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As we move further into 2026, free speech continues to dominate the higher education agenda. The recent Sussex v OfS judgment has brought renewed scrutiny to the regulator’s approach, prompting important questions about clarity, proportionality, and confidence across the sector. In this edition we include Smita Jamdar’s latest commentary, exploring why the case represents a critical moment for the Office for Students, and what it could mean in practice for institutions facing an already complex regulatory environment.

Beyond this, a consistent set of challenges and opportunities is coming into sharper focus. Financial sustainability, transformation and collaboration remain front of mind as institutions respond to economic pressure and plan for the future. We share insights from the University Transformation and Efficiency Summit, where we were proud to speak alongside sector leaders on mission‑led collaboration, highlighting the importance of strategic clarity and leadership in delivering lasting change.

We also highlight our contribution to the University of East London’s latest report on financial sustainability, which looks ahead to how institutions can strengthen resilience through more effective operating models and long‑term thinking.

We hope you find these insights useful and, as always, we would be very happy to discuss any of these topics further.

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Treating Students Fairly – What to look out for in the OfS consultation on new Condition C6

What the Sussex v OfS judgment means for regulatory confidence

Smita recently shared her perspective in the Times Higher Education on the implications of the Sussex v OfS judicial review, and what it means for the higher education regulatory landscape.

The case raises urgent and practical considerations for the Office for Students, which has confirmed it does not intend to appeal the decision. It is critical that the OfS moves swiftly to review its Regulatory Framework, Regulatory Advice 24, and its overall approach to enforcement. Doing so would help provide much‑needed clarity at a time of significant regulatory uncertainty.

Universities are currently committing substantial time and resource to implementing the OfS’s expectations and we are seeing first‑hand how important it is for institutions to have confidence that this work is necessary, proportionate and grounded in a clear and lawful regulatory position. Without that assurance, effort risks being diverted away from strategic priorities and student impact.

We also hope the regulator reflects carefully on the judgment. Many of the court’s criticisms echo concerns that have been raised consistently across the sector for some time. Learning from this experience – and acting quickly – will be essential in restoring confidence and ensuring regulation supports, rather than hinders, effective leadership and good governance in higher education.

For a practical overview of what the judgement means for your institution, read our comprehensive summary of Smita’s recent webinar on managing free speech on campus.

Event round‑up: University Transformation & Efficiency

Earlier this month, we were proud to sponsor and speak at the University Transformation and Efficiency Summit 2026, in partnership with Universities UK, which brought together senior leaders, policymakers and sector partners to explore how universities are responding to financial and structural pressures.

Our colleagues Smita Jamdar, Paul Greatrix and Andrew Smith spoke on charting new territory in higher education collaboration, sharing practical insights on what effective, mission‑driven collaboration can look like beyond mergers alone.

Key themes included the importance of putting strategy before structure, understanding and managing legal and regulatory risk, and the critical role of leadership and culture in making change stick.

The summit reinforced a clear message: while the challenges facing the sector are complex, collaboration — approached thoughtfully and strategically — offers real opportunities to enhance long‑term sustainability and resilience.

It was a great opportunity to contribute to the conversation and connect with institutions grappling with these issues in practice.

Contributing to University of East London’s report on financial sustainability in higher education

We’re delighted to be involved in a new report from the University of East London that takes a hard look at the financial realities facing UK universities – and, more importantly, what institutions can do about them.

Produced in support of Universities UK’s Transformation and Efficiency Taskforce, the report explores why financial sustainability has become one of the defining strategic risks in higher education. With costs rising, international markets volatile, and regulatory demands increasing, the sector is operating in one of the most challenging environments in its history.

The report is written by Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice‑Chancellor and President of UEL, alongside sector and finance leaders – including Smita Jamdar, our head of education. Smita brings a practical, on‑the‑ground perspective shaped by years of advising universities on governance, regulation, transformation and long‑term resilience.

Rather than focusing on crisis, the report looks forward. It sets out a clear framework to help institutions strengthen their operating models by aligning efficiency, productivity, economies of scale and sustainable growth. At its heart is a simple message: resilience isn’t about size or reputation, but about organisational maturity and deliberate leadership.

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As always, we encourage you to engage with us through feedback, suggestions, and discussions. Please get in touch with any queries regarding the subjects discussed in this edition or any topics you would like to see in the future.