) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017,
,
(b) in paragraph (c), after “institution” insert “ in Wales ”, and
(c) in paragraph (e), after “institution of” insert “ a registered higher education provider which falls within paragraph (aa) or ”.
(3) In Part 4, in paragraph 53(2)—
(a) after paragraph (a) insert—
(aa) “registered higher education provider” has the meaning given by section 3(10) of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017,
, and
(b) in paragraph (c), after “paragraph (c),” insert “ the reference to an institution in Wales is to be construed in accordance with section 62(7) of that Act, and ”.
(4) In Part 6 (other public bodies), omit—
(a) “The Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.”, and
(b) “The Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Higher Education Act 2004
30 (1) The Higher Education Act 2004 is amended as follows.
(2) Omit sections 22 to 41 and Schedule 5 (student fees and fair access).
(3) In section 47 (orders and regulations)—
(a) in subsection (3), omit paragraphs (a) and (c), and
(b) omit subsection (4).
(4) In section 48 (general interpretation), omit the definition of “the 2005 Act”.
(5) In Schedule 6 (consequential amendments)—
(a) omit paragraph 1 (amendment to the Public Records Act 1958),
(b) in paragraph 4 (amendment to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975), omit “ “Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.””, and
(c) in paragraph 10 (amendment to the Freedom of Information Act 2000), omit “ “The Director of Fair Access to Higher Education.””
Education Act 2005
31 (1) The Education Act 2005 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 92 (joint exercise of functions)—
(a) in subsection (2), for “Higher Education Funding Council for England” substitute “ Office for Students ”, and
(b) omit subsection (5).
(3) In Schedule 14, omit paragraphs 26 to 35 (which amend provisions of Part 3 of the Higher Education Act 2004 which are repealed by this Schedule).
Equality Act 2010
32 In Part 1 of Schedule 19 to the Equality Act 2010 (authorities subject to public sector equality duty), omit “The Higher Education Funding Council for England.
Education Act 2011
33 In the Education Act 2011, omit the following (which amend provisions of Part 3 of the Higher Education Act 2004 which are repealed by this Schedule)—
(a) section 77;
(b) paragraphs 18 to 29 of Schedule 5;
(c) paragraph 22 of Schedule 16.
Charities Act 2011
34 In Part 2 of Schedule 7 to the Charities Act 2011, omit paragraph 97 (which amends section 40 of the Higher Education Act 2004 which is repealed by this Schedule).
Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015
35 In section 32(5)(b) of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (monitoring of performance: further and higher education bodies) for “Higher Education Funding Council for England” substitute “ Office for Students ”.
SCHEDULE 12 Minor and consequential amendments relating to Part 3
Section 122
Geological Survey Act 1845
1 In section 1 of the Geological Survey Act 1845 (power of persons employed in geological survey to enter land), for “the Natural Environment Research Council”, in both places, substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
Mining Industry Act 1926
2 In section 23 of the Mining Industry Act 1926 (facilities to be given when shafts or boreholes are sunk)—
(a) in the heading, for “Department of Scientific and Industrial Research” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”,
(b) in subsection (1), for “the National Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”, and
(c) in subsections (1) to (3) and (5), for “the Council”, in each place, substitute “ UKRI ”.
Public Records Act 1958
3 In Part 2 of the Table in paragraph 3 of Schedule 1 to the Public Records Act 1958 (definition of public records), omit the following entries— “ Arts and Humanities Research Council. ” “ Economic and Social Research Council. ” “ Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. ” “ Medical Research Council. ” “ Natural Environment Research Council. ” “ Technology Strategy Board. ”
Science and Technology Act 1965
4 (1) The Science and Technology Act 1965 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 1 (the research councils)—
(a) in subsection (1), omit paragraphs (a) and (b) (and the “and” after paragraph (b)),
(b) also in subsection (1), in paragraph (c), omit “other”, and
(c) omit subsections (2) and (3).
(3) In section 2 (expenses and accounts of research councils)—
(a) omit subsection (4), and
(b) in subsection (5)—
(i) for the words from “, in the case” to “expenses of the Council” substitute “ the expenses of a Research Council ”, and
(ii) omit “in section 1(2) or (3) above or”.
(4) In section 3 (re-allocation of activities connected with scientific research)—
(a) omit subsections (1) to (3), and
(b) in subsection (5), omit the words from “; and the provisions” to the end.
(5) Omit Schedule 3 (transitional provisions).
Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967
5 In Schedule 2 to the Parliamentary Commissioner Act 1967 (departments etc subject to investigation), omit the following entries— “ Arts and Humanities Research Council. ” “ Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. ” “ Economic and Social Research Council. ” “ Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. ” “ Medical Research Council. ” “ Natural Environment Research Council. ” “ Science and Technology Facilities Council. ” “ Technology Strategy Board. ”
Agriculture Act 1967
6 In section 50(3) of the Agriculture Act 1967 (provisions on control of sale not to apply to transfers to and from persons listed), for paragraph (f) substitute—
(f) United Kingdom Research and Innovation,
.
Conservation of Seals Act 1970
7 (1) The Conservation of Seals Act 1970 is amended as follows.
(2) In each of the following provisions, for “the Council” substitute “ UKRI ”
(a) section 3(1) (consultation before orders prohibiting killing seals),
(b) section 10(3)(a) (consultation before granting licence to kill etc),
(c) section 11(1) (consultation before entry onto land), and
(d) section 13 (duty to give advice on management of seal populations).
(3) In section 15 (interpretation)—
(a) omit the definition of “the Council”, and
(b) at the end insert—
“UKRI” means United Kingdom Research and Innovation.
Mineral Exploration and Investment Grants Act 1972
9 In section 1(3) of the Mineral Exploration and Investment Grants Act 1972 (conditions for making contributions in respect of mineral exploration), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
Supply Powers Act 1975
10 In section 7 of the Supply Powers Act 1975 (interpretation), in paragraph (a) of the definition of “articles required for the public service”, after “Civil Aviation Authority” insert “ , United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975
11 In Part 3 of Schedule 1 to the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975 (disqualifying offices), omit the following entries— “ Chair or Chief Executive of the Science and Technology Facilities Council. ” “ Chair, Deputy Chair or Chief Executive of the Technology Strategy Board. ” “ Chairman, Deputy Chairman or Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council. ” “ Chairman, Deputy Chairman, or Chief Executive of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. ” “ Chairman, Deputy Chairman or Chief Executive of the Economic and Social Research Council. ” “ Chairman, Deputy Chairman or Chief Executive of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. ” “ Chairman, Deputy Chairman or Chief Executive of the Medical Research Council. ” “ Chairman, Deputy Chairman or Chief Executive of the Natural Environment Research Council. ”
Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975
12 In Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Northern Ireland Assembly Disqualification Act 1975 (bodies of which all members are disqualified), omit the following entry— “ The Advisory Board for the Research Councils. ”
Patents Act 1977
13 In section 41(3) of the Patents Act 1977 (assignment of right in patent)—
(a) after “Where the Crown” insert “ , United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”,
(b) for “or, as the case may be, Research Council” substitute “ , United Kingdom Research and Innovation or the Research Council (as the case may be) ”, and
(c) omit the words from “or the Arts” to the end.
Further Education Act 1985
14 In section 2(4)(a) of the Further Education Act 1985 (cases in which requirement that goods or services supplied at open market value disapplied), for the words from “the Arts” to “2004)” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
Water Resources Act 1991
15 (1) The Water Resources Act 1991 is amended as follows.
(2) In section 198 (information about underground water)—
(a) in subsection (1), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“UKRI”) ”,
(b) in subsection (2)(a), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ UKRI ”,
(c) in subsection (2)(b) and (c), for “that Council” substitute “ UKRI ”, and
(d) in subsection (4), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ UKRI ”.
(3) In section 205 (confidentiality of information about underground water)—
(a) in subsection (1)—
(i) for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“UKRI”) ”, and
(ii) for “that Council” substitute “ UKRI ”, and
(b) in subsections (2) and (4)—
(i) for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ UKRI ”, and
(ii) for “that Council” substitute “ UKRI ”.
Scotland Act 1998
16 (1) In Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the Scotland Act 1998 (specific reservations) section C12 is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, at the beginning insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation and ”.
(3) After the heading insert the following entry— “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation. ”
(4) In the entry beginning “The subject-matter of section 5”, after “relating to” insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation and ”.
(5) Omit the entry relating to the Arts and Humanities Research Council.
(6) In the entry beginning “The subject-matter of section 10”—
(a) for “that Act” substitute “ the Higher Education Act 2004 ”, and
(b) for “that Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
Northern Ireland Act 1998
17 In Schedule 3 to the Northern Ireland Act 1998 (reserved matters), for paragraph 35A substitute—
35A United Kingdom Research and Innovation.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
18 In Part 6 of Schedule 1 to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (public authorities to which that Act applies), omit the following entries— “ The Arts and Humanities Research Council. ” “ The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. ” “ The Economic and Social Research Council. ” “ The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council. ” “ The Medical Research Council. ” “ The Natural Environment Research Council. ” “ The Science and Technology Facilities Council. ” “ The Technology Strategy Board. ”
Higher Education Act 2004
19 Omit sections 1 to 9 of the Higher Education Act 2004 (which establish and make provision in relation to the Arts and Humanities Research Council).
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006
20 In paragraph 9(a) of Part 2 of Schedule 5 to the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (application of enforcement provisions for the purposes of the Conservation of Seals Act 1970), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
Government of Wales Act 2006
21 The Government of Wales Act 2006 is amended as follows.
22 (1) Schedule 3A (functions exercisable concurrently or jointly with the Welsh Ministers) (which is inserted by the Wales Act 2017) is amended as follows.
(2) In the Table in paragraph 1(2), in the entry relating to the Science and Technology Act 1965, in the column headed “Functions”, after “relating to” insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation and ”.
23 In paragraph 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 7 (Acts of the National Assembly for Wales: subject of education and training), before “Research Councils” insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation and ”.
24 (1) In Part 2 of Schedule 7A (specific reservations) (which is inserted by the Wales Act 2017), Section C11 (Research Councils) is amended as follows.
(2) In the heading, at the beginning insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation and ”.
(3) In paragraph 87—
(a) at the beginning insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“UKRI”), and ”, and
(b) after “relating to” insert “ UKRI and ”.
(4) In paragraph 88—
(a) omit “Arts and Humanities Research Council within the meaning of Part 1 of the Higher Education Act 2004, and the”,
(b) for “that Act” substitute “ the Higher Education Act 2004 ”, and
(c) for “that Council” substitute “ UKRI ”.
Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 5)
25 In sections 116(1), 117, 118(2), 120(1), 121(1), 125 and 129(2)(b) of the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 (duties on Scottish Ministers to consult), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (nawm 1)
26 (1) The table in Schedule 6 to the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 (public bodies etc: standards) is amended as follows.
(2) In the English language text, omit the entries relating to—
(a) the Arts and Humanities Research Council,
(b) the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council,
(c) the Economic and Social Research Council,
(d) the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council,
(e) the Medical Research Council,
(f) the Natural Environment Research Council, and
(g) the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
(3) In the Welsh language text, omit the entries relating to—
(a) Cyngor Cyfleusterau Gwyddoniaeth a Thechnoleg,
(b) Cyngor Ymchwil Biotechnoleg a Gwyddorau Biolegol,
(c) Y Cyngor Ymchwil Economaidd a Chymdeithasol,
(d) Y Cyngor Ymchwil Meddygol,
(e) Cyngor Ymchwil Peirianneg a Gwyddorau Ffisegol,
(f) Cyngor Ymchwil yr Amgylchedd Naturiol, and
(g) Y Cyngor Ymchwil i‘r Celfyddydau a‘r Dyniaethau.
(4) In the English language text, insert at the appropriate place under the heading “ general ”
United Kingdom Research and Innovation (“Ymchwil ac Arloesedd y Deyrnas Unedig”) | Service delivery standards
Policy making standards
Operational Standards
Record keeping standards
(5) In the Welsh language text, insert at the appropriate place under the heading “ cyffredinol ”
“Ymchwil ac Arloesedd y Deyrnas Unedig (“United Kingdom Research and Innovation”) | Safonau cyflenwi gwasanaethau
Safonau llunio polisi
Safonau gweithredu
Safonau cadw cofnodion
Antarctic Act 2013
27 (1) In section 10(4) of the Antarctic Act 2013 (the Crown), in paragraph (a), for “the Natural Environment Research Council” substitute “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation ”.
(2) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 34 of the Antarctic Act 1994 (power to extend to the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and British overseas territories) apply in relation to section 10 of the Antarctic Act 2013 as amended by sub-paragraph (1).
Public Service Pensions Act 2013
28 (1) Schedule 10 to the Public Service Pensions Act 2013 (public bodies whose pension schemes must be restricted) is amended as follows.
(2) After paragraph 14 insert—
15 United Kingdom Research and Innovation.
Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
29 In paragraph 4 of Schedule 2 to the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 (exempted activities), in paragraph (b)(iii) of the definition of “relevant ethics review body”, at the beginning insert “ United Kingdom Research and Innovation or ”.