Author Archives: bccvav

No they don’t talk like we do, do they do, la. We’ll have to learn ’em to talk propah!

Our event ‘Language, accent and Unequal Opportunity in higher education’ held on 30th April, provided both a much need exploration into the HE experience of those who speak in a regional accent and also a fantastic celebration of regional identity, accent and dialects featuring input from a host of academics and invited guest speakers. 

Unlocking Opportunity: Accessing Higher Education with a Criminal Record

Charlotte Brooks Doctoral Researcher, University of Nottingham A criminal record can be devastating, lifelong and far outweigh the harm caused by the official punishment itself. For instance, people with a criminal record can be subjected to discrimination within employment and experience challenges when accessing housing and education. Yet restricted access to opportunities and basic rightsContinue reading “Unlocking Opportunity: Accessing Higher Education with a Criminal Record”

Being PURSUE: Our Launch Event

I’ve worked in higher education for almost four years now, moving into this sector from a job in what now feels like the ‘real world’, where I was often engaging with people who were taking part in our research projects – ranging from parents being asked about their views on funding for their parent’s groupContinue reading “Being PURSUE: Our Launch Event”

Working to the Same Goals

A case study of Southampton Hub’s work at Student Hubs Sophie Ford and Fiona Walsh, Student Hubs As a charity working within the higher education sector, Student Hubs has a unique point of view on working with communities, students, and higher education colleagues to enact change. We work in partnership with five UK universities, reachingContinue reading “Working to the Same Goals”

Designing PURSUE – Our Launch Event

Sometimes I wish my note taking was a little more comprehensive and detailed. But then again 2020 came at us quickly, and 2021, so far, is doing the same. But right at the end of 2020 we had our first event – the launch of PURSUE as a network – and now, a total ofContinue reading “Designing PURSUE – Our Launch Event”

We must speak frankly, Mr Shankly

As an impassioned Liverpudlian (by this I mean ‘Kopite’/follower of Liverpool FC, rather than simply a native of my home city), it will perhaps not surprise many to hear that Bill Shankly is one of my absolute heroes.  However, the esteem that I hold ‘Shanks’ in goes far beyond his status as the man whoContinue reading “We must speak frankly, Mr Shankly”

Let them eat data: Education, widening participation and the digital divide

The Quest for Answers As an education sector we like answers, answers for everything, right or wrong. Sometimes we’re more concerned with arriving at an answer, than we are with ensuring it tackles the issue addressed by the question. Widening HE participation is led by policy that dictates which answers we provide to what questionsContinue reading “Let them eat data: Education, widening participation and the digital divide”

What’s wrong with the ‘disadvantaged’?

Exactly that – there’s nothing wrong with them. However there is a lot wrong with the term ‘disadvantaged’ and it should not be used by widening participation practitioners, and we should challenge other professionals who use this term- whether that be policy makers, politicians or educationalists. I have four main issues with the term ‘disadvantaged’:Continue reading “What’s wrong with the ‘disadvantaged’?”

Reaching Beyond the School Gate: Making University Outreach More Meaningful

I began working in university outreach back in 2012. Since then, universities have – quite rightly – been under increasing pressure to demonstrate the impact of their widening participation activities. Across the sector, the most common model of student engagement focuses on schools. We look at educational institutions that have a large proportion of studentsContinue reading “Reaching Beyond the School Gate: Making University Outreach More Meaningful”