Legal & education consultancy
We help universities, colleges and independent education providers meet their legal and regulatory obligations, with practical, plain-English advice that leaders can act on.
Supporting education providers across the UK
Why Zarianab
Providers face more regulation, closer scrutiny and tighter finances than ever. We combine legal and education expertise with a practical understanding of how colleges and universities actually work.
That means advice that fits your institution, recommendations in a sensible order, and documents your teams can put to use straight away.
What we do
From registration and conditions of registration to student casework and delivery partnerships, we support the areas where providers face the most legal and regulatory risk.
OfS and Medr registration, conditions of registration, franchise oversight and regulator enquiries.
Find out moreComplaints and appeals, misconduct, harassment cases, student contracts and fair treatment.
Find out moreFranchise and validation agreements, international partnerships, agent contracts and procurement.
Find out moreWe tell you what the rules mean for you, what to do next, and in what order.
Working with us
Education horizon
A selection of the developments we are helping providers prepare for. Dates correct as of September 2026.
In force since Apr 2025
Under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 the Competition and Markets Authority can decide for itself that consumer law has been broken and impose penalties directly, without going to court. Student contracts, course information and course changes are squarely in scope.
In force since 1 Aug 2025
Registered providers must publish a single comprehensive source of information, handle cases fairly and must not restrict students from disclosing information about harassment or sexual misconduct, for example through non-disclosure agreements.
Since 28 Aug 2025
Applications to join the OfS register made from 28 August 2025 are assessed against a revised set of initial conditions, raising what applicants must evidence from the outset.
In force
Registered providers remain accountable for provision delivered by franchise and subcontract partners, including due diligence, written agreements and ongoing oversight of the student experience.
Expected autumn 2026
Proposed to replace the current consumer protection (C1) and student protection plan (C3) conditions.
In force since Feb 2025
The new procurement regime applies to contracting authorities, including many providers, bringing revised procedures and greater transparency duties for supplier and service contracts.
This summary is general information, not legal advice. Requirements differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Tell us what’s happening. We’ll listen, explain your options and suggest a clear next step.
