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Regulation

What regulation means at Medr

Regulation is how Medr helps ensure that tertiary education in Wales works fairly and reliably for learners. It provides assurance that providers meet the standards set in law and that the system operates as it should.

The way the system works is explained through Medr’s Regulatory Framework, which sets out the rules and expectations that apply across tertiary education. Alongside this, we also publish information on Fee and Access Plans and Specific Course Designation.

How the system works

The Regulatory Framework brings together the main elements Medr uses to oversee the sector.

These include:

what providers must meet to join the Register of higher education providers
the conditions that apply to providers we regulate or fund
arrangements for areas such as Fee and Access Plans and Specific Course Designation

Together, these elements help us understand whether providers are meeting their responsibilities and whether learners are being treated fairly across different types of provision.

How we regulate

Medr regulates in a way that is clear, proportionate, consistent and based on risk.

We draw on a wide range of information to understand what is happening across the sector and to identify where attention is needed.

Our work includes:

monitoring how providers meet the conditions that apply to them
talking with providers to understand their context and any emerging issues
identifying areas that may need closer attention
taking action where needed to protect learners and maintain confidence in the system

Our decisions are grounded in evidence and shaped by the potential harm to learners.

Our focus

Regulation supports a tertiary education system in many ways, for example by:

making sure teaching and learning are good quality
helping providers stay financially stable
encouraging providers to be well run and make decisions in learners’ best interests
increasing opportunities to learn through the medium of Welsh
having clear plans to support learners if courses change or are disrupted
giving learners a voice in shaping their education
helping to make sure everyone has a fair chance to access and succeed in learning
supporting the welfare of both learners and staff
ensuring prospective learners get clear and accurate information before choosing a course
making sure fees are set and applied in the right way

By regulating well, Medr helps maintain trust in tertiary education in Wales.