Our subscription model is designed to reflect the diversity of our membership and, to a lesser extent, the number of complaints about a provider, through a core subscription fee and a case-related element.
All providers pay a core subscription. For most providers this is based on student numbers (see Core subscription fee rates below for more information).
Core subscription levels are reviewed annually. The number of complaints coming to us continues to rise, and notwithstanding the efficiency gains we have made, our costs remain strongly linked to the size of our caseload. We are nonetheless very aware of the significant financial challenges facing the higher education sector. Taking these considerations into account, the Board agreed a modest increase in core subscription fee rates for 2022 of 3.0% for all types of provider.
Some providers also pay a case-related element of the subscription. “Points” are allocated to each complaint we receive, and each subscription band has a points threshold. The case-related element is payable when the number of points allocated to complaints received about the provider in the previous year exceeds the band’s points threshold. The number of points above the threshold determines the fee. The points allocated to a case are based on whether it is not eligible for us to review, or is settled or withdrawn before it goes to full review, or is fully reviewed. This maintains the vital principle that there should be no link between the outcome of eligible cases and the amount of any fee paid. In 2022 the Board agreed a small increase in the per point fee from £230 to £240 (which will affect case fees payable in 2024).
In 2022 we began a planned review of the case-related element of subscriptions, to make sure that it continues to operate as fairly as possible for all providers. We had a very positive focus group with people from a range of providers. Feedback suggests that the arrangements are broadly operating fairly but that there is a need to recognise the general increase in the volume of complaints. In light of this we plan to review the band thresholds during 2023, with any changes to be introduced for cases received in 2024 (payable in 2025).
More details of our subscriptions arrangements can be found on our website.
Core subscription fee rates for 2022 (pro-rated for providers joining the OIA Scheme part way through the year)
| Student numbers |
Band |
Core subscription fee (£)
|
Core subscription fee (£)
(HE in FE providers)
|
| Up to and including 200 students |
AA |
504 |
353 |
| 201 to 500 students |
A |
1,041 |
729 |
| 501 to 1,500 students |
B |
2,100 |
1,470 |
| 1,501 to 6,000 students |
C |
11,291 |
7,904 |
| 6,001 to 12,000 students |
D |
22,403 |
15,682 |
| 12,001 to 20,000 students |
E |
37,238 |
26,067 |
| 20,001 to 30,000 students |
F |
56,288 |
39,402 |
| 30,001 to 50,000 students |
G |
66,891 |
46,824 |
| 50,001 to 100,000 students |
H |
82,315 |
57,621 |
| More than 100,000 students |
I |
126,471 |
88,530 |
Core subscription fee rates for 2023 (pro-rated for providers joining the OIA Scheme part way through the year)
| Student numbers |
Band |
Core subscription fee (£)
|
Core subscription fee (£)
(HE in FE providers)
|
| Up to and including 200 students |
AA |
519 |
363 |
| 201 to 500 students |
A |
1,072 |
750 |
| 501 to 1,500 students |
B |
2,163 |
1,514 |
| 1,501 to 6,000 students |
C |
11,630 |
8,141 |
| 6,001 to 12,000 students |
D |
23,075 |
16,153 |
| 12,001 to 20,000 students |
E |
38,355 |
26,849 |
| 20,001 to 30,000 students |
F |
57,977 |
40,584 |
| 30,001 to 50,000 students |
G |
68,898 |
48,229 |
| 50,001 to 100,000 students |
H |
84,784 |
59,349 |
| More than 100,000 students |
I |
130,265 |
91,186 |
The following providers pay a core subscription fee for 2022 of £294 (£303 in 2023):
- Providers of School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITTs)
- Providers that are brought into membership of our Scheme because their designated HE provision is franchised from another provider, and (if they are based in England) they are not on
the OfS Register
- Providers in England that are not on the OfS Register but are providing a course leading to an award of another member of our Scheme that is in England.
