March 2026 edition

As we move further into the year, a number of new developments are beginning to take shape across the sector.

With new rules on subcontracting in higher education just announced by the Office for Students, we take a look at what Condition E10 means in practice, and some of the early steps providers may already be thinking about.

Smita Jamdar

Partner and Head of Education

Alongside this, we explore a range of developments shaping the sector more broadly – from the latest changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025, to key immigration updates and what they mean for workforce planning.

We also look at how independent schools are responding to ongoing financial pressures, including whether permanent endowments could play a more active role in long-term planning.

As always, we hope this edition offers a useful snapshot of the latest developments, and what to keep an eye on in the months ahead.

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Governance after Gillies

In the wake of the Gillies report into governance failings at the University of Dundee, we examine why effective governance remains crucial for institutional resilience. This in depth piece:

• explores the cultural, structural, and regulatory challenges facing governing bodies,
• highlights common pitfalls such as ineffective scrutiny and unclear accountability, and
• sets out practical considerations for boards seeking to strengthen their oversight, culture, and strategic focus.

Read the full report to explore these insights in detail and understand what the Gillies report means for university governance going forward.

Read Report

Our latest education thoughts and insights

ICondition E10: OfS Introduces New Subcontracting Rules for Higher Education Courses

Employment Rights Act 2025 – Focus on Trade Unions

Charitable donations - Independent School Management (page 31)

Other thoughts & insights

Immigration Rule Changes March 2026: What Employers and HR Teams Need to Know

Lessons From Centore v The Charity Commission for Successful Charity Registration

Employment Rights Act 2025: What Employers Need to Know

Events and webinars

Register today

Boardroom Breach – The Critical Hours

This is a practical, immersive session designed for senior leaders who want to understand what really happens in the first hours of a cyber-attack or data breach, when decisions are made quickly, information is incomplete and the stakes are high.

Using the Polpeo crisis simulation platform, you’ll experience a live, evolving incident that responds to your decisions in real time.

Training | 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

The Employment Rights Act 2025: Critical Changes for Employers

Catch up on our latest webinar, where we discuss what is needed for a clear, practical roadmap to compliance and break down the reforms that matter most.

Watch webinar

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Updated: September 2025

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