Paul Greatrix
@registrarism.bsky.social
Experienced Higher Education professional, blogger and commentator. Personal views on higher ed stuff, rankings, regulation, #ncfc & True Crime on Campus. Also podcast: https://audioboom.com/channels/5093607-my-imaginary-university
It's the ideal source for a fun* higher education quiz *not really that much fun unless you have a thing about mottos wonderfulhighered.com/2024/05/03/u...
Universities and Their Mottos
Many universities, as they are established, naturally adopt a logo, a crest and a motto. Some of these mottos have stood the test of time. Others perhaps not so much.
wonderfulhighered.com
Hugh Jones@hbsj.bsky.social · last wk.This is a very entertaining Wikipedia page en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
New blog - Regulatory Policy Impact or Coincidence? @hepi-news.bsky.social published a blog in June from @smitajamdar.bsky.social and me about the need for some significant regulatory housekeeping at the OfS - there have now been some changes... wonderfulhighered.com/2026/07/28/r...
Regulatory Policy Impact or Coincidence?
A blog about some regulatory housekeeping in the form of long overdue updates required to the OfS Regulatory Framework was published by HEPI in June. In July, there were some very welcome changes t…
wonderfulhighered.com
A blog about some regulatory housekeeping in the form of long overdue updates required to the OfS Regulatory Framework was published by HEPI in June. In July, there were some very welcome changes to the OfS website...
Regulatory Policy Impact or Coincidence?
A blog about some regulatory housekeeping in the form of long overdue updates required to the OfS Regulatory Framework was published by HEPI in June. In July, there were some very welcome changes to the OfS website...
wonderfulhighered.com
Scorched Earth and Chainsaws New blog. With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a reduction in regulation? wonderfulhighered.com/2026/07/16/s...
Scorched Earth and Chainsaws
With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a re…
wonderfulhighered.com
Scorched Earth and Chainsaws New blog. With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a reduction in regulation? wonderfulhighered.com/2026/07/16/s...
Scorched Earth and Chainsaws
With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a re…
wonderfulhighered.com
New blog. With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a reduction in regulation? Let's hope so.
Scorched Earth and Chainsaws
With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a reduction in regulation?
wonderfulhighered.com
New blog. With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a reduction in regulation? Let's hope so.
Scorched Earth and Chainsaws
With a new Prime Minister there is plenty of speculation about what might be in store for the higher education sector. No-one knows of course but might there be some grounds for optimism about a reduction in regulation?
wonderfulhighered.com
Really pleased to launch Extenuating Circumstances, a brand new legal HE podcast. In this podcast I am in conversation with senior figures from across HE to explore some of the bigger sector legal and regulatory issues. You can sign up and listen to Ep 1 here: www.shma.co.uk/sectors/educ...
Who Signed Your Certificate? wonderfulhighered.com/2026/01/22/w...
Who Signed Your Certificate?
The award of a degree is the ultimate achievement in higher education. The lasting record of this is, of course, the degree certificate. But who signs these vital pieces of paper? There is some qui…
wonderfulhighered.com
Very pleased to launch Extenuating Circumstances, a brand new legal HE podcast hosted by me. In this podcast I am in conversation with senior figures from across HE to explore some of the bigger legal and regulatory issues. You can sign up and listen to Ep 1 here: www.shma.co.uk/sectors/educ...
Very pleased to launch Extenuating Circumstances, a brand new legal HE podcast hosted by me. In this podcast I am in conversation with senior figures from across HE to explore some of the bigger legal and regulatory issues. You can sign up and listen to Ep 1 here: www.shma.co.uk/sectors/educ...
There’s a plethora of frameworks, conditions, advice and guidance from the OfS, here @smitajamdar.bsky.social & @registrarism.bsky.social sensibly call for it to be sorted out. Reminder of how you could regulate half the HE sector, mostly through one handbook (there was PCFC too).
Higher Education Policy Institute@hepi-news.bsky.social · 2mo agoNew Post: WEEKEND READING: Housekeeping and higher education regulation www.hepi.ac.uk/2026/06/20/w...
A new blog with some observations following the launch of the CUC code of governance for higher education - watch out for all the hidden extras. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
Codifying Governance - The New CUC Code of Higher Education Governance
The revised CUC Code of Governance marks a significant development for higher education institutions. We explore the key changes, implementation challenges and what governing bodies need to consider.
shma.co.uk
Nice BBC feature on the Arts Tower at Sheffield and its very special lift However, one observation is well wide of the mark... "It also remains the tallest building on the university, and is believed to be the UK's tallest academic building" www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Sheffield Arts Tower and record-breaking lift turn 60
The Arts Tower features a paternoster lift, running on a continuous cycle while passengers access it.
bbc.co.uk
Nice BBC feature on the Arts Tower at Sheffield and its very special lift However, one observation is well wide of the mark... "It also remains the tallest building on the university, and is believed to be the UK's tallest academic building" www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
University of Sheffield Arts Tower and record-breaking lift turn 60
The Arts Tower features a paternoster lift, running on a continuous cycle while passengers access it.
bbc.co.uk
A new blog with some observations following the launch of the CUC code of governance for higher education - watch out for all the hidden extras. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
Codifying Governance - The New CUC Code of Higher Education Governance
The revised CUC Code of Governance marks a significant development for higher education institutions. We explore the key changes, implementation challenges and what governing bodies need to consider.
shma.co.uk
We need an end to the DIY regulatory framework The Office for Students Regulatory Framework is difficult to navigate, incomplete and significantly out of date. Some major housekeeping is required. And then the whole thing really does need to be overhauled. wonderfulhighered.com/2026/06/22/w...
We need an end to the DIY regulatory framework
The Office for Students Regulatory Framework is difficult to navigate, incomplete and significantly out of date. Some major housekeeping is required. And then the whole thing really does need to be…
wonderfulhighered.com
We need an end to the DIY regulatory framework The Office for Students Regulatory Framework is difficult to navigate, incomplete and significantly out of date. Some major housekeeping is required. And then the whole thing really does need to be overhauled. wonderfulhighered.com/2026/06/22/w...
We need an end to the DIY regulatory framework
The Office for Students Regulatory Framework is difficult to navigate, incomplete and significantly out of date. Some major housekeeping is required. And then the whole thing really does need to be…
wonderfulhighered.com
The Office for Students Regulatory Framework is difficult to navigate, incomplete and significantly out of date. Some major housekeeping is required. And then the whole thing really does need to be overhauled. A brief summary of an article published by HEPI.
We need an end to the DIY regulatory framework
The Office for Students Regulatory Framework is difficult to navigate, incomplete and significantly out of date. Some major housekeeping is required. And then the whole thing really does need to be overhauled.
wonderfulhighered.com
I knew that I would not be the only one who still had a copy of the CNAA Handbook!
Mike Ratcliffe@mike-rat.bsky.social · 2mo agoThere’s a plethora of frameworks, conditions, advice and guidance from the OfS, here @smitajamdar.bsky.social & @registrarism.bsky.social sensibly call for it to be sorted out. Reminder of how you could regulate half the HE sector, mostly through one handbook (there was PCFC too).
New @hepi-news.bsky.social blog - major regulatory housekeeping required at the OfS. Here @smitajamdar.bsky.social and I set out the case for some serious housekeeping at the OfS. The whole thing is a mess and requires a major spring clean to make it actually useable. www.hepi.ac.uk/2026/06/20/w...
WEEKEND READING: Housekeeping and higher education regulation - HEPI
The OfS expects clarity from universities, but does its own Regulatory Framework meet that standard? Read this analysis.
hepi.ac.uk
New regulation consultation - the DfE is consulting on the OfS’ fee charging model. This blog looks at the proposals and concludes there is no incentive under the current funding model for the OfS to reduce the regulatory burden or to drive regulatory efficiency. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
Department for Education consultation: fees charged by the Office for Students
Department for Education consultation on the Office for Students fee model: what the proposed changes mean for higher education providers and why institutions should respond before 21 July 2026.
shma.co.uk
More #highered regulation is on the way. The OfS is consulting on a new condition of registration on "treating students fairly." In this note, from @smitajamdar.bsky.social and me, we highlight the important issues and areas where we have significant concerns. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
New Office for Students Consultation: Condition C6: “Treating Students Fairly”
The Office for Students has launched a consultation on its proposed new Condition C6, ‘Treating Students Fairly’. We explore the key proposals, concerns for providers and what institutions should cons...
shma.co.uk
More #highered regulation is on the way. The OfS is consulting on a new condition of registration on "treating students fairly." In this note, from @smitajamdar.bsky.social and me, we highlight the important issues and areas where we have significant concerns. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
New Office for Students Consultation: Condition C6: “Treating Students Fairly”
The Office for Students has launched a consultation on its proposed new Condition C6, ‘Treating Students Fairly’. We explore the key proposals, concerns for providers and what institutions should cons...
shma.co.uk
'The university described her as "one of the most influential figures in modern British politics", saying the plaque celebrated both her time at Durham "and her remarkable contribution to peace and public service".'
Mo Mowlam honoured with blue plaque at Durham University
The tribute to the Labour politician, who died in 2005, is unveiled at Durham University.
bbc.co.uk
This is really important consultation on a new OfS registration condition that is likely in my view to be profoundly burdensome regulation, lead to uncertainty rather than clarity & not enhance student protection to any great degree. I hope the sector responds strongly, for whatever that is worth.
Paul Greatrix@registrarism.bsky.social · 2mo agoThe OfS is consulting on a new condition of registration which it says is necessary to ensure students are treated fairly. In this note, from @smitajamdar.bsky.social and me, we highlight the important issues and some areas where we have significant concerns. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
The OfS is consulting on a new condition of registration which it says is necessary to ensure students are treated fairly. In this note, from @smitajamdar.bsky.social and me, we highlight the important issues and some areas where we have significant concerns. www.shma.co.uk/our-thoughts...
New Office for Students Consultation: Condition C6: “Treating Students Fairly”
The Office for Students has launched a consultation on its proposed new Condition C6, ‘Treating Students Fairly’. We explore the key proposals, concerns for providers and what institutions should cons...
shma.co.uk
Some observations on the latest HEPI/ AdvanceHE student academic experience survey. The findings related to student views on freedom to express their views are striking and really do raise questions about the need for all that free speech regulation. wonderfulhighered.com/2026/06/12/i...
Is Free Speech Regulation Aiming at the Wrong Target?
HEPI and AdvanceHE have just published the latest student academic experience survey. There is much of interest in there but particularly the findings related to student views on freedom to express…
wonderfulhighered.com
Very brief review of an excellent novel set in early 20th Century New York featuring some great characters.
New York State of Mind
Ragtime by E L Doctorow Welcome to America at the turn of the twentieth century, where the rhythms of ragtime set the beat. Harry Houdini astonishes audiences with magical feats of escape, the mighty J. P. Morgan dominates the financial world and Henry Ford manufactures cars by making men into machines. Emma Goldman preaches free love and feminism, while ex-chorus girl Evelyn Nesbitt inspires a mad millionaire to murder the architect Stanford White.
proleartthreat.wordpress.com
