LSBU welcomes OfS move to strengthen expectations on disability inclusion
London South Bank University (LSBU) has welcomed plans from the Office for Students (OfS) to develop a new Statement of Expectations to improve how universities support disabled students and those with mental health conditions.
The OfS announced the proposal at the Universities UK conference on 26 February 2026, highlighting the need for clearer, more consistent standards across the sector.
The proposed framework, planned for publication in early 2027, will be principle‑based and outline what the regulator expects from providers in relation to disability and mental health support.
A proactive approach to disability inclusion
LSBU’s positive response to the announcement reflects several years of work already underway at the University to strengthen disability inclusion. LSBU was one of the first institutions to sign up to the Disabled Student Commitment (DSC) and publicly publish a comprehensive action plan outlining how it will improve support in the coming years.
This proactive approach also aligns with LSBU’s longstanding global recognition for tackling inequality.
The University has consistently been ranked among the top universities in the world for reducing inequalities. Most recently, LSBU placed sixth globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings 2025, reflecting extensive work to reduce inequality, including its support for disabled students and its wider outreach and community programmes.
Professor Tony Moss, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education and Student Experience at LSBU and a member of the Department for Education’s Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group, said: “Acting early on disability inclusion has allowed us to make meaningful progress for our students. Publishing our Disabled Student Commitment action plan means our priorities are transparent and measurable and we have already seen positive improvements in outcomes for disabled students and apprentices.
“There is more to do, and we welcome the OfS’s intention to provide clearer expectations across the sector. As a senior leadership team, we understand the importance of working hand in hand with our Students’ Union and our disabled student panel, and through this, we will continue to strengthen the support and experience we offer.”
The OfS’s move builds on several years of support to sector frameworks on student mental health and disability, such as the University Mental Health Charter and the Disabled Student Commitment, as well as the establishment of the Disability in Higher Education Advisory Panel.
LSBU will continue to contribute to sector‑wide engagement as the Statement of Expectations is developed, ensuring the evolving framework supports meaningful improvements for disabled students across higher education.