Committee endorse appointment of Chair of Office for Students

Monday 08 Feb 2021 @ 11:38
Parliamentary Committees and Public Enquiries

The Education Committee has endorsed the appointment of Lord Wharton of Yarm as Chair of the Office for Students (OfS).

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The publication of the report follows a pre-appointment hearing on Tuesday 2 February with Lord Wharton, the Government’s preferred candidate for the position.

During the hearing, the Committee questioned the candidate on the role and powers of the OfS, his priorities and previous experience and the challenges facing the higher education sector.

Chair's comments

Rt Hon Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Education Committee, recently said:

“The Chair of the OfS has a vital role to play in standing up for the rights of students and ensuring opportunities for all. I congratulate Lord Wharton on his appointment. I look forward to seeing the new Chair use his position to genuinely open doors for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensure that the access and participation funding delivers real change, use his independent voice to rocket boost degree apprenticeships and guarantee everyone has access to high quality skills that benefit both themselves and employers.”

The OfS is the independent regulator of higher education in England. Its statutory duties include protecting the autonomy of institutions and promoting value for money, quality, choice and opportunities for students. The new Chair will take over from Sir Michael Barber whose term expires on 31st March.

Further information

Channel website: http://www.parliament.uk/

Original article link: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/203/education-committee/news/139026/committee-endorse-appointment-of-chair-of-office-for-students/

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