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.
