Proposed new name for University of Central Lancashire

A consultation is underway on a proposed new name for University of Central Lancashire.

University of Central Lancashire is registered with the Office for Students and has applied to change its name to ‘University of Lancashire.’

An open letter invites views on whether the proposed new name is, or has the potential to be, confusing or misleading.

The OfS has the power to approve the use of the word ‘university’ in a registered higher education provider’s name under section 77 of the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 and section 39 of the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998.

Professor Graham Baldwin, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire, said: “The University of Central Lancashire has applied to change its name to ‘University of Lancashire’.

‘’The term ‘Central Lancashire’ is a central government construct from the 1980s which is now largely obsolete with little or no current relevance or meaning. Also, given the University now has a significant campus and wider presence in the east of the county and elsewhere, the term is now also both factually inaccurate and misleading.

‘’Further, the University is now one of the largest universities in the North-West and Lancashire’s largest provider of graduate-level qualifications. The University is an established civic pillar across the county and an important member of several pan[1]Lancashire partnerships and works with both public and private sector organisations on various matters affecting the county.”

The consultation closes at noon on 22 February 2024.

Please submit your response by completing the online form at:

https://survey.officeforstudents.org.uk/s/N576GL/

You can also call 0117 931 7305 or email regulation@officeforstudents.org.uk.