AMOSSHE shaping disability policy and the statement of expectations

I represent AMOSSHE on the Office for Students’ Disabled Students Higher Education Advisory Panel (DHEAP). Alongside other sector organisation representatives including Student Minds, NADP (National Association of Disability Practitioners) and Disabled Students UK, I’ll be advising the regulator on the development of the statement. The recommendations will vary based on feedback from members, and could influence the statement’s details, and the monitoring and data strategy that’ll support its implementation.

I’ll be advocating for an impactful and intuitive statement that doesn’t place undue financial burden on providers. Sitting on the panel is an excellent opportunity for us to directly shape English regulation of disability support.

On Thursday 2 July 2026, Suzanne Carrie (Head of Student Equality and Welfare) and Suzy Allinson (Senior Regulation Manager) from the Office for Students (OfS) delivered a workshop at our National Conference 2026. Delegates were invited to help inform different aspects of the statement of expectations. In the first half of the workshop, the OfS presented key themes that it expected to underpin the statement. The themes were:

• The existing legal duties of higher education providers for supporting disabled students.

• Staff accountability at all levels for the effective implementation of related policies and processes.

• Accessible academic practices including teaching and assessment.

• Training for all staff on disabled student support needs.

• Evaluated, data-informed approaches to disabled student support.

• Co-creation of policies and procedures with disabled students.  

• Accessible information, advice and guidance for disabled students.

• Information-sharing across institutions.

• Clear feedback and reporting processes for students.

Delegates were asked to share key challenges and considerations when implementing policies and practices related to the themes. Many shared concerns about the financial burden that the proposals will incur. Other delegates highlighted the challenges of securing senior leadership support when financial pressures have reduced staff and resources available to deliver institutional change.  

OfS colleagues acknowledged that a one-size-fits-all approach to a statement of expectations won’t work for the diverse higher education sector. Therefore, any statement it publishes will not mandate providers to register under a charter or framework.

At the end of the workshop, delegates had the opportunity to ask questions. A delegate asked whether the proposed statement of expectations would lead to a condition of registration on disability for English providers. The regulator stated that it was not their intention. In April 2025, the regulator published a statement of expectations for English providers on industrial action, and it didn’t result in regulation. However, if the higher education sector doesn’t make sufficient progress in improving disabled students’ experiences, the OfS expressed it wouldn’t rule out implementing regulation.

Over the summer, the Office for Students is continuing its consultation with the sector.

If you were unable to attend the National Conference, you can still share your views on the proposed statement. On Monday 27 July 2026, during the monthly members discussion, we’ll deliver a short presentation on the key themes the Office for Students expects the statement to cover. Attendees will then have a chance to share their views on the themes. You’ll also have opportunity to ask questions about the regulator’s intended approach to the statement of expectations.

Also, we plan to use the feedback to send a formal letter to the Office for Students in autumn 2026, outlining member suggestions for the statement, as well as any concerns or unintended consequences that may arise.

If you’re unable to attend the members monthly discussion, or if you’d prefer to share written feedback, you can also email me at [email protected]