The Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) (Amendment) Order 2025
The Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) (Amendment) Order 2025 amends the 2024 Order, extending TEC Partnership’s authorization to grant taught awards up to and including bachelor’s degree level indefinitely.
It also grants TEC Partnership the authority to delegate this power to other institutions.
The Order cites the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 as its authority and notes that no impact assessment was required as it affects neither businesses nor the public sector.
Arguments For
Increased Flexibility: Removing the time limit provides ongoing authorization, allowing for more long-term planning and stability for TEC Partnership and affiliated institutions.
Streamlined Processes: The amendment simplifies the process by eliminating the need for periodic renewals of authorization, saving administrative time and resources.
Enhanced Collaboration: Empowering TEC Partnership to authorize other institutions facilitates collaboration and expands access to higher education opportunities.
Legal Basis: The Order is made under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, providing a clear statutory basis for the changes.
Arguments Against
Lack of Review: Removing the time limit eliminates regular reviews of the authorization, potentially leading to a lack of scrutiny and accountability.
Unforeseen Circumstances: A permanent authorization might not adapt well to future changes in the higher education landscape or policy adjustments.
Potential for Abuse: The power to authorize other institutions could be susceptible to misuse or lack of oversight if not properly managed.
Resource Implications: While administrative burdens might decrease, there may be increased costs associated with ongoing monitoring and evaluating the performance of TEC Partnership and any authorized institutions.
- Citation and commencement This Order may be cited as the Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) (Amendment) Order 2025 and comes into force on 30th November 2025.
This section provides the official title of the Order and its effective date.
The Order's title is 'Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) (Amendment) Order 2025', and it takes effect on November 30, 2025.
- Variation of the Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) Order 2024 (1) The Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) Order 2024 is varied in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3). (2) For article 2, substitute— “2. TEC Partnership is authorised to grant awards of the kind mentioned in section 42(2)(a) of the said Act for taught awards up to and including bachelor’s degree level for an indefinite period.” (3) For article 3, substitute— “3. TEC Partnership may authorise other institutions to grant such awards as specified in article 2 of this Order on its behalf.”
This section modifies the 2024 Order.
Subsection (1) states that the changes are detailed in subsections (2) and (3).
Subsection (2) replaces Article 2 of the 2024 Order, extending TEC Partnership's authorization to grant bachelor's degrees indefinitely.
Subsection (3) replaces Article 3, giving TEC Partnership the power to authorize other institutions to grant awards on their behalf.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Order) This Order varies the Power to Award Degrees etc. (TEC Partnership) Order 2024 to remove the time restriction, so that TEC Partnership’s authorisation to grant taught awards up to and including bachelor’s degree level now remains for an indefinite period. TEC Partnership’s authorisation is also extended to include the power to authorise other institutions to grant such awards on its behalf. An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as it has no impact on businesses and civil society organisations. The instrument has no impact on the public sector.
This explanatory note summarizes the Order's changes.
It clarifies that the amendment removes the time limit on TEC Partnership's authorization to award degrees up to the bachelor's level, making it indefinite. Additionally, it explains that TEC Partnership can now authorize other institutions to grant these awards.
The note also states that no impact assessment was needed because the Order does not affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.