# Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015

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# Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015

# 2015 anaw 1

An Act of the National Assembly for Wales to make provision about student fees payable to certain institutions providing higher                        education; to make provision about the quality of education provided by and on behalf of those institutions and about their                        financial management; and for connected purposes.                     

[12 March 2015]

**Having been passed by the National Assembly for Wales and having received the assent of Her Majesty, it is enacted as follows:**                        

## **PART 1**E+WINTRODUCTION

### 1Overview of this ActE+W

(1)This Act has eight Parts.                  

(2)This Part contains an overview of the Act.                  

(3)Part 2 makes provision about fee and access plans. It deals with—                  

(a)the contents of a fee and access plan, including a fee limit;                  

(b)failure to comply with a fee limit or other requirement included in a fee and access plan;                  

(c)the validity of certain contracts;                  

(d)the monitoring of fee and access plans.                  

(4)Part 3 makes provision about the assessment of the quality of education provided by or on behalf of institutions that have                        a fee and access plan, including provision about—                  

(a)powers available for the purposes of assessment;                  

(b)steps that may be taken by HEFCW in respect of education of inadequate quality.                  

(5)Part 4 makes provision about the preparation and publication of a code relating to the organisation and management of the                        financial affairs of institutions that have a fee and access plan, including provision about—                  

(a)compliance with the code;                  

(b)powers available for the purposes of monitoring compliance with the code, and in the case of failure to comply with the code.                  

(6)Part 5 makes provision for circumstances in which—                  

(a)HEFCW may refuse to approve a new fee and access plan for an institution;                  

(b)HEFCW must, or may, withdraw their approval of an institution's fee and access plan.                  

(7)Part 6 makes procedural provision about notices and directions given by HEFCW (including provision about the review of certain                        notices and directions).                  

(8)Part 7 makes supplementary provision about functions of HEFCW, including provision relating to guidance, reports, information                        and advice.                  

(9)Part 8 contains general provisions, including provision about—                  

(a)the exercise of powers to make regulations;                  

(b)the interpretation of terms used in the Act.                  

(10)That Part also introduces a Schedule containing amendments to existing enactments and transitional provision.                  

## **PART 2**E+WFEE AND ACCESS PLANS

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Pt. 2 modified (1.9.2015) by The Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015 (Consequential Provision) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1353), arts. 1(2), **3**

### Application for approval of fee and access planE+W

#### 2Application by institution for HEFCW's approval of fee and access planE+W

(1)The governing body of an institution within subsection (3) may apply to HEFCW for HEFCW's approval of a proposed fee and access                        plan relating to the institution.                  

(2)A fee and access plan is a plan that complies with sections 4 to 6.                  

(3)An institution within this subsection is an institution in Wales that—                  

(a)provides higher education, and                  

(b)is a charity.                  

(4)Regulations may make provision about the making of applications for approval of a fee and access plan.                  

Commencement Information

I1S. 2(1)-(3) in force at 1.1.2016 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(a)**

I2S. 2(4) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(a)**

I3S. 2(4) in force at 1.1.2016 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(a)**

#### 3Designation of other providers of higher educationE+W

(1)The Welsh Ministers may, on the application of a provider of higher education within subsection (2), designate the provider                        for the purposes of this section.                  

(2)A provider of higher education within this subsection is one that—                  

(a)provides higher education in Wales and is a charity, but                  

(b)would not (but for the designation) be regarded as an institution for the purposes of this Act.                  

(3)Subject to any provision made under subsection (4)(d), a provider of higher education designated under this section is, unless                        the designation is withdrawn, to be treated for the purposes of any provision made by or under this Act as being an institution.                  

(4)Regulations may make provision about—                  

(a)the making of applications for designation;                  

(b)the making of designations under this section (including provision about matters to be taken into account in determining whether                        to make a designation);                  

(c)the withdrawal of a designation (including provision about matters to be taken into account in determining whether to withdraw                        a designation);                  

(d)the effect of a withdrawal of a designation (including provision for a provider whose designation is withdrawn to continue                        to be treated as an institution for prescribed purposes).                  

Commencement Information

I4S. 3(1)-(3) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(a)**

I5S. 3(4) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(b)**

I6S. 3(4) in force at 1.9.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(a)**

### Contents of fee and access planE+W

#### 4Period to which plan relatesE+W

(1)A fee and access plan relating to an institution must specify a period in respect of which it is to have effect.                  

(2)The period specified must not exceed two years.                  

(3)Regulations may amend subsection (2) to substitute a different period for the period for the time being mentioned in that                        subsection.                  

(4)Before making regulations under subsection (3), the Welsh Ministers must consult—                  

(a)HEFCW,                  

(b)the governing body of each regulated institution, and                  

(c)any other persons they think appropriate.                  

(5)References in this Act to the period to which a plan relates are to the period specified in it under this section.                  

Commencement Information

I7S. 4(1)(2)(5) in force at 1.1.2016 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(b)**

I8S. 4(3)(4) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(c)**

I9S. 4(3)(4) in force at 1.1.2016 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(b)**

#### 5Fee limitE+W

(1)A fee and access plan relating to an institution must—                  

(a)specify, or                  

(b)provide for the determination of,                  

a fee limit, in relation to each qualifying course and in respect of each relevant academic year (and for this purpose may                     specify, or provide for the determination of, different fee limits in relation to different courses and in respect of different                     relevant academic years).                  

(2)For this purpose—                  

(a)a fee limit, in relation to a course, is a limit that the fees payable to the institution by a qualifying person, in connection                        with the person's undertaking the course, may not exceed;                  

(b)a qualifying course is a course, of any prescribed description, that is wholly or principally provided in Wales;                  

(c)a relevant academic year, in relation to a course, is an academic year that is applicable to the course, and in respect of                        which fees are payable to the institution, and which begins within the period to which the fee and access plan relates.                  

(3)Where a fee and access plan specifies a fee limit in relation to a year and course, the fee limit specified must not exceed                        whatever amount is prescribed for the purposes of this section (“the maximum amount”).                  

(4)Where a fee and access plan provides for the determination of a fee limit in relation to a year and course, the plan must                        specify that the fee limit determined in accordance with the plan is not to exceed the maximum amount.                  

(5)A qualifying person, for the purposes of subsection (2)(a), is a person who—                  

(a)is not an international student, and                  

(b)falls within any class of persons prescribed for the purposes of this section.                  

(6)The power to prescribe a description of course under this section may not be exercised so as to prescribe a postgraduate course,                        unless it is a course of initial teacher training.                  

(7)Nor may the power to prescribe a description of course under this section be exercised so as to discriminate—                  

(a)in relation to courses of initial teacher training, between different courses on the basis of the subjects in which such training                        is given;                  

(b)in relation to other courses, between different courses at the same or a comparable level on the basis of the areas of study                        or research to which they relate.                  

(8)An international student is a person who does not fall within any class of persons prescribed under section 1 of the Education                        (Fees and Awards) Act 1983 (charging of higher fees in case of students not having prescribed connection with the United Kingdom)                        for the purposes of subsection (1) or (2) of that section.                  

(9)Regulations may make provision for circumstances in which fees payable to a person, in connection with a qualifying person's                        undertaking a course, or part of a course, provided on behalf of an institution, are to be treated for the purposes of subsection                        (2)(a) as being payable to that institution in connection with the qualifying person's undertaking the course.                  

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C2S. 5(2)(b) modified (W.) (31.7.2015) by The Higher Education (Qualifying Courses, Qualifying Persons and Supplementary Provision) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (No. 1484), regs. 1(1), **5(1)**

Commencement Information

I10S. 5(1)(2)(a)(c)(4) in force at 1.1.2016 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(c)**

I11S. 5(2)(b)(3)(5)-(9) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(d)**

I12S. 5(2)(b)(3)(5)-(9) in force at 1.1.2016 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(c)**

#### 6Promotion of equality of opportunity and higher educationE+W

(1)A fee and access plan relating to an institution must include such provisions relating to the promotion of equality of opportunity                        or the promotion of higher education as may be prescribed.                  

(2)A fee and access plan may also include further provisions relating to the promotion of equality of opportunity or the promotion                        of higher education.                  

(3)The provisions that may be prescribed under subsection (1) for inclusion in a plan include provisions requiring the governing                        body—                  

(a)to take measures to attract applications from prospective students who are members of under-represented groups (or to secure                        the taking of such measures);                  

(b)to take measures to retain students who are members of under-represented groups (or to secure the taking of such measures);                  

(c)to provide financial assistance to students (or to secure the provision of such assistance);                  

(d)to make available to students or prospective students information about financial assistance available to students from any                        source (or to secure that such information is made available).                  

(4)The provisions that may be prescribed for inclusion in a plan also include provisions—                  

(a)setting out objectives relating to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the promotion of higher education;                  

(b)setting out information about expenditure in respect of those objectives;                  

(c)relating to the monitoring by the governing body of—                  

(i)compliance with the provisions of the plan;                  

(ii)progress in achieving any objectives set out in the plan by virtue of paragraph (a).                  

(5)But the power to prescribe provisions for inclusion in a fee and access plan may not be exercised so as to require a plan                        relating to an institution to include provision—                  

(a)referring to particular courses or to the manner in which courses are taught, supervised or assessed,                  

(b)relating to the criteria for the admission of students, or                  

(c)requiring the institution to incur expenditure, in any academic year, of an amount exceeding the amount of the qualifying                        fee income of the institution that is attributable to that academic year.                  

(6)For the purposes of this section—                  

(a)the amount of the qualifying fee income of an institution that is attributable to an academic year is the aggregate amount                        of those fees payable to the institution, in respect of that academic year, in relation to which a fee limit applies that                        is specified in the fee and access plan relating to the institution, or for the determination of which the fee and access                        plan relating to the institution provides;                  

(b)“under-represented groups”, in relation to a fee and access plan, are groups that, as at the date of the plan's approval under section 7, are under-represented                        in higher education.                  

(7)References in this Act to the general requirements of a fee and access plan are to provisions included in the plan by virtue                        of this section which require the governing body of the institution to do (or not to do) specified things.                  

Commencement Information

I13S. 6(1)(3)-(6) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(e)**

I14S. 6(1)(3)-(6) in force at 1.1.2016 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(d)**

I15S. 6(2) in force at 1.1.2016 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(d)**

I16S. 6(7) in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(a)**

### Approval etc of fee and access planE+W

#### 7Approval of fee and access planE+W

(1)If an application for approval of a fee and access plan is made to HEFCW under section 2, HEFCW must by notice to the governing                        body concerned either—                  

(a)approve the plan, or                  

(b)reject the plan.                  

(2)But HEFCW may not approve a plan unless satisfied that the institution to which it relates is within section 2(3).                  

(3)Regulations may make provision about matters to be taken into account by HEFCW in making any determination in respect of approval                        or rejection of a plan under this section.                  

(4)For the purposes of this Act, the period within which a fee and access plan relating to an institution and approved under                        this section is in force is the period beginning with the day of its approval under this section, and ending with the earlier                        of the following—                  

(a)the day on which the period to which it relates expires;                  

(b)if HEFCW's approval of it is withdrawn by notice given under section 38 or 39, the date of the notice.                  

(5)In this Act—                  

(a)references to an approved plan are to a fee and access plan relating to an institution that has been approved under this section                        and is currently in force;                  

(b)references to a regulated institution are to an institution to which an approved plan relates (but see sections 26 and 27(8)).                  

(6)This section is subject to section 37(5) (no approval of new fee and access plan).                  

(7)For procedural provision about notice under subsection (1)(b), see sections 41 to 44.                  

Commencement Information

I17S. 7(1)(2)(4)(6)(7) in force at 1.1.2016 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(e)**

I18S. 7(3) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(f)**

I19S. 7(3) in force at 1.1.2016 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(e)**

I20S. 7(5) in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(b)**

#### 8Publication of approved planE+W

(1)Regulations may require the governing body of a regulated institution to publish the institution's approved plan.                  

(2)The provision that may be made by regulations under this section includes provision about how and when a plan is to be published.                  

Commencement Information

I21S. 8 in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(g)**

#### 9Variation of approved planE+W

(1)Regulations may make provision permitting the governing body of a regulated institution to vary the institution's approved                        plan.                  

(2)The regulations must provide for a variation to take effect only if approved by HEFCW.                  

(3)The regulations may make provision aboutthe making and determination of applications for approval of a variation.                  

Commencement Information

I22S. 9 in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(h)**

### Compliance with fee limitE+W

#### 10Limits on student feesE+W

(1)The governing body of an institution within subsection (2) must ensure that regulated course fees do not exceed the applicable                        fee limit.                  

(2)An institution is within this subsection if a fee and access plan relating to it has been approved under section 7 (whether                        or not that plan is still in force).                  

(3)“Regulated course fees” are fees payable to the institution by a qualifying person—                  

(a)in connection with the person's undertaking a qualifying course, and                  

(b)in respect of an academic year applicable to that course, where that year begins at a time within the period specified under                        section 4 in the institution's most recent fee and access plan (whether or not the plan is still in force).                  

(4)The institution's most recent fee and access plan is the fee and access plan most recently approved under section 7 in relation                        to the institution.                  

(5)The applicable fee limit is—                  

(a)in a case where the institution's most recent fee and access plan specifies a fee limit for the course and year in question,                        that limit;                  

(b)in a case where the institution's most recent fee and access plan provides for the determination of a fee limit for the course                        and year in question, that limit as determined in accordance with the plan.                  

Commencement Information

I23S. 10 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(b)**

#### 11Compliance and reimbursement directionsE+W

(1)This section applies where HEFCW are satisfied that the governing body of an institution has failed to comply with section                        10(1).                  

(2)HEFCW may direct the governing body to do either or both of the following—                  

(a)to comply with section 10(1);                  

(b)to reimburse excess fees paid to the institution.                  

(3)A direction under this section (a “compliance and reimbursement direction”) may specify⁠—                  

(a)steps that are (or are not) to be taken by the governing body for the purpose of compliance with section 10(1);                  

(b)the manner in which reimbursement of excess fees is to be, or may be, effected.                  

(4)If HEFCW give a direction under this section, they must—                  

(a)give a copy of the direction to the Welsh Ministers;                  

(b)publish the direction.                  

(5)Regulations may make provision about how and when HEFCW are to comply with subsection (4).                  

(6)“Excess fees” are regulated course fees, to the extent that those fees exceed the applicable fee limit (as quantified for                        the purposes of the duty under section 10(1) with which the governing body has failed to comply).                  

Commencement Information

I24S. 11(1)-(4)(6) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(c)**

I25S. 11(5) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(i)**

I26S. 11(5) in force at 1.9.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(c)**

#### 12Supplementary provision about compliance and reimbursement directionsE+W

(1)HEFCW may issue guidance about steps to be taken for the purpose of complying with a compliance and reimbursement direction.                  

(2)Before issuing guidance under this section HEFCW must consult the governing body of each regulated institution; and may consult                        the governing body of any other institution within section 2(3) as they think appropriate.                  

(3)A governing body to which a compliance and reimbursement direction has been given must, in complying with the direction, take                        into account any guidance issued under this section.                  

(4)For procedural provision about compliance and reimbursement directions, see sections 41 to 44.                  

Commencement Information

I27S. 12 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(d)**

### Compliance with general requirements of approved planE+W

#### 13Directions in respect of failure to comply with general requirements of approved planE+W

(1)If the condition in subsection (2) or (3) is met, HEFCW may give the governing body of an institution a direction within subsection                        (4).                  

(2)The condition is that HEFCW are satisfied that—                  

(a)there has been a failure by the governing body to comply with a general requirement of a fee and access plan relating to the                        institution, and                  

(b)at the time of the failure, the fee and access plan was approved under section 7.                  

(3)The condition is that HEFCW are satisfied that the governing body is likely to fail to comply with a general requirement of                        the institution's approved plan.                  

(4)A direction within this subsection is a direction requiring the governing body to take (or not to take) specified steps for                        the purpose of dealing with or preventing the failure to comply.                  

(5)But HEFCW may not give a direction under this section if they are satisfied that the governing body has taken all reasonable                        steps to comply with the requirement in question.                  

(6)For procedural provision about directions under this section, see sections 41 to 44.                  

### ContractsE+W

#### 14Validity of contractsE+W

(1)This section applies to a contract that provides for the payment of regulated course fees to an institution, by a qualifying                        person and in connection with the person's undertaking a qualifying course, that exceed the applicable fee limit.                  

(2)For the purposes of any rights and liabilities arising under the contract, and any proceedings in respect of those rights                        and liabilities, the contract is to be treated as providing for the payment of fees in an amount equivalent to the applicable                        fee limit.                  

(3)Except as provided in subsection (2), the contract is not void or unenforceable in consequence of providing for the payment                        of fees exceeding the applicable fee limit.                  

Commencement Information

I28S. 14 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(e)**

### Approved plans: compliance and effectivenessE+W

#### 15HEFCW's duty to monitor and evaluate compliance and effectivenessE+W

(1)HEFCW must—                  

(a)monitor compliance with section 10(1);                  

(b)monitor compliance with the general requirements of approved plans;                  

(c)evaluate the effectiveness of each approved plan;                  

(d)evaluate the effectiveness of approved plans generally.                  

(2)For the purposes of this section, the effectiveness of an approved plan is its effectiveness in promoting—                  

(a)equality of opportunity, and                  

(b)higher education.                  

Commencement Information

I29S. 15(1)(a) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(f)**

Prospective

#### 16Monitoring and evaluating compliance and effectiveness: duty to co-operateE+W

(1)The governing body of a regulated institution must ensure the provision to HEFCW of such information, assistance and access                           to the institution's facilities as HEFCW reasonably require for the purpose of their functions under section 15.                     

(2)If HEFCW are satisfied that a governing body has failed to comply with subsection (1), they may direct it to take (or not                           to take) specified steps for the purpose of securing the provision of information, assistance or access as described in that                           subsection.                     

## **PART 3**E+WQUALITY OF EDUCATION

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C3Pt. 3 modified (1.9.2015) by The Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015 (Consequential Provision) Order 2015 (S.I. 2015/1353), arts. 1(2), **4(1)**

### Assessment of quality of educationE+W

#### 17Assessment of quality of educationE+W

(1)HEFCW must assess, or make arrangements for the assessment of, the quality of education provided in Wales—                  

(a)by each regulated institution;                  

(b)on behalf of each regulated institution (whether by another regulated institution or by an external provider).                  

(2)For the purposes of subsection (1), education provided outside Wales is to be treated as provided in Wales if it is provided                        as part of a course that is provided principally in Wales.                  

(3)In this Act, references to an external provider are references to a person who—                  

(a)is not a regulated institution, but                  

(b)is responsible for providing all or part of a course of education on behalf of a regulated institution.                  

(4)For the purposes of subsection (3)(b)—                  

(a)regulations may make provision about the circumstances in which a person is (or is not) to be treated as responsible for providing                        a course (or part of it);                  

(b)a course (or part of it) is not to be treated as provided on behalf of a regulated institution if it is provided under arrangements                        with that institution that were made before the coming into force of this section.                  

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4S. 17(1) modified (W.) (31.7.2015) by The Higher Education (Qualifying Courses, Qualifying Persons and Supplementary Provision) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (No. 1484), regs. 1(1), **5(2)**

Commencement Information

I30S. 17 in force at 1.9.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(g)**

I31S. 17(4)(a) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(j)**

### Powers in respect of education of inadequate qualityE+W

#### 18Education of inadequate quality: generalE+W

(1)Sections 19 and 20 apply if, as a result of exercising their functions under section 17, HEFCW are satisfied that—                  

(a)the quality of education provided by or on behalf of a regulated institution, or                  

(b)the quality of a particular course of education so provided,                  

is inadequate or likely to become inadequate.

(2)For the purposes of this Act, the quality of education or of a course of education is inadequate if it is not adequate to                        meet the reasonable needs of those receiving the education or undertaking the course.                  

Commencement Information

I32S. 18 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

#### 19Directions in respect of inadequate qualityE+W

(1)HEFCW may give a direction to the governing body of the institution requiring it to take (or not to take) specified steps                        for the purpose of—                  

(a)improving the quality of the education or course, or                  

(b)preventing the quality of the education or course from becoming inadequate.                  

(2)For procedural provision about directions under this section, see sections 41 to 44.                  

Commencement Information

I33S. 19 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

#### 20Other measures in respect of inadequate qualityE+W

(1)HEFCW may give advice or assistance to the governing body of the institution with a view to—                  

(a)improving the quality of the education or course, or                  

(b)preventing the quality of the education or course from becoming inadequate.                  

(2)HEFCW may carry out, or arrange for another person to carry out, a review of any matters that they think are relevant to the                        quality of education provided by or on behalf of the institution.                  

(3)A governing body must take into account any advice given to it under subsection (1).                  

Commencement Information

I34S. 20 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

### Co-operation with quality assessment etcE+W

#### 21Quality assessment etc: duty to co-operateE+W

(1)The governing body of a regulated institution must ensure that a person exercising a function by virtue of section 17 or 20                        is provided with such information, assistance and access to the institution's facilities as the person reasonably requires                        for the purpose of exercising the function (including for the purpose of exercising any power under section 22).                  

(2)The governing body of an external provider must ensure that a person exercising a function by virtue of section 17 or 20(2)                        is provided with such information, assistance and access to the external provider's facilities as the person reasonably requires                        for the purpose of exercising the function (including for the purpose of exercising any power under section 22).                  

(3)If HEFCW are satisfied that a governing body has failed to comply with subsection (1) or (2), they may direct it to take (or                        not to take) specified steps for the purpose of securing the provision of information, assistance or access as described in                        subsection (1) or (2) (as appropriate).                  

Commencement Information

I35S. 21 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

### Supplementary powers for purpose of quality assessment etcE+W

#### 22Quality assessment etc: powers of entry and inspectionE+W

(1)For the purpose of the exercise of a function by virtue of section 17 or 20(2), an authorised person may—                  

(a)enter the premises of a regulated institution or external provider;                  

(b)inspect, copy or take away documents found on the premises.                  

(2)In subsection (1)(b), references to—                  

(a)documents include information recorded in any form;                  

(b)documents found on the premises include—                  

(i)documents stored on computers or electronic storage devices on the premises, and                  

(ii)documents stored elsewhere which can be accessed by computers on the premises.                  

(3)The power conferred by subsection (1)(b) includes power—                  

(a)to require a person to provide documents;                  

(b)to impose requirements as to how documents are provided (which may include requirements to provide legible copies of documents                        stored electronically);                  

(c)to inspect a computer or electronic storage device on which documents have been created or stored.                  

(4)A power conferred by this section may be exercised only after giving reasonable notice to⁠—                  

(a)the governing body of the regulated institution or external provider in relation to whose premises the authorised person intends                        to exercise the power, and                  

(b)the governing body of any regulated institution on whose behalf that institution or external provider provides the education                        to which the exercise of the function under section 17 or 20(2) relates.                  

(5)Subsection (4) does not apply to the exercise of a power if the authorised person is satisfied that—                  

(a)the case is one of urgency, or                  

(b)complying with that subsection would defeat the object of exercising the power.                  

(6)In this section, “authorised person” means a person authorised in writing by HEFCW (whether generally or specifically) to exercise the powers conferred by this                        section.                  

(7)Before exercising a power under this section, an authorised person must, if required to do so, produce a copy of the person's                        authorisation under subsection (6).                  

(8)The powers conferred by this section—                  

(a)may be exercised at reasonable times only;                  

(b)may not be exercised to require a person to do anything otherwise than at a reasonable time.                  

(9)The powers conferred by this section do not include power to enter a dwelling without the agreement of the occupier.                  

Commencement Information

I36S. 22 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

### Guidance relating to quality of educationE+W

#### 23Guidance about matters relevant to qualityE+W

(1)HEFCW may issue or approve guidance about any matter they think relevant to improving or maintaining the quality of education                        provided by or on behalf of regulated institutions.                  

(2)Before issuing or approving guidance under this section (or any revised guidance), HEFCW must consult—                  

(a)the governing body of each regulated institution, and                  

(b)any other persons they think appropriate.                  

(3)The governing body of a regulated institution must take into account any guidance issued or approved under this section.                  

Commencement Information

I37S. 23 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

#### 24Guidance about criteria for assessing qualityE+W

(1)HEFCW may issue or approve guidance about—                  

(a)criteria to be applied by a person exercising a function by virtue of section 17 in assessing the quality of education;                  

(b)matters HEFCW will take into account in determining whether the quality of education, or of a course of education, is inadequate                        or likely to become inadequate.                  

(2)Before issuing or approving guidance under this section (or any revised guidance), HEFCW must consult—                  

(a)the governing body of each regulated institution, and                  

(b)any other persons they think appropriate.                  

Commencement Information

I38S. 24 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

### Advice to HEFCW about quality assessment functionsE+W

#### 25Committee to advise HEFCW about exercise of quality assessment functionsE+W

(1)HEFCW must establish a committee to advise them on the exercise of their functions under this Part.                  

(2)HEFCW may confer on the committee any other functions that they think appropriate.                  

(3)One member of the committee must be a person who appears to HEFCW to represent the interests of persons being provided with                        higher education in Wales.                  

(4)Of the other members of the committee—                  

(a)a majority must be persons who are not members of HEFCW;                  

(b)a majority must be persons who appear to HEFCW to have experience of, or to have shown capacity in, the provision of higher                        education.                  

(5)In appointing persons within subsection (4)(b) to the committee, HEFCW must take into account the desirability of appointing                        persons who are currently engaged in the provision of higher education or in carrying responsibility for its provision.                  

(6)Schedule 1 to the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 applies in relation to the committee as it applies in relation to                        a committee established by HEFCW under paragraph 8 of that Schedule.                  

Commencement Information

I39S. 25 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(h)**

### SupplementaryE+W

#### 26Application of this Part where institution ceases to have approved planE+W

(1)This section applies where—                  

(a)a fee and access plan relating to an institution has ceased to be in force, and                  

(b)no new fee and access plan is in force in relation to the institution.                  

(2)This Part continues to apply in relation to education provided by or on behalf of the institution by means of a designated                        course.                  

(3)For the purposes of the application of this Part by virtue of subsection (2), the institution is to be treated as a regulated                        institution.                  

(4)A designated course is one that is designated for the purposes of section 22 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998                        by regulations made by the Welsh Ministers under that section.                  

## **PART 4**E+WFINANCIAL AFFAIRS OF REGULATED INSTITUTIONS

### Financial management codeE+W

#### 27HEFCW's duty to prepare and publish CodeE+W

(1)HEFCW must prepare and publish a code relating to the organisation and management of the financial affairs of regulated institutions                        (referred to in this Act as “the Code”).                  

(2)The Code may make provision about the following matters (among others)—                  

(a)circumstances in which a regulated institution is to enter into a transaction of a class specified in the Code only with the                        consent of HEFCW;                  

(b)accounting and audit arrangements of regulated institutions;                  

(c)the provision of information to HEFCW.                  

(3)A provision of the Code may take the form of a requirement or guidance.                  

(4)The governing body of a regulated institution must—                  

(a)comply with any requirement imposed by the Code;                  

(b)take into account any guidance contained in the Code.                  

(5)HEFCW may publish the Code in whatever way they think appropriate.                  

(6)HEFCW must—                  

(a)keep the Code under review, and                  

(b)if they think it appropriate, prepare and publish a revised Code.                  

(7)The Code may make different provision for different purposes (including for different institutions and different descriptions                        of institution).                  

(8)For the purposes of this Part, the Open University is not to be treated as a regulated institution.                  

(9)In sections 28, 29 and 30, “the first Code” means the first Code to be published under this section.                  

Commencement Information

I40S. 27(1) in force at 25.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(c)**

I41S. 27(2)(3)(7)(8) in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(d)**

I42S. 27(9) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(i)**

#### 28Procedure for approval of Code by Welsh MinistersE+W

(1)Before publishing the first Code or a revised Code, HEFCW must—                  

(a)prepare a draft of the first Code or revised Code, and                  

(b)submit the draft to the Welsh Ministers for their approval.                  

(2)In preparing a draft of the first Code or of a revised Code, HEFCW must consult—                  

(a)the governing body of each regulated institution, and                  

(b)any other persons they think appropriate.                  

(3)A draft submitted to the Welsh Ministers under this section must be accompanied by a report—                  

(a)setting out the reasons for the terms of the draft, and                  

(b)giving details of the consultation carried out under subsection (2) and summarising the representations received by HEFCW                        during the consultation.                  

(4)The Welsh Ministers may direct HEFCW to submit a draft of the first Code or of a revised Code to them under this section before                        the end of a period specified in the direction.                  

(5)HEFCW must comply with a direction given under subsection (4).                  

Commencement Information

I43S. 28 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(i)**

#### 29Procedure if draft Code not approved by Welsh MinistersE+W

(1)This section applies if the Welsh Ministers decide not to approve a draft of the first Code, or of a revised Code, submitted                        to them under section 28.                  

(2)The Welsh Ministers must give HEFCW notice of the decision and the reasons for it.                  

(3)If the Welsh Ministers give HEFCW notice under subsection (2) that they have decided not to approve a draft of the first Code,                        HEFCW must submit a further draft of the first Code to the Welsh Ministers.                  

(4)If the Welsh Ministers give HEFCW notice under subsection (2) that they have decided not to approve a draft of a revised Code,                        HEFCW must either—                  

(a)submit a further draft of the revised Code to the Welsh Ministers, or                  

(b)give the Welsh Ministers notice—                  

(i)stating that HEFCW have decided not to proceed with the revision of the Code, and                  

(ii)setting out the reasons for that decision.                  

(5)Notice under subsection (2) may specify a period before the end of which HEFCW must comply with subsection (3) or (4) (as                        appropriate).                  

(6)Before submitting a further draft of the first Code or revised Code to the Welsh Ministers, HEFCW must carry out any further                        consultation that they think appropriate.                  

(7)A further draft submitted to the Welsh Ministers under this section must be accompanied by a report—                  

(a)explaining how, in preparing the draft, HEFCW have taken into account the reasons set out in the notice given by the Welsh                        Ministers under subsection (2),                  

(b)setting out HEFCW's reasons for the terms of the draft, and                  

(c)giving details of any consultation carried out under subsection (6) in relation to the draft and summarising the representations                        received by HEFCW during the consultation.                  

(8)Subsections (2) to (7) apply where the Welsh Ministers decide not to approve a draft submitted to them under this section                        as they apply where the Welsh Ministers decide not to approve a draft submitted to them under section 28.                  

Commencement Information

I44S. 29 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(i)**

#### 30Procedure if draft Code approved by Welsh MinistersE+W

(1)If the Welsh Ministers approve a draft of the first Code or of a revised Code submitted to them under section 28 or 29, they                        must lay the approved draft before the National Assembly for Wales.                  

(2)If the National Assembly for Wales resolves not to approve the draft within the 40 day period—                  

(a)HEFCW may not publish the draft;                  

(b)if the draft is of the first Code, HEFCW must submit a further draft of the first Code to the Welsh Ministers;                  

(c)if the draft is of a revised Code, HEFCW may submit a further draft of a revised Code to the Welsh Ministers.                  

(3)Before submitting a further draft of the first Code or of a revised Code to the Welsh Ministers under this section, HEFCW                        must carry out any further consultation they think appropriate.                  

(4)A further draft submitted to the Welsh Ministers under this section must be accompanied by a report—                  

(a)setting out HEFCW's reasons for the terms of the draft, and                  

(b)giving details of any consultation carried out under subsection (3) in relation to the draft and summarising the representations                        received by HEFCW during the consultation.                  

(5)The “40 day period” means the period of 40 days beginning with the day on which the draft is laid before the National Assembly for Wales.                  

(6)In calculating the 40 day period, no account is to be taken of any period during which the National Assembly for Wales is                        dissolved or during which it is in recess for more than four days.                  

(7)If no resolution is passed by the National Assembly for Wales within the 40 day period as mentioned in subsection (2), HEFCW                        must publish the Code in the terms of the approved draft.                  

(8)If a further draft is submitted to the Welsh Ministers under this section—                  

(a)subsections (1) to (7) apply if the Welsh Ministers approve the draft as they apply if they approve a draft submitted to them                        under section 28 or 29;                  

(b)section 29 applies if the Welsh Ministers decide not to approve the draft as it applies if the Welsh Ministers decide not                        to approve a draft submitted to them under section 28.                  

### Monitoring compliance with CodeE+W

#### 31Monitoring compliance with CodeE+W

HEFCW must monitor, or make arrangements for the monitoring of, compliance by each regulated institution with requirements                     imposed by the Code.                  

### Powers in respect of failure to comply with CodeE+W

#### 32Failure to comply with Code: generalE+W

Sections 33 and 34 apply if HEFCW are satisfied that the governing body of a regulated institution has failed, or is likely                     to fail, to comply with a requirement imposed by the Code.                  

#### 33Directions in respect of failure to comply with CodeE+W

(1)HEFCW may give a direction to the governing body requiring it to take (or not to take) specified steps for the purpose of                        dealing with or preventing the failure to comply.                  

(2)For procedural provision about directions under this section, see sections 41 to 44.                  

#### 34Other measures in respect of failure to comply with CodeE+W

(1)HEFCW may give advice or assistance to the governing body with a view to improving the organisation or management of the financial                        affairs of the institution.                  

(2)HEFCW may carry out, or arrange for another person to carry out, a review of any matters that they think are relevant to the                        institution's compliance with the Code.                  

(3)A governing body must take into account any advice given to it under subsection (1).                  

### Co-operation with monitoring etcE+W

#### 35Financial management: duty to co-operateE+W

(1)The governing body of a regulated institution must ensure that a person exercising a function by virtue of section 31 or 34                        is provided with such information, assistance and access to the institution's facilities as the person reasonably requires                        for the purpose of exercising the function (including for the purpose of exercising any power under section 36).                  

(2)If HEFCW are satisfied that a governing body has failed to comply with subsection (1), they may direct it to take (or not                        to take) specified steps for the purpose of securing the provision of information, assistance or access as described in that                        subsection.                  

### Supplementary powers for purpose of monitoring etcE+W

#### 36Financial management: powers of entry and inspectionE+W

(1)For the purpose of the exercise of a function by virtue of section 31 or 34(2), an authorised person may—                  

(a)enter the premises of a regulated institution;                  

(b)inspect, copy or take away documents found on the premises.                  

(2)In subsection (1)(b), references to—                  

(a)documents include information recorded in any form;                  

(b)documents found on the premises include—                  

(i)documents stored on computers or electronic storage devices on the premises, and                  

(ii)documents stored elsewhere which can be accessed by computers on the premises.                  

(3)The power conferred by subsection (1)(b) includes power—                  

(a)to require a person to provide documents;                  

(b)to impose requirements as to how documents are provided (which may include requirements to provide legible copies of documents                        stored electronically);                  

(c)to inspect a computer or electronic storage device on which documents have been created or stored.                  

(4)A power conferred by this section may be exercised only after giving reasonable notice to the governing body of the regulated                        institution.                  

(5)Subsection (4) does not apply to the exercise of a power if the authorised person is satisfied that—                  

(a)the case is one of urgency, or                  

(b)complying with that subsection would defeat the object of exercising the power.                  

(6)In this section, “authorised person” means a person authorised in writing by HEFCW (whether generally or specifically) to exercise the powers conferred by this                        section.                  

(7)Before exercising a power under this section, an authorised person must, if required to do so, produce a copy of the person's                        authorisation under subsection (6).                  

(8)The powers conferred by this section—                  

(a)may be exercised at reasonable times only;                  

(b)may not be exercised to require a person to do anything otherwise than at a reasonable time.                  

(9)The powers conferred by this section do not include power to enter a dwelling without the agreement of the occupier.                  

## **PART 5**E+WFEE AND ACCESS PLANS: WITHDRAWAL OF APPROVAL ETC

### Refusal to approve new fee and access planE+W

#### 37Notice of refusal to approve new fee and access planE+W

(1)If HEFCW are satisfied that a condition in subsection (3) is met in respect of a regulated institution, they may give notice                        under this section to the institution's governing body.                  

(2)Notice under this section is notice that HEFCW will not approve a new fee and access plan relating to the institution before                        the end of a period specified in the notice.                  

(3)The conditions are that the governing body of the institution has failed to comply with—                  

(a)section 10(1) (duty to ensure that regulated course fees do not exceed applicable fee limit),                  

(b)a general requirement of the institution's approved plan,                  

(c)a direction under section 13 (directions in respect of failure to comply with general requirements of approved plan),                  

(d)a direction under section 19 (directions in respect of inadequate quality), or                  

(e)a direction under section 33 (directions in respect of failure to comply with the Code).                  

(4)A governing body is not to be treated for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) as having failed to comply with a general requirement                        of an approved plan if HEFCW are satisfied that the governing body has taken all reasonable steps to comply with the requirement.                  

(5)If HEFCW give notice under this section to the governing body of an institution, HEFCW must not approve a proposed fee and                        access plan relating to the institution before the end of the period specified in the notice.                  

(6)Where HEFCW have given notice under this section—                  

(a)they may withdraw the notice, and                  

(b)if they do so, the restriction in subsection (5) ceases to apply.                  

(7)Regulations may make provision about—                  

(a)the period that may be specified in notice under this section;                  

(b)matters to be taken into account by HEFCW in deciding whether to give or withdraw notice under this section;                  

(c)the procedure to be followed in connection with the withdrawal of notice.                  

(8)If the governing body of an institution that is not a regulated institution fails to comply with a direction under section                        13, this section applies in relation to that institution as it applies in relation to a regulated institution.                  

(9)For procedural provision about notice under this section, see sections 41 to 44.                  

Commencement Information

I45S. 37(7) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(k)**

### Withdrawal of approval of existing fee and access planE+W

#### 38Duty to withdraw approvalE+W

(1)If HEFCW are satisfied that a regulated institution is no longer within section 2(3), they must withdraw their approval of                        the fee and access plan relating to the institution by giving notice under this section to the institution's governing body.                  

(2)Regulations may make provision about—                  

(a)matters to be taken into account by HEFCW in making a determination for the purposes of this section;                  

(b)the procedure to be followed in connection with giving notice under this section.                  

(3)Regulations making provision as described in subsection (2)(b) may (among other things) amend or apply, with or without modifications,                        any provision made by or under sections 41 to 44.                  

Commencement Information

I46S. 38(2) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(l)**

#### 39Power to withdraw approvalE+W

(1)If HEFCW are satisfied that a condition in subsection (2) is met in respect of a regulated institution, they may withdraw                        their approval of the fee and access plan relating to the institution by giving notice under this section to the institution's                        governing body.                  

(2)The conditions are that—                  

(a)the governing body of the institution has persistently failed to comply with section 10(1) (duty to ensure that regulated                        course fees do not exceed applicable fee limit) or has failed to comply with a compliance and reimbursement direction,                  

(b)the governing body has persistently failed to comply with the general requirements of the institution's approved plan or has                        failed to comply with a direction under section 13 (directions in respect of failure to comply with general requirements of                        approved plan),                  

(c)the quality of education provided by or on behalf of the institution is seriously inadequate, or                  

(d)there has been serious failure by the governing body of the institution to comply with the Code.                  

(3)A governing body is not to be treated for the purposes of subsection (2)(b) as having failed to comply with a general requirement                        of an approved plan if HEFCW are satisfied that the governing body has taken all reasonable steps to comply with the requirement.                  

(4)Regulations may make provision about matters to be taken into account by HEFCW in deciding whether to give notice under this                        section.                  

(5)For procedural provision about notice under this section, see sections 41 to 44.                  

Commencement Information

I47S. 39(4) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(m)**

### Publication etc of notice under this PartE+W

#### 40Publication etc of notice under this PartE+W

(1)If HEFCW give notice under section 37, 38 or 39, they must—                  

(a)give a copy of the notice to the Welsh Ministers, and                  

(b)publish the notice.                  

(2)Regulations may make provision about how and when HEFCW are to comply with subsection (1).                  

Commencement Information

I48S. 40(2) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(n)**

## **PART 6**E+WNOTICES AND DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY HEFCW

### Warning and review procedure for certain notices and directionsE+W

#### 41Application of sections 42 to 44E+W

(1)Sections 42 to 44 apply to—                  

(a)notice under section 7(1)(b) (rejection of proposed fee and access plan),                  

(b)a compliance and reimbursement direction,                  

(c)a direction under section 13 (directions in respect of failure to comply with general requirements of approved plan),                  

(d)a direction under section 19 (directions in respect of inadequate quality),                  

(e)a direction under section 33 (directions in respect of failure to comply with the Code),                  

(f)notice under section 37 (refusal to approve a new fee and access plan), and                  

(g)notice under section 39 (withdrawal of approval of fee and access plan).                  

(2)But those sections do not apply to a direction that provides only for the revocation of an earlier direction (see section                        46).                  

Commencement Information

I49S. 41(1)(a) in force at 1.1.2016 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 6(f)**

I50S. 41(1)(b)(d)(2) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(j)**

#### 42Proposed notices and directions: requirement to give warning noticeE+W

(1)If HEFCW propose to give a governing body a notice or direction to which this section applies, HEFCW must give the governing                        body a warning notice.                  

(2)The warning notice must—                  

(a)set out the proposed notice or direction;                  

(b)state HEFCW's reasons for proposing to give it;                  

(c)inform the governing body that it may make representations about the proposed notice or direction;                  

(d)specify, in accordance with any provision made by regulations, the period within which, and the way in which, representations                        may be made.                  

(3)In deciding whether to give the notice or direction, HEFCW must take into account any representations made by the governing                        body in accordance with the warning notice.                  

(4)If, having taken those representations into account, HEFCW decide not to give the notice or direction, they must give the                        governing body notice of that decision.                  

Commencement Information

I51S. 42(1)(2)(a)-(c)(3)(4) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(k)**

I52S. 42(2)(d) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(o)**

I53S. 42(2)(d) in force at 1.9.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(k)**

#### 43Information to be given with notices and directionsE+W

If HEFCW give a governing body a notice or direction to which this section applies, they must at the same time give the governing                     body a statement—                  

(a)setting out HEFCW's reasons for giving the notice or direction,                  

(b)informing the governing body that it may apply for a review of the notice or direction under section 44, and                  

(c)including any other prescribed information.                  

Commencement Information

I54S. 43(a)(b) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(k)**

I55S. 43(c) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(p)**

I56S. 43(c) in force at 1.9.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(k)**

#### 44Review of notices and directionsE+W

(1)If HEFCW give a governing body a notice or direction to which this section applies, the governing body may (subject to any                        provision made as described in subsection (4)(a)) apply for a review of the notice or direction.                  

(2)A review is to be carried out by a person, or a panel of persons, appointed by the Welsh Ministers; and the Welsh Ministers                        may pay remuneration and allowances to persons appointed under this subsection.                  

(3)The Welsh Ministers must by regulations make provision in connection with reviews under this section.                  

(4)The regulations may, among other things, make provision—                  

(a)about the grounds on which an application for a review may be made;                  

(b)about the period within which, and the way in which, an application may be made;                  

(c)about the procedure to be followed by a person or panel carrying out a review;                  

(d)about steps to be taken by HEFCW following a review;                  

(e)for a notice or direction to which this section applies not to be treated as having been given until any steps specified in                        the regulations have been taken, or until any period specified in the regulations has expired.                  

Commencement Information

I57S. 44(1)(2) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(k)**

I58S. 44(3)(4) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(q)**

I59S. 44(3)(4) in force at 1.9.2015 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(k)**

### General provisions about directions given by HEFCWE+W

#### 45Directions: compliance and enforcementE+W

(1)If HEFCW give a governing body a direction under this Act, the governing body must comply with the direction.                  

(2)The direction is enforceable by injunction on the application of HEFCW.                  

(3)If requested to do so by the governing body, HEFCW must give notice to the governing body stating whether they are satisfied                        that it has complied with the direction (or with a particular requirement of the direction).                  

Commencement Information

I60S. 45 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(l)**

#### 46Directions: generalE+W

A direction given by HEFCW under this Act—

(a)must be in writing;                  

(b)may be varied or revoked by a later direction.                  

Commencement Information

I61S. 46 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(l)**

## **PART 7**E+WSUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION ABOUT FUNCTIONS OF HEFCW

### Exercise of functions by HEFCWE+W

#### 47Compatibility with charity law and governing documents of institutionsE+W

(1)Nothing in this Act confers power on HEFCW to require the governing body of an institution to do anything that is incompatible                        with—                  

(a)any legal obligation or legal restriction that applies to the governing body by virtue of the institution being a charity,                        or                  

(b)the governing documents of the institution.                  

(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), the governing documents of an institution are—                  

(a)in the case of an institution established by Royal charter—                  

(i)the institution's charter, and                  

(ii)any instrument relating to the conduct of the institution the making or amendment of which requires the approval of the Privy                        Council;                  

(b)in the case of an institution conducted by a higher education corporation, the corporation's instrument of government and                        the institution's articles of government;                  

(c)in the case of an institution conducted by a further education corporation, the corporation's instrument of government and                        articles of government;                  

(d)in the case of an institution designated under section 129 of the Education Reform Act 1988 or section 28 of the Further and                        Higher Education Act 1992, the institution's instrument of government and articles of government;                  

(e)in the case of an institution not falling within paragraphs (a) to (d) that is conducted by a company, the company's memorandum                        and articles of association.                  

Commencement Information

I62S. 47 in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(e)**

#### 48Duty to take into account importance of protecting academic freedomE+W

In exercising functions by virtue of this Act, HEFCW must take into account the importance of protecting academic freedom                     including, in particular, the freedom of institutions—                  

(a)to determine the contents of particular courses and the manner in which they are taught, supervised or assessed,                  

(b)to determine the criteria for the admission of students and to apply those criteria in particular cases, and                  

(c)to determine the criteria for the selection and appointment of academic staff and to apply those criteria in particular cases.                  

Commencement Information

I63S. 48 in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(e)**

#### 49Duty to take Welsh Ministers' guidance into accountE+W

In exercising functions by virtue of this Act, HEFCW must take into account any guidance issued by the Welsh Ministers.

Commencement Information

I64S. 49 in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(f)**

### Reports to be made by HEFCWE+W

#### 50Annual reportsE+W

(1)As soon as possible after the end of each reporting period, HEFCW must submit a report to the Welsh Ministers on how, during                        the period, HEFCW have exercised their functions by virtue of this Act.                  

(2)As soon as possible after receiving a report under subsection (1), the Welsh Ministers must lay a copy of the report before                        the National Assembly for Wales.                  

(3)The report must comply with any requirements that the Welsh Ministers may by direction to HEFCW specify.                  

(4)Those requirements may include requirements as to the form and content of the report.                  

(5)For the purposes of this section the first reporting period is the period—                  

(a)beginning with the day on which this section comes into force, and                  

(b)ending with whichever is the earlier of the anniversary of that day, and a day specified by HEFCW in notice given to the Welsh                        Ministers.                  

(6)The subsequent reporting periods are each successive period of 12 months.                  

(7)The Welsh Ministers may by direction specify requirements with which notice given as described in subsection (5) is to comply                        (including as to form and content, and the time at which it is to be given); and notice is not to be treated as having been                        given for the purposes of subsection (5) unless it complies with those requirements.                  

#### 51Special reportsE+W

(1)HEFCW must if directed to do so by the Welsh Ministers report to the Welsh Ministers on any of the following—                  

(a)compliance with section 10(1) by institutions within section 10(2) generally or by a particular institution;                  

(b)compliance with the general requirements of approved plans generally, or with the general requirements of a particular approved                        plan;                  

(c)the effectiveness of approved plans generally, or the effectiveness of a particular approved plan, in promoting equality of                        opportunity and promoting higher education;                  

(d)any other matters specified in the direction that relate to the promotion of equality of opportunity or the promotion of higher                        education;                  

(e)the quality of education provided by or on behalf of regulated institutions generally, or the quality of education provided                        by or on behalf of a particular regulated institution;                  

(f)compliance by regulated institutions generally, or by a particular regulated institution, with requirements of the Code.                  

(2)A direction under subsection (1) may specify—                  

(a)the form and content of a report made for the purposes of this section;                  

(b)when the report is to be made.                  

Commencement Information

I65S. 51(1)(a)(e)(2) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(m)**

### Other information etc to be given by HEFCWE+W

#### 52Statement in respect of intervention functionsE+W

(1)HEFCW must prepare and publish a statement setting out how they propose to exercise their intervention functions.                  

(2)HEFCW—                  

(a)must keep the statement under review;                  

(b)may revise it.                  

(3)Before publishing the statement or a revised statement, HEFCW must consult—                  

(a)the governing body of each regulated institution, and                  

(b)any other persons they think appropriate.                  

(4)Regulations may make provision about—                  

(a)the preparation of the statement (including as to its form and content);                  

(b)its publication;                  

(c)the consultation to be carried out under subsection (3).                  

(5)HEFCW's intervention functions are their functions under the following provisions—                  

(a)section 11 (compliance and reimbursement directions);                  

(b)section 13 (directions in respect of failure to comply with general requirements of approved plan);                  

(c)section 19 (directions in respect of inadequate quality);                  

(d)section 20(1) and (2) (other measures in respect of inadequate quality);                  

(e)section 33 (directions in respect of failure to comply with the Code);                  

(f)section 34(1) and (2) (other measures in respect of failure to comply with the Code);                  

(g)section 37 (refusal to approve new fee and access plan);                  

(h)sections 38 and 39 (withdrawal of approval of existing fee and access plan).                  

Commencement Information

I66S. 52(1) in force at 25.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(g)**

I67S. 52(1) in force at 1.9.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(n)**

I68S. 52(2)(3) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(o)**

I69S. 52(4) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(r)**

I70S. 52(5) in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(h)**

#### 53Information and advice to be given by HEFCW to Welsh MinistersE+W

(1)HEFCW must, if directed to do so by the Welsh Ministers, give the Welsh Ministers such information and advice relating to                        the promotion of equality of opportunity and the promotion of higher education as the Welsh Ministers may require.                  

(2)HEFCW may give the Welsh Ministers other information and advice relating to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the                        promotion of higher education.                  

Commencement Information

I71S. 53 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(p)**

#### 54Other information and adviceE+W

(1)HEFCW may—                  

(a)identify good practice relating to the promotion of equality of opportunity and the promotion of higher education, and                  

(b)give information and advice about such practice to the governing body of a regulated institution, or to the governing bodies                        of regulated institutions generally.                  

(2)In exercising its functions, the governing body of a regulated institution is to take into account any information or advice                        given by HEFCW to it, or to governing bodies generally, under subsection (1)(b).                  

(3)HEFCW may provide such other information and advice as they think appropriate having regard to (among other things) their                        functions and those of regulated institutions.                  

(4)That information and advice may (among other things) relate to—                  

(a)the powers and duties of regulated institutions;                  

(b)the organisation and management of the financial affairs of regulated institutions;                  

(c)the effect of approval of a fee and access plan.                  

Commencement Information

I72S. 54(1) in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(q)**

I73S. 54(3)(4) in force at 25.5.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 3(i)**

## **PART 8**E+WGENERAL

### 55RegulationsE+W

(1)A power to make regulations under this Act is exercisable by statutory instrument.                  

(2)A power to make regulations under this Act includes power—                  

(a)to make different provision for different purposes;                  

(b)to make incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.                  

(3)A statutory instrument containing (whether alone or with other provision) regulations within subsection (4) may not be made                        unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the National Assembly for Wales.                  

(4)The regulations within this subsection are—                  

(a)the first regulations to be made under section 2(4);                  

(b)regulations under section 3(4);                  

(c)regulations under section 4(3);                  

(d)the first regulations to be made under section 5(3);                  

(e)regulations under section 6(1);                  

(f)regulations under section 7(3);                  

(g)regulations under section 13;                  

(h)regulations under section 38(2) which amend a provision of this Act;                  

(i)regulations under section 58 which amend or repeal a provision of—                  

(i)an Act of Parliament, or                  

(ii)a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales.                  

(5)Any other statutory instrument containing regulations made under this Act is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution                        of the National Assembly for Wales.                  

### 56Directions given by Welsh MinistersE+W

A direction given by the Welsh Ministers under this Act—

(a)must be in writing;                  

(b)may be varied or revoked by a later direction.                  

### 57InterpretationE+W

(1)In this Act—                  
          -  “academic year” (“*blwyddyn academaidd*”) means a period of 12 months;                         
          -  “applicable fee limit” (“*terfyn ffioedd cymwys*”) has the meaning given in section 10;                         
          -  “approved plan” (“*cynllun a gymeradwywyd*”) has the meaning given in section 7;                         
          -  “compliance and reimbursement direction” (“*cyfarwyddyd cydymffurfio ac ad-dalu*”) has the meaning given in section 11;                         
          -  “enactment” (“*deddfiad*”) means a provision contained in any of the following—                          (a)
an Act of Parliament;
(b)
a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales;
(c)
subordinate legislation within the meaning of the Interpretation Act 1978 (including subordinate legislation made under an                                    Act of Parliament or under a Measure or Act of the National Assembly for Wales);                                 
 
          -  “equality of opportunity” (“*cyfle cyfartal*”) means equality of opportunity in connection with access to higher education;                         
          -  “excess fees” (“*ffioedd uwchlaw'r terfyn*”) has the meaning given in section 11;                         
          -  “external provider” (“*darparwr allanol*”) has the meaning given in section 17;                         
          -  “fee and access plan” (“*cynllun ffioedd a mynediad*”) has the meaning given in section 2;                         
          -  “fee limit” (“*terfyn ffioedd*”) has the meaning given in section 5;                         
          -  “fees” (“*ffioedd*”) means fees in respect of, or otherwise in connection with, undertaking a course, including admission, registration, tuition                           and graduation fees, and fees payable to an institution for awarding or accrediting any part of the course, but excluding—                          (a)
fees payable for board or lodging;
(b)
fees payable for field trips (including any tuition element of such fees);
(c)
fees payable for attending any graduation or other ceremony;
(d)
any other fees prescribed for the purposes of this section;
 
          -  “general requirements” (“*gofynion cyffredinol*”), in relation to an approved plan, is to be read in accordance with section 6;                         
          -  “governing body” (“*corff llywodraethu*”)—                          (a)
in relation to a training provider who but for this section would not be regarded as an institution, means any persons responsible                                    for the provider's management;                                 
(b)
in relation to a provider designated under section 3, means any persons responsible for the provider's management;
(c)
in relation to any other institution, has the meaning given by section 90(1) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992,                                    but subject to any provision made by virtue of section 90(2) of that Act;                                 
(d)
in relation to an external provider that is not an institution, means any persons responsible for the provider's management;
 
          -  “HEFCW” (“*CCAUC*”) means the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales;                         
          -  “higher education” (“*addysg uwch*”) means education provided by means of a course of any description mentioned in Schedule 6 to the Education Reform Act 1988;                         
          -  “inadequate” (“*annigonol*”), in relation to the quality of education or of a course, has the meaning given in section 18;                         
          -  “institution” (“*sefydliad*”) includes any training provider (whether or not the training provider would otherwise be regarded as an institution);                         
          -  “notice” (“*hysbysiad*”) means notice in writing;                         
          -  “prescribed” (“*rhagnodedig”, ”a ragnodir*”) means prescribed by regulations;                         
          -  “qualifying course” (“*cwrs cymhwysol*”) means a course prescribed under section 5;                         
          -  “qualifying person” (“*person cymhwysol*”) has the meaning given in section 5;                         
          -  “regulated course fees” (“*ffioedd cwrs rheoleiddiedig*”) has the meaning given in section 10;                         
          -  “regulated institution” (“*sefydliad rheoleiddiedig*”) has the meaning given in section 7;                         
          -  “regulations” (“*rheoliadau*”) means regulations made by the Welsh Ministers;                         
          -  “relevant academic year” (“*blwyddyn academaidd berthnasol*”), in relation to an institution to which a fee and access plan relates, has the meaning given in section 5.                         

(2)In subsection (1), “training provider” means a person who provides training for members of the school workforce (within the meaning given by section 100 of the                        Education Act 2005).                  

(3)For the purposes of this Act, references to an institution in Wales—                  

(a)are to an institution whose activities are wholly or principally carried on in Wales, and                  

(b)include the Open University.                  

### 58Consequential and transitional provision etcE+W

(1)For minor and consequential amendments, see Part 1 of the Schedule.                  

(2)For transitional provisions, see Part 2 of the Schedule.                  

(3)The Welsh Ministers may by regulations make such—                  

(a)incidental, supplementary or consequential provision, or                  

(b)transitional, transitory or saving provision,                  

as they think appropriate in consequence of, or for giving full effect to, a provision of this Act.

(4)The provision that may be made by regulations under this section includes provision amending, repealing or revoking an enactment.                  

Commencement Information

I74S. 58 partly in force; s. 58(3)(4) in force at Royal Assent, see s. 59(1)(e)

I75S. 58(1) in force at 1.9.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(r)**

I76S. 58(2) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(s)**

I77S. 58(2) in force at 1.8.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 4(a)**

I78S. 58(2) in force at 1.9.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(t)**

### 59CommencementE+W

(1)The following provisions come into force on the day on which this Act receives Royal Assent—                  

(a)Part 1;                  

(b)section 55;                  

(c)section 56;                  

(d)section 57;                  

(e)section 58(3) and (4);                  

(f)this section;                  

(g)section 60.                  

(2)The other provisions of this Act come into force on such day as the Welsh Ministers may appoint by order made by statutory                        instrument.                  

(3)An order under subsection (2) may—                  

(a)appoint different days for different purposes;                  

(b)make transitional, transitory or saving provision in connection with the coming into force of a provision of this Act.                  

### 60Short title etcE+W

(1)The short title of this Act is the Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015.                  

(2)This Act is to be included in the list of Education Acts set out in section 578 of the Education Act 1996.                  

 (introduced by section 58)

## SCHEDULEE+WCONSEQUENTIAL AND TRANSITIONAL PROVISION ETC

### **PART 1**E+WMINOR AND CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS

#### Further and Higher Education Act 1992E+W

1E+WThe Further and Higher Education Act 1992 is amended as follows.

Commencement Information

I79Sch. para. 1 in force at 1.9.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(i)**

2(1)Section 70 (assessment of quality of education provided by institutions) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (1), for “Each council” substitute “ The Higher Education Funding Council for England ”.

(3)In the title, for “Assessment” substitute “ England: assessment ”.

Commencement Information

I80Sch. para. 2 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(ii)**

3E+WIn section 83 (efficiency studies), in the second column of the table in subsection (1B), after “An institution within the                        higher education sector” insert—

4(1)Section 91 is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (5), after paragraph (a) insert—

“(aa)universities that are regulated institutions,”.                  

(3)After subsection (5) insert—

“(5A)For the purposes of subsection (5)(aa), a regulated institution is an institution to which an approved plan, within the meaning                           given in section 7 of the Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015, relates.”                  

#### Education Act 1996E+W

5E+WIn section 4 of the Education Act 1996 (schools: general), in subsection (4), at the end of paragraph (c) insert “, or 

(d)a university to which an approved plan, within the meaning given in section 7 of the Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015, relates.”                  

#### Education Act 2002E+W

6E+WIn section 140 of the Education Act 2002 (further education: general), after subsection (3) insert—

“(4)For the purposes of section 138(3), a university to which an approved plan relates is to be treated (in any case where it                           would not be so treated but for this subsection) as being a higher education institution.                  

(5)“Approved plan”, in subsection (4), has the meaning given in section 7 of the Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015.”                  

#### Higher Education Act 2004E+W

7E+WThe Higher Education Act 2004 is amended as follows.

Commencement Information

I81Sch. para. 7 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

8E+WIn section 22 (meaning of “plan” etc), in paragraph (b), for the words from “or a” to the end substitute “ is a reference to a plan approved under section 34. ”

Commencement Information

I82Sch. para. 8 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

9E+WOmit sections 27 and 28.

Commencement Information

I83Sch. para. 9 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

10(1)Section 29 (supplementary provision) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (1), omit “or 28”.

(3)In subsection (2), omit “or 28(6)”.

(4)In subsection (3)—

(a)in the words preceding paragraph (a)—

(i)for “, the Education Act 2002 or the 2005 Act” substitute “ or the Education Act 2002 ”;

(ii)for the words from “, the Assembly” to “for Wales” substitute “ or the Higher Education Funding Council for England ”;

(b)omit paragraph (b);

(c)in paragraph (c), for the words from “or 28” to “Councils” substitute “ imposed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England ”.

(5)In the title, for “28” substitute “ 26 ”.

Commencement Information

I84Sch. para. 10 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

11(1)Section 30 (meaning of “the relevant authority”) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (1), omit paragraph (b) (and the “and” preceding it).

(3)Omit subsections (2) and (3).

Commencement Information

I85Sch. para. 11 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)** (with arts. 7-9)

12E+WIn section 32 (general duties of relevant authority), omit subsection (4).

Commencement Information

I86Sch. para. 12 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)** (with arts. 7-9)

13(1)Section 33 (contents of plans) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (2), for “In relation to England, a” substitute “ A ”.

(3)Omit subsection (3).

(4)In subsection (4), omit “or (3)”.

(5)In subsection (5)—

(a)in the words preceding paragraph (a), omit “or (3)”;

(b)in paragraph (d), omit the words from “and” to the end of the paragraph.

(6)In subsection (6), omit “or (3)”.

(7)In subsection (7)—

(a)for the definition of “the higher amount” substitute—

““the higher amount” means the amount from time to time prescribed as the higher amount under section 24(6);”;                  

(b)for the definition of “qualifying course” and “qualifying person” substitute—

““qualifying course” and “qualifying person” have the same meaning as in section 24;”;                  

(c)for the definition of “regulations” substitute—

““regulations” means regulations made by the Secretary of State.”                  

Commencement Information

I87Sch. para. 13 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

14(1)Section 34 (approval of plans) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (1)(a)—

(a)after “grants” insert “ from the Higher Education Funding Council for England ”;

(b)omit “or section 86 of the 2005 Act”.

(3)In subsection (7), for the words from “made” to the end of the subsection substitute “ made by the Secretary of State ”.

Commencement Information

I88Sch. para. 14 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)** (with arts. 7-9)

15E+WIn section 35 (duration of plans), in subsection (2) omit paragraph (b) (and the “or” preceding it).

Commencement Information

I89Sch. para. 15 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)** (with arts. 8, 9)

16(1)Section 36 (variation of plans) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (1), omit “or a Welsh approved plan”.

(3)In subsection (2), omit paragraph (b) (and the “or” preceding it).

Commencement Information

I90Sch. para. 16 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)** (with arts. 7, 9)

17E+WIn section 37 (enforcement of plans), in the title omit “: England”.

Commencement Information

I91Sch. para. 17 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

18E+WOmit section 38.

Commencement Information

I92Sch. para. 18 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

19E+WIn section 39 (review of decisions)—

(a)in the words preceding paragraph (a), for “, 37(3)(b) or 38(3)(b)” substitute “ or 37(3)(b) ”;

(b)in paragraph (b), omit sub-paragraph (ii) (and the “or” preceding it);

(c)in paragraph (c), omit “or the Assembly”.

Commencement Information

I93Sch. para. 19 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)** (with arts. 7, 9)

20E+WOmit section 40A (provision of reports etc by relevant authority in relation to Wales).

Commencement Information

I94Sch. para. 20 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

21E+WIn section 41 (interpretation of Part 3), in subsection (1)—

(a)in the definition of “fees”, in paragraph (e), omit sub-paragraph (ii) (and the “or” preceding it);

(b)omit the definition of “Welsh approved plan”.

Commencement Information

I95Sch. para. 21 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iii)**

#### Education Act 2005E+W

22E+WIn Schedule 14 to the Education Act 2005 (amendments relating to the training of the school workforce), omit paragraphs 27                        to 29.

Commencement Information

I96Sch. para. 22 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(iv)**

#### Government of Wales Act 2006E+W

23E+WIn Schedule 11 to the Government of Wales Act 2006 (transitional provisions), in paragraph 35—

(a)in sub-paragraph (3), in Table 1 omit the entry relating to section 33(3)(a)(ii) of the Higher Education Act 2004;

(b)in sub-paragraph (4), in Table 2 omit the entries relating to sections 30(1)(b) and 38(2) of that Act.

Commencement Information

I97Sch. para. 23 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(v)**

#### Education Act 2011E+W

24E+WThe Education Act 2011 is amended as follows.

Commencement Information

I98Sch. para. 24 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(vi)**

25(1)Section 77 (limit on student fees: part-time courses) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)In subsection (2), at the end insert “ by regulations made by the Secretary of State ”.

(3)Omit subsection (3).

Commencement Information

I99Sch. para. 25 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(vi)**

26(1)Schedule 5 (abolition of the TDA: consequential amendments) is amended as follows.E+W

(2)Omit paragraphs 21 and 22.

(3)In paragraph 23, omit paragraphs (a) and (b).

(4)Omit paragraph 27.

Commencement Information

I100Sch. para. 26 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(s)(vi)**

### **PART 2**E+WTRANSITIONAL PROVISION

#### Plans approved under the Higher Education Act 2004E+W

27E+WParagraph 28 applies to the extent that a 2004 Act plan specifies, or provides for the determination of, a limit which is                        not to be exceeded by the fees payable by a person who is a qualifying person—

(a)in connection with the person's undertaking a course that is a qualifying course, and

(b)in respect of an academic year applicable to the course and beginning during the transitional period (a “transitional academic                        year”).

Commencement Information

I101Sch. para. 27 in force at 1.8.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 4(b)(i)**

28E+WThe plan is to be treated during the transitional period as being a fee and access plan that has been approved under section                        7, for the purposes of—

(a)section 4(4)(b);

(b)sections 10 to 12, 14, 15(1)(a) and 16;

(c)sections 17 to 23;

(d)section 24(2)(a);

(e)section 28(2);

(f)sections 51(1)(e), 52(3) and 54(1);

(g)any other enactment, whenever enacted or made, specified in regulations (an “applied enactment”).

But this is subject to any provision made under paragraph 30.

Commencement Information

I102Sch. para. 28(a)-(f) in force at 1.8.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, art. 4(b)(ii)

I103Sch. para. 28(g) in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(t)(i)**

29(1)For this purpose—E+W

(a)the plan is to be treated as having been approved under section 7 on the day on which this paragraph comes into force;

(b)the period that is the transitional period (see sub-paragraph (2)) is to be treated as being the period specified in the plan                        under section 4;

(c)the limit provided by the plan for a course and a transitional academic year is to be treated as being the applicable fee                        limit for the course and academic year in question;

(d)the institution to which the plan relates is to be treated as being a regulated institution.

(2)The transitional period is the period beginning with the coming into force of this paragraph and ending with 31 August 2017.

(3)A “2004 Act plan” is a plan approved in relation to Wales, under section 34 of the Higher Education Act 2004, before the coming                        into force of this paragraph.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5Sch. para. 29(3) modified (31.7.2015) by The Higher Education (Qualifying Courses, Qualifying Persons and Supplementary Provision) (Wales) Regulations 2015 (No. 1484), regs. 1(1), **6**

Commencement Information

I104Sch. para. 29 in force at 1.8.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 4(b)(iii)**

30(1)Regulations may make provision about the application of a provision referred to in paragraph 28(a) to (f), or an applied enactment,                        to a 2004 Act plan during the transitional period.E+W

(2)The regulations may (among other things) provide that a provision or an applied enactment—

(a)is not to apply to a 2004 Act plan during the transitional period, or

(b)is to apply with modifications.

Commencement Information

I105Sch. para. 30 in force at 20.5.2015 for specified purposes by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 2(t)(ii)**

#### Members of Quality Assessment CommitteeE+W

31(1)This paragraph applies to a person who, immediately before the coming into force of section 25, is a member of the Quality                        Assessment Committee established by HEFCW under section 70(1)(b) of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (“the old committee”).E+W

(2)On the coming into force of section 25, the person becomes a member of the committee established by HEFCW under that section                        (“the new committee”).

(3)The person's membership of the new committee is—

(a)on the same terms as the person's appointment to the old committee, and

(b)for a period equivalent to the period of that appointment which remains on the coming into force of section 25.

Commencement Information

I106Sch. para. 31 in force at 1.9.2015 by S.I. 2015/1327, **art. 5(u)**