The Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education

Cc: Ms K Worsey HE Policy & Funding Welsh Assembly Government
HEFCW / QAA
Secretary & Academic Registrar University of Wales Lampeter
Interim Vice Chancellor University of Wales Lampeter
Senior Vice Chancellor Federal University of Wales

Initial Evidence to the Pathfinder Project

University of Wales Lampeter & the Federal University of Wales

Addendum III to letter dated 26th November 2008

University Commissioner/Ombudsman Structure

To clarify the situation, the University Commissioner should act in the national interests of students as vulnerable consumers and have national oversight of compliance with student complaints procedures. They would also regulate the charitable activities of Universities in the interests of students under the Charity Act 2006.

The University Commissioner should be independent of government, funding councils, and universities. They would manage and supervise a national network of University Ombudsman.

All universities would have a campus Ombudsman to ensure compliance with procedures and facilitate local resolution. Those cases that cannot be resolved should go through to the OIA for adjudication.

The Ombudsman should liaise with the Welfare Officer and staff responsible for helping students who are having difficulties with their studies. They should be able to contact the Chair of the University Council so they can be made fully aware of any problems likely to bring the university into disrepute.

Trevor Mayes