Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Dearing (Crossbench). It was answered on Monday, 14 July 2008.

Higher Education: Office of the Independent Adjudicator

Question: My Lords, I understand the purpose of the noble Lord’s Question and the need for the body to be seen as independent. Having said that, I know from attending an international conference how very highly regarded the independence of the adjudicator is. Will the Minister confirm that students pursuing courses of higher education in colleges of further education have access to the independent adjudicator? If they do, will she ensure that those students are aware of any such right?

Answer: My Lords, I believe that that is the case, but it is still very early days for the office and we should be very encouraged by the enormously important work that it does. The organisation was led by the first independent adjudicator, the noble Baroness, Lady Deech, whom we all should congratulate on her contribution. We also welcome the new independent adjudicator, Rob Behrens, and wish him well in his role. This is not something that we take lightly. The work of the independent adjudicator is also about ensuring that institutions know how to resolve complaints locally rather than elevating them to the higher status that this body represents.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 703 c975-6
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Conflict of interests Higher education Universities Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk