Improving local prosperity through pathways and participation

Our latest webinar ‘Improving local prosperity through pathways and participation’ built upon the publication of blog piece written by Chris Millward,  Director for Fair Access and Participation, The Office for Students

Coronavirus is hitting the most disadvantaged people and communities the hardest. In education, the impacts are far reaching with the loss of learning in 2020 already predicted to have reversed progress on school attainment back to that of a decade ago. Places deemed most vulnerable prior to the pandemic are bearing the brunt in terms of lost jobs and earnings, and these are areas which typically have the lowest levels of higher education participation. But at the same time, students are increasingly looking at more local options as a result of the pandemic, which might create new opportunities for universities to serve their local communities, if we can promote better pathways and progression routes, particularly to disadvantaged students. As disruption and uncertainty continue into 2021, the connection between access and participation agendas and local prosperity has arguably never been more important, or more challenging.

Hosted by Natalie Day, Head of Policy and Strategy, Sheffield Hallam University, the webinar included an opening statement from each speaker followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with the audience.

The panel included:

• Chris Millward – Director for Fair Access and Participation, The Office for Students
• Professor Karen Stanton – Vice-Chancellor, Solent University
• Dr Omar Khan – Director, TASO and Member of Civic University Network Advisory Group
• Sammy Wright – Lead Commissioner for Schools and HE, Social Mobility Commission, Vice Principal of Southmoor Academy, Sunderland
• Professor Trevor McMillan – Vice-Chancellor, Keele University

The recording is available to watch below