Agenda

Woburn Hall

• Chair: Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, University of Greenwich 

• Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Derby & Chair, Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group 

The newly established Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group is tasked with creating practical, sector-led proposals to improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This keynote highlights the group’s strategic vision, its partnership with government, and its role in tackling barriers along the student journey and regional inequalities. 

• Chair: Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews
• Naomi Abayasekara, Policy Adviser, Universities UK
• Jon Datta, Head of University Access & Digital, The Sutton Trust
• Ben Jordan, Director of Strategy and Policy, UCAS 

This session will provide an update on Universities UK’s ongoing work on contextual admissions and the wider access agenda. While the final report is not yet published, speakers will share emerging insights and reflect on how evidence-informed approaches can shape fairer admissions practices. 

The discussion will explore the role of contextual data, transparency, and equity in admissions, and consider what more can be done to support underrepresented learners in accessing higher education.  

• Dr Omar Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO)
• Professor Dame Sally Mapstone DBE, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews

This session will explore the key questions shaping fair and effective admissions practices in higher education, exploring the research questions TASO’s UKRI Policy Fellowship will answer on contextualised admissions. The discussion will look at how universities can design and evaluate equitable admissions processes and what kinds of evidence are needed to understand what works. The session will consider how research-led approaches can drive fairer access, improve participation, and strengthen outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Choose one to attend

Woburn Hall

• Chair: Martin Edmondson, CEO, The Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services (AGCAS)
• Nasser Latif, Director of Student Achievement Services, University of Lancashire
• Professor Emmanuel Adukwu, Dean for Students, UWE Bristol
• Dr Miri Firth, Academic Lead for Assessments, Flexible Learning Programme, University of Manchester 

Strong outcomes are central to the value and reputation of higher education. This panel will examine how universities are supporting student success across the lifecycle, with a particular focus on career readiness and employability. Speakers will reflect on how institutions, employers, and students can work together to ensure that every learner leaves university equipped to succeed. 

UUK Boardroom

• Chair: Professor Antony Moss, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education & Student Experience, London South Bank University
• David Horner, Head of University Partnerships, The Brilliant Club
• Gemma Styles, Director, Higher Education Progression Partnership
• Kate Hainsworth, Associate Consultant, Yorkshire Universities 

Universities are finding creative ways to maintain and expand access amid resource pressures. This session will focus on collaborative approaches, sharing examples of successful partnerships and practical insights for replication across the sector. 

Access challenges and collaborative solutions: Regional perspectives 

Choose one to attend

Access challenges and opportunities vary by region. These breakout sessions will unpack local policy landscapes, institutional pressures, and innovative practices. A platform for regional voices and peer exchange. 

One of the sessions will be made available online, followed by online discussion facilitated by Rowan Fisher, Head of Student Experience and Skills Policy, Universities UK.

UUK Boardroom

• Chair: Sophie Ireland, Policy Adviser, Universities UK
• Emma Hall, Head of Admissions, Edge Hill University
• Kahvan Bryan, Access and Participation Manager & Natasha Mycawka, Widening Access Manager, University of Northampton

Woburn Hall

• Chair: Naomi Abayasekara, Policy Adviser, Universities UK
• Professor Bugewa Apampa, Pro-Vice Chancellor Education & Experience, University of East London
• Dr Andrew Ross, Head of Access, Recruitment and Outreach, University of Bath

Bloomsbury Room

• Chair: Dr Kirsty Conlon, Head of Learning and Teaching and Widening Access Policy, Universities Scotland
• Shona Paul, Head of Continuing and Professional Education, Glasgow School of Art
• Ester Ruskuc, Vice-Principal (Strategy) and Chief Operating Officer, University of St Andrews

• Chair: Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, University of Greenwich 

• Emily Bird, Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Universities UK
• Annie Bell, Associate Director, Public First
• Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor (SUs), WonkHE 

At a pivotal political moment, the Labour government’s Opportunity Mission presents both challenges and opportunities for the higher education sector. This session will bring together political and policy perspectives on how higher education can contribute to the mission while sustaining public trust and enhancing the sector’s reputation. 

• Gino Graziano, Interim Executive Director of Student Life, University of Southampton & Co-Vice-Chair, Forum for Access and Continuing Education
• Elliot Amadi, PhD Researcher, University of Sheffield
• Sheree Palmer, Independent Education Consultant 

As the sector looks ahead, how can universities ensure that inclusivity is embedded in everything they do? This panel will explore how institutions are supporting diverse student communities and consider what more can be done to create environments where everyone can thrive. 

• Chair: Professor Jane Harrington, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, University of Greenwich