June 2023
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This conference brought policymakers, regulators and stakeholders together to examine priorities for widening access to higher education and advancing equality of opportunity.
It came as the OfS consults on a new approach to regulating equality and opportunity, including additional requirements for Access and Participation Plans (APPs), and the creation of an Equality of Opportunity Risk Register (EORR).
The conference was a timely opportunity to discuss the new measures, and the impact and implementation of the EORR, as well as how sector-wide initiatives and provider-level strategies can be effectively coordinated to reduce barriers across the higher education system.
Delegates examined the new requirements and content of APPs, with discussion on:
- the design and implementation of the EORR, and how risk management can be incorporated into APPs
- developing measurable objectives based on numerical targets, and what is needed from data collection and monitoring to effectively evaluate progress
- how internal structures and governance can effectively assess and evaluate specific interventions
Further sessions assessed next steps for HEI-school collaboration and partnerships, with discussion on the priorities and challenges for schools, what potential partners want to see offered in university outreach and support, and establishing collaborative structures across lower and higher education.
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from the DfE; MOJ; The Scottish Government; and the Welsh Government.
