Lynne Neagle MS, Cabinet Secretary for Education
This week marks a key milestone for the Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, Wales’ first ever national steward for the whole tertiary education and research sector.
The Commission will be responsible for the funding, oversight and quality of the tertiary education sector. It will take a system-wide view, shaping a new structure and system that better supports our learners throughout their lives to have the knowledge and skills to succeed. It will also secure providers that are strong, independent and diverse, making significant contributions to national well-being and prosperity.
I am pleased to inform Members that yesterday I made the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Commencement No. 4 and Transitory and Transitional Provisions) Order 2024. This Order provides for the dissolution of the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) and enables the Commission to become operational on 1 August 2024. I would like to this opportunity to personally thank HEFCW for their dedication to the Higher Education sector for over 30 years. Their commitment, support and guidance during this time has played a vital role to institutions right across Wales.
The Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 makes provision for a registration system and associated regulatory arrangements which will provide the framework for regulatory oversight of providers of higher education in Wales.
The Order makes provision, so that whilst the registration system is being established the Commission can continue to operate the existing regulatory regime, as provided for under the Higher Education (Wales) Act 2015, so as to ensure continuity of regulation and a smooth transition for the tertiary education sector.
I have also today made the regulations voted on in plenary yesterday, namely the Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2024 and the Digital Government (Welsh Bodies) Regulations 2024.
As we look to the future, our priorities for the tertiary education sector are clear, and I look forward to the Commission responding to my Statement of Priorities later this year.