Part 1The Office for Students
Other registration conditions
I114Public interest governance condition
1
For the purposes of section 13(1)(b), “a public interest governance condition” in relation to a provider means a condition requiring the provider's governing documents to be consistent with the principles in the list published under this section, so far as applicable to the provider.
2
The OfS must determine and publish a list of principles applicable to the governance of English higher education providers.
3
The principles must be those that the OfS considers will help to ensure that English higher education providers perform their functions in the public interest.
4
The list may include different principles for different descriptions of English higher education providers.
5
The OfS may revise the list.
6
If the OfS revises the list, it must publish it as revised.
7
The list (as originally determined and as revised) must include the principle that academic staff at an English higher education provider have freedom within the law—
a
to question and test received wisdom, and
b
to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions,
without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges they may have at the provider.
8
Before determining or revising the list, the OfS must consult—
a
bodies representing the interests of English higher education providers which appear to the OfS to be concerned,
b
the Secretary of State, and
c
such other persons as the OfS considers appropriate.