About OFFA

    Background

OFFA was established in the Higher Education Act 2004 as a measure to ensure that:

  • the introduction of higher tuition fees in 2006-07 does not have a detrimental effect on widening participation;
  • and that institutions are explicitly committed to increasing the participation rates of under-represented groups.

    • In October 2004 the Secretary of State wrote a guidance letter to the Director for Fair Access outlining his expectations of OFFA and access agreements.

    Mission

    Working collaboratively we promote fair access to higher education in particular for low income and other under-represented groups

    The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) is an independent, non departmental public body which aims to promote and safeguard fair access to higher education for under-represented groups in light of the introduction of variable tuition fees in 2006-07.

    OFFA is led by the Director of Fair Access, Sir Martin Harris, who reports to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS). The OFFA team comprises a Director and three full-time permanent members of staff.

    The Director of Fair Access requires all publicly funded providers of higher education in England that decide to charge tuition fees above the standard level to submit an access agreement. This agreement should set out how they will safeguard and promote fair access - in particular for students from low income groups - through bursary and other financial support and outreach work.

    OFFA’s principal duty is to regulate the charging of variable tuition fees through the approval and monitoring of access agreements. However, we also have a role in identifying and disseminating good practice and advice connected with access to higher education.

    Further information about our mission, functions and principles can be found in the OFFA Strategic Plan 2005-10.