Plan of action

The Office for Students reveals its intentions for the year ahead

The Office for Students has published its business plan for the next year—and it is interesting, in the light of recent investigations by Research Professional News, that it highlights the need for senior staff to get out more.

“Following the findings from independent research, we have already set out how we will refresh our approach to engagement with providers, including regular online sessions for vice-chancellors and principals and a series of visits to institutions by senior OfS staff,” states the foreword to the plan, written by chief executive Susan Lapworth. Chris Parr revealed this week that Lapworth has visited just five universities—only two outside London—in five years, excluding those she was forced to visit because they were potentially in trouble.