New HEPI Report ‘A partnership accountability framework for a more resilient higher education sector’

As partnerships become an increasingly important part of higher education, universities face a growing challenge: how to expand provision while maintaining academic standards, protecting students and preserving public trust. A new HEPI Policy Note argues that the sector needs a clearer and more consistent approach to accountability before financial and regulatory pressures force change from the outside.

In A partnership accountability framework for a more resilient higher education sector (Policy Note 73), Vicki Stott, former CEO of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education, examines how the rapid growth of franchised and other partnership models is exposing weaknesses in current governance arrangements. While partnerships play a vital role in widening participation and extending educational opportunities, the report argues that too much ambiguity remains over who is responsible for key decisions, how risks should be monitored and what happens when partnerships fail. Against a backdrop of financial fragility and increased scrutiny of franchised provision, the paper makes the case that existing principles alone are no longer sufficient.

Rather than calling for more regulation, the report proposes a practical, sector-led framework to strengthen partnership governance. It outlines a model built around clear accountability, better use of data, stronger oversight throughout the partnership lifecycle and robust planning for failure and recovery. The aim is to help institutions build resilience while safeguarding academic quality, student protection and public confidence in an increasingly complex higher education landscape.

Offering practical recommendations for providers, regulators and policymakers alike, the report contributes to one of the sector’s most pressing governance debates. To read the press release and download a copy of the full report, click here.