Issue(s)

Customer management

Oversight of service delivery

Parent department

Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)

Related documents

Investigation into financial support for students at alternative higher education providers (Dec 2014)

We conducted an investigation into the financial support for students at alternative higher education providers. The report and subsequent Committee of Public Accounts evidence session underlined the risks with a rapidly expanding market, and what can go awry when public bodies lack adequate controls to regulate a new market.

Impact: This investigation is having an early impact. In January 2015, the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) announced action to secure improved standards among alternative higher education providers. In particular, alternative providers will now face tougher checks from the Quality Assurance Agency. In addition, the department is using student number controls to limit recruitment at providers whose performance is unsatisfactory and has consulted on the introduction of a minimum English language requirement to strengthen recruitment practice by providers.