The governing body of an institution may apply to the OfS for the OfS's approval of a proposed access and participation plan relating to the institution for the purposes of satisfying an access and participation plan condition.

An access and participation plan is a plan that complies with sections 30 to 32.

The OfS may, if it thinks fit, approve the plan.

The OfS may issue guidance as to the matters to which the OfS will have regard in deciding whether to approve plans.

The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision about the procedure to be followed in connection with the giving of approval under this section.

The regulations may, in particular, specify matters to which the OfS is, or is not, to have regard in making any determination relating to approval.

The regulations may require the institution to which any plan approved under this section relates to publish the plan in the manner prescribed by the regulations.