Group 7: Learner well-being and protection (Amendments 12, 13, 98, 99, 100)

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 5:19 pm on 21 June 2022.

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Photo of Laura Anne Jones Laura Anne Jones Conservative 5:19, 21 June 2022

I'd like to echo much of what the Minister has said and I'd also like to thank him for taking our original amendment forward and supporting the intentions originally set out by the Welsh Conservatives regarding learner well-being and protection.

I would like to move amendments 98, 99 and 100. Amendment 98 and its two consequential amendments have been brought forward again to reiterate Universities Wales's suggestion for the commission to be able to approve the learner protection plan with or without modifications. The commission must be able to specify requirements as a condition for approval, and it should be a matter for the governing body to determine whether to accept the modifications. It would also be for the commission to decide whether to approve or reject the plan. However, attempts to oppose modifications directly without providers' consent would seemingly risk the commission being in breach of its duty in relation to charity law, meaning the legislation is relying on provisions that are unworkable. Therefore, I stress again here at Stage 3 that the clause should be amended to remove the ability for the commission to make unilateral changes to plans. I ask Members to consider this. Thank you.