OfS support & guidance

Timely insights and practical expert-led support

Benefit from our regular updates and sector insights to make well-informed decisions. We track and interpret complex policy developments and upcoming changes to help your strategic planning.

To help you understand the new requirements and processes, we have developed the following resources for IHE Members:

• OfS registration & DAPs flowchart to identify best steps for your specific circumstances
• Timeline of key dates to note important regulatory deadlines and milestones
• Reading materials to stay informed
• Learn on demand resources co-created with IHE Members, IHE Consultants and IHE policy experts
• Peer Groups to promote knowledge-sharing and support among those at a similar stage in their OfS registration and DAPs application journey

To make the most of our support and ensure a smooth OfS registration process - whether you are a new applicant, resuming a paused application, or a franchise provider—view the flowchart and timeline in tandem.

These resources are based on proposals by the OfS and Department for Education (DfE), and will be updated accordingly. 

Reading materials

• Reforms to OfS registration requirements

Reading corresponding to key timeline dates

• August 2025:
  • OfS to resume assessments for new registration, degree awarding powers, and university title applications in August 2025
  • OfS publishes proposals for new initial conditions of registration to better protect students and speed up registration process
  • Response to OfS consultation on proposals for two new initial conditions of registration (IHE)
• October 2025/April 2026/May 2026/September 2027:
  • Franchising in higher education (DfE)
  • Response to DfE consultation on franchising in higher education (IHE)
• 1 January 2026: Proposal 5 in the OfS consultation (OfS)
• September 2026:
  • LLE resources and LLE Provider Preparation Guide (DfE)
  • DfE policy changes - LLE Overview and next steps
• January 2027: Who will be eligible for the LLE (DfE)

General reading

• Response to OfS consultation on the OfS strategy for 2025 to 2030 (IHE)
• Regulatory advice 3: Registration of English higher education providers with the OfS
• IHE responds to OfS decision to suspend registration and DAPs
• Operational measures (OfS)
• Introducing the LLE (Student Finance England)
• LLE FAQ (Student Loans Company)

Learn on demand

Increase confidence and build staff capacity through our ever-expanding Launchpad training suite, included in IHE membership and available to Launchpad subscribers. The sessions include expert-led support as well as insights from fellow IHE Members and IHE staff.

Open access resources: 

• Introduction to the registration process with the OfS
• Understanding the OfS eligibility criteria

Launchpad training suite:

• OfS Registration – The Basics
• Governance and financial oversight
• Quality Assurance
• Degree Awarding Powers
• Access and Participation – Guidance and Advice
• Data and Financial Returns – Regulatory Requirements

Browse the Launchpad training suite

IHE Consultancy

Find out more about the support offered through IHE Consultancy

Become a member 

Read about the benefits of IHE membership