Consumer Protection – Forthcoming Changes

As we get closer to the summer we would like to provide you with an update on some changes in the consumer protection space. Find more information below on forthcoming changes from the Office for Students (OfS), updates to the guidance on providing information to prospective students and the guidance on communicating course/module amendments.

Office for Students (OfS) and Consumer Protection

The OfS are consulting on the introduction of a new, on-going condition of registration relating to consumer protection which would apply to UCL. The proposed C6 condition will replace condition C1 and would give universities “clearer and stronger requirements to treat students fairly.” As with all the conditions of registration, any breaches may result in regulatory action.  UCL will be submitting an institutional response to the consultation with input from colleagues across the university. Read the consultation in full on the OfS consultation webpage. If you would like to contribute to the UCL consultation response, please send comments to srs-compliance@ucl.ac.uk by 22 May 2026.

Academic Manual Updates for AY 2026-27

Updates are being made to the annexes in Chapter 1 and Chapter 7 of UCL’s Academic Manual. In Chapter 1, Annex 1.5 is being updated to include details of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 and guidance on wording when producing copy for the prospectus. In Chapter 7, Annex 7.1.3, Appendix 1 is being updated with illustrative examples to provide more practical examples of changes which could occur and what steps are required for applicants, offer holders and students. These changes will be published in the new Academic Manual for AY 2026-27.

Training

To find out more about the type of information that should be provided, please complete the Students' Consumer Rights training module. You can also search for the course in Learn Upon. This training is encouraged for anyone involved with communicating with prospective students.

Hosting an event with prospective students?

Our factsheet provides a quick guide to consumer protection for all staff participating in these events.

If you have a question about information provision or potential changes to your courses/information, please send an email to srs-compliance@ucl.ac.uk

Contact email for further information: srs-compliance@ucl.ac.uk