Scrapping minimum spend on widening participation a backward step by Office for Students

Ofs decision to scrap minimum spending level for widening participation “a backward step”, says Impetus-PEF CEO. 

Commenting today on the results of the Office for Students consultation on new approaches to widening access and participation Andy Ratcliffe CEO of Impetus-PEF said:

 “I am pleased that the OfS will expect universities to set tough targets for widening participation in higher education for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. But achieving those outcomes costs money, and the decision not to set a minimum level of expenditure is a backwards step.

“Progress in this area is already too slow, and this move opens the door for universities to cut expenditure on widening participation.

“If we want universities to be for the many and not the few, the Government needs to step in and pledge to ensure vital outreach work is properly funded.”

Impetus – The Private Equity Foundation (Impetus-PEF) transforms the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by ensuring they get the right support to succeed in school, in work and in life. We find, fund and build the most promising charities working with these young people, providing core funding and working shoulder-to-shoulder with their leaders to help them become stronger organisations. In partnership with other funders we help our charities expand and we work to influence policy and decision makers so that young people get the support they need.