Higher Education (Duty of Care) Bill

Key Points

• Establishes a statutory duty of care owed by higher education institutions to students.
• Requires institutions to take reasonable steps to safeguard students and support their health and wellbeing, including mental health considerations.
• Applies to higher education institutions and their staff involved in student welfare.
• Includes connected purposes as part of the scope of the Bill.
• Sponsored by Tim Farron (Liberal Democrat) and currently at the Commons’ 1st reading stage.

Progress

The Bill is at the very start of the legislative process, having its first reading in the Commons. It will need further readings and committee scrutiny in both Houses before any possibility of becoming law.