Compliance

Last updated: 23 April 2025

1. Regulatory Overview

UK Higher Education Advisory operates in full compliance with applicable UK laws and regulations governing student finance advisory services, higher education guidance, and data protection. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of regulatory compliance across all aspects of our business.

2. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

UK Higher Education Advisory is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority for the provision of student finance advisory services. Our FCA registration ensures that:

  • All financial guidance provided is fair, clear, and not misleading
  • Our advisors meet the FCA's competency and training requirements
  • We maintain adequate professional indemnity insurance
  • Client funds and interests are protected at all times
  • We have robust complaints handling procedures in place

We do not provide regulated financial advice. Our services are limited to information and guidance about student finance options available through government-backed schemes such as Student Finance England.

3. Office for Students (OfS)

We work exclusively with universities and higher education providers registered with the Office for Students (OfS). This ensures that all institutions we recommend:

  • Meet the OfS's conditions of registration for quality and standards
  • Are eligible to receive public grant funding and student loan support
  • Comply with the OfS's requirements for student protection
  • Participate in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
  • Adhere to the Consumer Markets Authority (CMA) guidance for higher education

4. Data Protection Compliance

We comply fully with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Our data protection framework includes:

  • Data Protection Officer: We have a designated data protection lead responsible for ensuring compliance
  • Data Processing Records: We maintain comprehensive records of all personal data processing activities
  • Privacy Impact Assessments: We conduct assessments for all new data processing activities
  • Data Breach Procedures: We have procedures in place to detect, report, and investigate personal data breaches within the 72-hour notification requirement
  • Subject Access Requests: We process all data subject requests within the statutory 30-day timeframe

For full details, please refer to our Privacy Policy.

5. Consumer Protection

We adhere to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013. This means:

  • All services are described clearly and accurately
  • Pricing is transparent with no hidden fees
  • You have the right to cancel services within a 14-day cooling-off period
  • We do not engage in unfair commercial practices or aggressive selling techniques
  • All terms and conditions are written in plain, understandable English

6. Equality and Diversity

In accordance with the Equality Act 2010, UK Higher Education Advisory is committed to:

  • Treating all clients equally regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation
  • Making reasonable adjustments to ensure our services are accessible to people with disabilities
  • Promoting diversity and inclusion in all our operations
  • Providing training to all staff on equality and diversity obligations

7. Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

We comply with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations 2017. Our AML procedures include:

  • Customer due diligence checks where required
  • Suspicious activity monitoring and reporting to the National Crime Agency (NCA)
  • Regular staff training on AML obligations
  • Record-keeping in accordance with regulatory requirements

8. Complaints Procedure

We take all complaints seriously and have a structured process to ensure fair resolution:

  1. Initial Contact: Submit your complaint via email at info@highereduadvisory.uk or call +44 7853 935713
  2. Acknowledgement: We will acknowledge your complaint within 2 working days
  3. Investigation: A designated complaints handler will investigate your concerns thoroughly
  4. Resolution: We aim to resolve all complaints within 15 working days. Complex cases may take up to 8 weeks
  5. Escalation: If you are not satisfied with our response, you may refer your complaint to the relevant ombudsman or regulatory body

9. Whistleblowing

We encourage the reporting of any suspected wrongdoing, regulatory breaches, or unethical behaviour. Whistleblowers are protected under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, and we guarantee that no individual will face retaliation for raising genuine concerns in good faith.

10. Regulatory Contact Information

If you wish to verify our regulatory status or report concerns to the relevant authorities:

11. Continuous Improvement

We regularly review and update our compliance policies and procedures to reflect changes in legislation, regulatory guidance, and industry best practice. Our compliance framework is subject to annual internal review and periodic external audit.