GuildHE

Congratulations to our Chair Professor Ken Sloan and Harper Adams University on this prestigious win for the contributions of their #FutureFarm and for trailblazing the path for industry-focused HE institutions like those who call GuildHE home ☺️. Jacqui Smith Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA Department for Education

🎉 Congratulations to our GuildHE and UKADIA members who are the recipients of The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education’s latest round of collaborative enhancement project funding (CEPs). Leeds Arts University will lead a CEP promoting flexible pathways towards work-readiness for diverse student populations. In addition, this year's CEPs will involve collaborations with Arts University Plymouth, BIMM University, BPP University, the University for the Creative Arts, and the University of Winchester. 18 projects involving 74 institutions and organisations have received an award, from over 100 applications. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eQDQBuZ8 Dr Brooke Storer-Church / Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA / Professor Ken Sloan / Rachel Persad / Sophie Hall / Professor Simone Wonnacott / Professor Paul Fieldsend-Danks / Professor Tim Jones / David Jones-Owen BSc, FCA / Professor Jane Roscoe / Sam Jones

As we prepare the GuildHE response to the Department for Education's consultation on new proposals for franchise provision, it's an opportune time to read Professor Nick Braisby's latest article for the Higher Education Policy Institute which highlights many valuable points for consideration ➡️ https://lnkd.in/g73eTF39 Dr Brooke Storer-Church / Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA / Professor Ken Sloan

GuildHE is hiring! It's an exciting time to join our brilliant team as we are evolving and growing our advocacy and membership offer to take our organisation to the next level and enhance its impact in the sector. We’re seeking an ambitious and innovative Policy Programmes Officer to support our work across our networks, development programmes, and shared services. The post is full-time, fixed term for two years, and offers great benefits, including a hybrid working model with a central office located in London, flexible working options and USS pension scheme. Salary £33,141 to £35,855. Find out more and apply with CV and cover letter by 16 February  ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gMgUzAsQ

A great read alongside your morning cuppa—another valuable contribution emphasising the need to collaborate as we work into the future! We continue to advocate this at GuildHE and are working on a programme for just that.

Fantastic to see GuildHE’s Chair Professor Ken Sloan getting important BBC News coverage about Harper Adams University’s commitment to the county: "I want our region to know we are, and will remain, Telford's and Shropshire's university.” The Harper Adams University Vice-Chancellor has reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to Shropshire’s local learners and at its bases in both Edgmond and in the centre of Telford. Professor Ken Sloan said: “Universities and higher education institutions across the country are taking difficult decisions in the light of recent and emerging financial challenges. “News of two universities ceasing face-to-face provision in Shropshire in recent times is an example of this. “As Vice-Chancellor of Harper Adams University, I support Telford MP Shaun Davies’ optimism about the future of university provision in the Borough and in the County, and the strength of provision we have across the tertiary education sector. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/exz7kSxb Dr Brooke Storer-Church / Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA / Shaun Davies MP / James Bailey / Harper Adams University, Telford

This is what we mean when we say GuildHE institutions are deeply linked to their local communities and regions, providing vocationally-focused education for today and tomorrow’s workforce.

What an exhilarating afternoon at BIMM University yesterday! From their custom-made recording studios, DJ booths, and performance spaces to their new gaming suite, they provide teaching and real-world exposure to life in the music industry (and now also the film industry through MetFilm School). Their spaces vibrated with creative energy, great music and the buzz of switched-on students—matched by a passion amongst everyone I met from staff to their CEO and Board Chairs to deliver amazing experiences and outcomes for their students. It was another opportunity to immerse myself in the deep value delivered by our #specialist institutions and a fabulous reminder of why the work we do at GuildHE to advocate on their behalf is vital work. A special thanks to the BIMM team for such a warm welcome and fun evening, including a catch-up with one of my favourite former colleagues, Richard Smith! David Jones-Owen BSc, FCA Professor Mark Hunt FRSA Keith Bartlett Professor Louise Jackson Jo Keller Fiona Tyler FCA BSc (Hons) Professor Ken Sloan Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA Jacqui Smith Department for Education Office for Students John Blake Joshua Fleming Susan Lapworth Ruth Talbot

This morning, GuildHE CEO Dr Brooke Storer-Church updates on how we're working with the Office for Students between now and August 2025. This is in response to the Higher Education Policy Institute publishing a blog today https://lnkd.in/eekwUdy5 by Lord Johnson about the recent OfS announcement to pause DAPs, university title and registration processes. The pause will be debated in the House of Lords this week on Thursday 30 January. Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA / Professor Ken Sloan / Susan Lapworth / Jo Johnson

It’s not often enough that the hard work and effort of our drama schools (and their students) are recognised in such high-profile ways. What an exciting moment for the whole Royal Academy of Dramatic Art community! We’re blessed to represent you as part of our GuildHE family and look forward to this next year, working closely with niamh dowling and Martin Prendergast. Professor Ken Sloan Sean McNamara Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA