University news

A response from Professor Sasha Roseneil, the Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sussex, to the publication of Lessons learned from the University of Sussex judicial review by the OfS  

“I warmly welcome the Office for Students’ lessons learned report and the constructive, forward-looking approach it sets out, but I regret that it falls short of a full and frank critical self-review in a number of respects.  

“Importantly, it reveals deep cultural problems within the OfS in relation to freedom of expression and internal challenge, and it is heartening to see the new leadership setting different expectations for the organisation, expectations that are more appropriate for a public institution, trusted to regulate one of the most important sectors in a democratic society. I recognise and appreciate the new leadership’s commitment to learning and change and their acknowledgement of some of the OfS’s mistakes in the Sussex case.  

“However, the report does not fully reflect the breadth or the seriousness of the High Court’s findings or all the lessons that could be learned from the case. It is also disappointing that the review missed the opportunity to engage with the University of Sussex when their lack of engagement throughout the investigation was roundly criticised by the High Court.”  

Back to news list