OfS asks for five-year access plans in regulation shakeup

Universities would only need to submit access plans every five years under proposals drawn up by the Office for Students.

Instead of submitting an annual access and participation plan, which sets out how a university will improve participation from underrepresented groups, universities would submit a five-year plan to the OfS. The proposals, published on 7 September, make up part of an OfS consultation on how it might change the way it regulates access and participation at universities.

Progress on five-year targets will be submitted by universities each year and scrutinised by the OfS. Universities which are deemed to be at risk of falling short will have to submit plans every three years.