Over a decade ago now, the move to triple university tuition fees, brought with it significant change to the higher education sector. A few years later, the removal of student number caps in England, changed it once more. Expectations of students entering the higher education market have historically shifted over this time, with the demographic of those accessing universities changing alongside.
The size, shape and challenges the sector experiences today were all put in motion by these and other policy decisions of the time. Decisions that not only changed the sector, but all of our roles as professional service staff. From how we support the ever-changing face of the students we encounter, to how we administer and facilitate their ever-changing experience of university life; developing policy challenges will continue to have an impact on our daily work.
Having a clear understanding of these policy developments; to better anticipate and prepare your reaction, in your role, at your institution and in your career is critical. In times of change however, this is emphasised.
A new Labour government has inherited a full in-tray that requires sizeable policy changes, with higher education being one of the biggest areas to tackle.
What can we expect?
We already know that a significant review of the sector is likely in the medium term, alongside the assembly of a new skills body and reform to the apprenticeship levy in the coming year. We have also been presented with the new regulatory direction of the Office for Students, headed up by a newly appointed Chair, who will preside over a long list of recommendations, he himself drew up.
While we know a little about Labour’s plans, there remains plenty of unknowns. How will the new government tackle the sector’s financial sustainability over the next 12 months; will it look to increase maintenance support for students; what exactly is next for lifelong learning provision; and how do they plan to move forward on matters of freedom of speech, having paused regulation for the upcoming year?
While a change in government may provide some hope for the sector, challenges will undoubtedly remain in the years to come. But with challenge comes opportunity; in how universities rise to meet expectations of the government and the regulator, in continuing to improve student outcomes, in prioritising the student experience and in continuing to support widening access and participation.
What does this mean for PS colleagues?
At the centre of all these ambitions, professional service staff across all manner of roles, are essential to develop the ideas, drive and implementation that proactively adapts to policy development and implementation.
This is why, ahead of the new academic year, myself and Liam Conway, Director of Governance at Hugh Baird College, have set up AHEP’s first Policy Special Interest Group. A group dedicated to understanding education policy, sharing best practice in delivery, and increasing awareness of future developments.
Our SIG will look to meet the needs of you, your service and your university; providing context, relatable advice and an informal sounding board for new ideas, frustrations and the career development opportunities associated with an ever-changing sector. The approaching years will come define the future of the sector. Only the awareness and readiness of professional service expertise will determine how forthcoming higher education policy is successfully delivered.
Ready to join the Policy SIG:
If you are interested in joining the Policy SIG, please register your interest here. We look forward to making contact and tracking policy developments in the sector together.
What’s in it for me? AHEP provides me with the networking opportunities, to pull on expertise from right across the sector in a variety of professional roles. In having those connections at my fingertips, I have been able to break out of my local familiarities and challenge my perceptions and practice with the very best in the field. AHEP has truly been the gateway to open new possibilities for me professionally.
What experiences have had an impact on your career? The events AHEP organise are second to none. In attending this year’s annual conference, I was able to join a variety of sessions that had an immediate impact on my career: from career focused ‘transition to senior leadership’ workshops to a more subject focused ‘how to react to the incoming freedom of speech legislation’ talk – the range of topics covered caters for all membership needs. The regional events also help you network and understand your local context in developing your career spirations.
What benefits have you personally found of being an AHEP member? Being offered the opportunity to set up my own Special Interest Group and present a workshop at this year’s conference, has pushed me to develop skills I wouldn’t have developed within my current role. These skills, and opportunities to connect with likeminded and varied expertise, has helped me critically evaluate my own work at my institution, to both improve practice and increase my sector presence.
The latest from AHEP:
0 comments on “Potential in Policy: Opportunities in a Changing Sector”