Professor Diana Beech appointed to Office for Students’ newly formed Public Affairs Committee

Professor Diana Beech, Director of the Finsbury Institute at City St George’s, University of London, has been appointed to the newly established Public Affairs Committee of the Office for Students (OfS).

She will join a panel of experts in advising England’s independent regulator for higher education on the public affairs environment in which it is operating.

The appointment comes at a time of significant challenge in the sector, with universities facing a complex financial and political landscape and growing scrutiny.

Professor Beech brings extensive expertise in higher education policy, politics and public affairs to the role.

She is the Associate Vice-President for Policy and Government Affairs at City St George’s, having previously held the role of Chief Executive of London Higher, which engages with its member institutions, government and London stakeholders to advocate for higher education in the capital.

Previously, she was a policy adviser to three UK Universities and Science Ministers, Head of Government Affairs at the University of Warwick and the first Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).

Commenting on her appointment, Professor Beech said:

I’m pleased to be joining the OfS public affairs panel at a moment when the regulator entering a new phase of its evolution with new leadership.

I hope to be able to offer constructive guidance on how the OfS can rebuild cross-party credibility, as well as strengthen confidence and trust across the higher education sector at a time of considerable uncertainty.

The panel also presents an important opportunity to bring my understanding of political dynamics and public sentiment to bear, helping the regulator anticipate how its decisions are likely to be received beyond the sector itself.

As higher education navigates a difficult period financially and politically, it is vital that regulation is informed not only by policy intent but by a clear grasp of the wider political and public environment in which universities operate.

Josh Fleming, Director of Strategy and Delivery at the OfS, said:

The Public Affairs Committee helps the Office for Students to navigate the wider higher education public policy environment our regulation operates in. Ultimately, it supports us in our mission to deliver exemplary regulation in the interests of students.

I look forward to working with Diana and the rest of the committee as we establish its ways of working over the coming months.

Professor Beech’s recent research has called on universities to be clear-eyed about their need to adapt to a changing political landscape, including engaging with parties from across the spectrum.

The Finsbury Institute is the City of London’s dedicated policy hub. As Director, Professor Beech works to strengthen understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education through evidence-informed research, policy engagement and public dialogue.

Her appointment to the Public Affairs Committee further reinforces the Institute’s role in contributing expertise to discussions shaping the future of the sector.

The Public Affairs Committee held its first meeting in May and will continue to provide advice and insight to the OfS Board as it navigates a rapidly evolving higher education landscape.