Recommendation
2(1)This paragraph applies where the OfS has consulted in accordance with paragraph 1.
(2)The OfS must consider whether there is a body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions.
(3)If the OfS considers that there is only one body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions, the OfS must recommend that body to be designated to perform those functions.
(4)If the OfS considers that there is more than one body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions, the OfS must recommend the most appropriate body to be designated to perform those functions.
(5)“The most appropriate body” means, out of those bodies, the body whose designation the OfS considers would be most appropriate for securing the effective assessment of the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education provided by English higher education providers.
(6)If the OfS considers that there is no body that is suitable to perform the assessment functions, the OfS may not recommend a body to be designated to perform those functions.
(7)The OfS must—
(a)notify the Secretary of State of its recommendation or that no recommendation is made, and
(b)publish that notification.