The OIA is the designated operator of the student complaints scheme for higher education in England and Wales and is a recognised authority in developing good practice in the handling of student complaints. Since its inception in 2004 the OIA has grown significantly and earned the trust and respect of higher education providers, student organisations and Government. Since 2015, in addition to university students higher education students at Further Education colleges, Alternative Providers and providers of School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITTs) are also covered by the OIA Scheme. Following the Higher Education & Research Act 2017 there will be further expansion in the OIA’s membership in 2018.