GuildHE

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

A great piece by Sunday Blake shining a light on how one specialist works to widen access and support belonging within its community. We know all about this because Ravensbourne University London is a member of GuildHE via UKADIA. Recognising the strength and value of specialist providers is a key priority for us this year as we work hard to champion diversity in our sector. Expect more of this type of spotlighting when we launch our new website soon!

As we wind down this Friday afternoon at GuildHE, I am impressed with my team and our members for their courage and high spirits. It’s the “can do” attitude that I value most and I’m thrilled to feel surrounded by so many who exude it when it is needed most. Thanks to everyone who made our Council meeting this week a success. Thanks to Prof Georgina Andrews and colleagues at Bath Spa University for an enthusiastic discussion earlier in the week about using GuildHE to drive them and our community towards a healthy and vibrant future. Thanks to Chair of our Board, Professor Ken Sloan, and the rest of our Board for frank, productive and supportive discussions about how we can evolve this membership body into a strong advocate for diversity in our sector. Thanks for supporting my ambition for us. We have much to do at GuildHE, but it is energising seeing the pieces starting to come together. And it is always worth taking a moment to express gratitude for those dynamics. Watch this space! Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA Rachel Persad Dana Gamble Ellen Graves Dezrika Ramsey Tara McNicholas ACIM Shoni Robertson-Finn Mark Taylor Jackie Dunne Anthony McClaran Professor Ross Renton Clare Connor Ashley Wheaton David Green Professor Simone Wonnacott Mark McGuinness Jo Stocks John Strachan Dr Esther Wilkinson

GuildHE members, have you submitted your entry yet to the brilliant new AGCAS Academic Employability Awards? GuildHE is thrilled to be a key partner and our CEO Dr Brooke Storer-Church is a member of the judging panel. These prestigious awards celebrate academics who champion outstanding employability initiatives in the higher education curriculum. The awards are organised by the Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS) in partnership with Universities UK, GuildHE and the Institute of Student Employers, along with corporate sponsors Virtual Internships. Entry to the ten awards is free of charge and nominations are being accepted until 21 February 2025. Discover more about the awards and how to enter: https://lnkd.in/e3czzQHV On the launch of the awards earlier this year Dr Brooke Storer-Church said: “We are delighted to support the establishment of a national awards programme recognising outstanding employability initiatives in higher education. GuildHE represents a large number of the UK’s most mission-driven institutions, focusing on vocational and technical higher education, and including major providers of professional study in education and community service; healthcare; agriculture, food and the built environment; business and law; and the creative arts. The new awards will not only celebrate innovation and best practice but also drive a focus on equipping graduates with the essential skills and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly changing work landscape, ultimately benefiting graduates and employers alike.”

Yesterday our Policy Officer Ellen Graves was delighted to attend a showcase of 2024 successes and the 2025 strategy launch at Morley College London. In exciting news, Dr Andrew Gower, Principal and CEO, announced a new BA in Creative Practice and renovation of the Waterloo Campus. Lifelong learning is at the heart of Morley College. With a stunning flamenco dance performance from short course students, and beautiful art, textiles and ceramic displays from FE and HE students, last night was a brilliant celebration of the diversity of students, courses and qualifications at Morley. On 22 April Dr Andrew Gower will take up his new post as Vice-Chancellor of another GuildHE member institution Bishop Grosseteste University where we are thrilled to continue working with him and support him in his ambitions for BGU. Dr Brooke Storer-Church / Professor Ken Sloan / Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA / Leisha Fullick

It's the #InternationalDayofEducation 🌎 📖 and the perfect time to check out our latest article for the Higher Education Policy Institute: ‘Rethinking the value of internationalisation in higher education’. Co-authored by GuildHE Policy Manager Dana Gamble and Dr Esther Wilkinson, Chair of the GuildHE International Network, it unpacks how building responsible and holistic international partnerships that fulfil multiple strategic objectives set up vocational and specialist institutions for strong, long-term international relationships. The article features a case study from the Royal Agricultural University – where Dr Esther Wilkinson is Director of Innovation and Learning – that demonstrates how holistic international collaborations can deliver true impact. Read the article: https://lnkd.in/egp5wQWQ Dr Brooke Storer-Church / Professor Ken Sloan / Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA

Today, we at GuildHE had the pleasure of hosting a highly insightful Council Meeting, tackling issues such as how to create impactful partnerships in transnational education and best practice. We will be taking the learning forward in our work with members and the GuildHE International Network. A huge thank you to our superb speakers Dr Esther Wilkinson, Professor John Strachan and Griff Ryan and to all our members for their excellent contributions during the event. #GuildHECouncil Dr Brooke Storer-Church / Professor Ken Sloan / Dr Kate Wicklow, FRSA / Dana Gamble