Commentary on Sections of the Act Part 7 – Supplementary provision about functions of HEFCW Section 51 – Special reports
141.Section 51 is similar to section 40A(2) of the Higher Education Act 2004. It requires HEFCW to provide a special report to the Welsh Ministers when directed to so do.
142.The Welsh Ministers might wish to receive a special report regarding the extent to which the governing body of an institution is complying with the fee limits set out in its approved plan or the quality of education provided at an institution (perhaps where concerns have been raised in relation to a particular institution). Equally, the Welsh Ministers might, given HEFCW’s evaluation functions under section 15, wish to receive a report on the effectiveness of approved plans generally in promoting equality of opportunity in connection with access to higher education and in promoting higher education.