Regulation in higher education: demonstrating quality and building trust

Speakers to include:

• Philippa Pickford, Director of Regulation, Office for Students

In an ever-evolving higher education landscape, collaboration between funders, regulators, and institutions is paramount for ensuring quality, compliance, and innovation. This session delves into the intricate dynamics of how we can work constructively together, addressing key challenges and opportunities in the process.

Speakers to include:

• Anthony McClaren, Vice-Chancellor, St Mary’s University and former CEO, Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, Australia
• Naomi Nicholson, Director, Institute of Regulation and former Director of Regulation for National Assessments, Ofqual

This session will explore approaches to regulation from international higher education and different sectors. Join us to glean actionable lessons from peers, and to discuss how these lessons can (or should) apply to the UK higher education sector.

• Kieran Cooke, Principal Management Consultant, Moorhouse Consulting
• Amatey Doku, Senior Consultant, Moorhouse Consulting

This interactive session will provide an opportunity for delegates to share best-practice in managing regulation effectively within their institution and draw out sector-wide challenges to inform wider conversations taking place. The session will also consider how insights from other highly regulated sectors could be contextualised to the specific context of HEIs.

Speakers to include:

• Dan Tinkler, Governance Development Manager, Advance HE
• Caroline Wayman, Chair of Board of Governors and Pro-Chancellor, Nottingham Trent University, and former Chief Executive of the Financial Ombudsman Service

Explore strategies for governance bodies to ensure effective oversight of regulatory compliance, and how institutional practices can align with regulatory requirements. With insights from expert speakers, this session will provide food-for-thought on how to ensure effective governance, and to navigate regulatory complexities with confidence.

• Dr Paul Marshall,  Pro -Vice-Chancellor Careers and Enterprise, University of East London
• Professor Helen Langton, Vice-Chancellor and CEO, University of Suffolk

A recent NAO report recommended that the regulation of franchised higher education provision needs to be strengthened. This session will explore the regulatory landscape surrounding franchise provision, and universities’ experiences of navigating these. Discuss the challenges and opportunities in regulating franchise operations effectively, and best practice approaches.

Speakers to include:

• Professor Janice Kay CBE, Director, Higher Futures, and former Provost and Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Exeter
• Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, Public Affairs Manager, JISC
• Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs, QAA
• Hannah Alcock, Deputy CEO, Christ Church Students' Union

AI integration, demographic shifts, and evolving skill demands, how should UK universities respond and what are the implications for regulation? We will discuss the current and future opportunities and risk for universities and regulation, and how to boost public confidence in the quality of UK Higher Education amid rapid changes.