This year, PLMR hosted several events specifically dedicated to higher education (HE) in the Policy Hub, with topics ranging from post-16 skills to shaping a university settlement for students and the power of place.
We were delighted to work with the likes of Manchester Metropolitan University, the Russell Group Students’ Unions, the University of Salford, the University of Liverpool and Bournemouth University, as well as convene the Minister for Skills, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region and members of various Select Committees to be part of the discussions.
Yet despite the Labour conference fringe being busy for those in the HE sector, interestingly, it wasn’t often about it.
Having attended and been part of the fringe discussions at conference, a number of things stood out to us about HE.
1. NEETs dominated the conference while universities sat at the edge of the conversation
The statistic of the week was, unsurprisingly, that almost one million young people are not in education, employment or training. It was clear that Alan Milburn’s review is setting the direction of travel for post-16 policy.
Yet despite the historically recognised role of universities in creating work-ready graduates and supporting young people, and indeed others, into long-term employment, universities were rarely included as part of the conversation or seen as a viable solution.
The role of HE providers in addressing the NEET crisis should therefore be more prominent in discussions than it seemed to be in Liverpool. It should give the sector an opportunity to talk about its role in shaping the employability of learners and graduates, but this seemed to be missing.
2. Place is the currency, but devolution creates winners and losers
Place came up everywhere. At PLMR’s Power of Place reception, leaders from Bournemouth, Salford and Liverpool made the case for universities as anchors of regional growth, and the Minister was warm about that role.
But the more difficult conversation was about who benefits from place.
Some leaders want universities to be measured on what they give back locally rather than solely on their research, while others warn that institutions outside mayoral combined authorities could lose out if devolution becomes the main route for skills funding.
What was clear, however, was a growing recognition of the importance of civic value and the role of universities in showcasing this.
3. The funding conversation was quieter, but this isn’t the same as being resolved
For the first time in several years, financial sustainability was not the HE headline of conference. Several times, the Minister pointed to the changes on tuition fees and was clear the Government does not want to see a university fail.
At a time when courses and departments are closing and some universities are looking at mergers as a way of supporting their longevity, and not forgetting the reports of deficits for many institutions, it was surprising to have such little conversation about what is next for the sector’s financial sustainability.
What’s next?
In the months after conference, there continue to be opportunities for universities across the country to influence the Government’s thinking around post-16 education, research and innovation, and growth. With its attention firmly on the NEET crisis and securing growth in every postcode, universities should be bold in demonstrating how they not only align with these priorities, but fundamentally drive them.
Understanding your advocates and supporters, leading with messaging that will resonate with local MPs and decision-makers and being willing to actively shape solutions to complex policy challenges will position universities as credible partners to this Government and turn the tide on HE being on the fringe.