Commentary on Sections and Schedules Supplementary
58.Section 40 provides that HEFCE or TTA will be required to provide information to the Director if requested, and likewise the Director will have to provide information to HEFCE and TTA at their request.
59.Schedule 5 sets out detailed arrangements regarding the Director of Fair Access. It contains detailed provisions regarding the arrangements for his appointment and dismissal. These include provision that the appointment is to be for no more than three years at a time, and provision conferring on him the power to appoint staff. It also gives the Secretary of State power to fund the Director, and requires the Director to keep proper accounts.
60.The Schedule also requires the Director to provide the Secretary of State with an annual report on how the Director has performed his functions. The Secretary of State must lay a copy of the report before Parliament. The Director must then publish the report. Special reports can also be required from the Director by the Secretary of State, dealing with matters related to access to higher education. For instance, a report could be requested asking for an overview of the effect of plans on widening participation over a specified period.