government's policy changes there was considerable opening up of higher education to more private providers, leading questions to be raised about the efficacy of the quality assurance system. It was thought by many opinion formers and academics that the 'burden' of review needed to be adjusted according to the 'risk' posed by a particular institution. There was an appetite for established universities to be subject to a lighter touch than further education colleges or new private providers. In 2012 the Science and Technology Committee of the House of Lords, after considering the working of QAA, concluded that it was still not fit for purpose because its reviews were based on a 'threshold level' of standards that 'allowed no assessment of quality above that threshold' (paragraph 124) and that more needed to be done to improve quality (paragraph 125). The report recommended that QAA should involve employers in the development of subject benchmark statements and in the quality assurance of standards (paragraphs 130-132). Accordingly, in parallel with its recently introduced 'educational oversight' review methods, QAA developed Higher Education Review, which accommodated more flexibility and was applicable to all institutions subscribing to QAA (recognised and listed bodies). Regulatory reform and designation in England In 2017, the passing of the Higher Education and Research Act created a new regulatory framework for higher education in England, which included a “Designated Quality Body” (DQB). In February 2018, following Department for Education consultation in which 98% of respondents endorsed QAA, the Office for Students recommended QAA's appointment as DQB in England. In addition to this role, QAA continued to maintain UK-wide responsibilities, including the UK Quality Code, subject benchmarks and review of UK transnational education (TNE). References External links Access to HE Enhancement Themes Higher education authorities Higher education organisations based in the United Kingdom Organisations based in Gloucestershire Oversight and watchdog organizations Quality assurance organizations 1997 establishments in the United Kingdom