Universities UK Annual Conference 2021

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Overview

Universities as leaders in the economic and social recovery

This year's conference theme is Universities as leaders in the economic and social recovery and will focus on how universities can adapt to, and capitalise on, the opportunities presented by a the need for post-Covid-19 economic and social recovery.

We are pleased to be hosting this year's conference in-person at Northumbria University.

The conference will be held on Wednesday 8 - Thursday 9 September 2021. The first day of the conference, Wednesday 8 September, is open to Vice-Chancellors and Principals only, and the second day, Thursday 9 September, is open to Vice-Chancellors and Principals, alongside their senior leadership teams.

Confirmed speakers include:

Vidhya Alakeson, Chief Executive, Power to Change
Professor Bobby Duffy, Director of the Policy Institute, King's College London
Professor Dame Anne Johnson, President, The Academy of Medical Sciences
Larissa Kennedy, President, National Union of Students (NUS)
Paul Kett, Director General, Department for Education
Sam Laidlaw, Chair, National Centre for Universities and Business
Clare Marchant, Chief Executive, UCAS
Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Claire Murdoch, National Mental Health Director, NHS England
Vicky Pryce, Economist & Business Consultant
James Turner, Chief Executive, Sutton Trust
Sir Patrick Vallance, Government Chief Scientific Adviser
Emily Wheeler, Chair, Nightline

Day one

08:30

11:30

UUK Board (invitation only)

Arrival from 8am. Refreshments will be provided.

Please note this meeting is open to UUK board members only.

11:30

12:30

Optional fringe sessions

11:30

12:30

A: The role of sport in post-pandemic UK higher education

Vince Mayne, CEO, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS)

Professor Craig Mahoney, Chair, British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS)

This session will look at the vital role sport has played in a large body of university students, and how, post-pandemic, BUCS will help to provide a vehicle for re-establishing a life balance through inter university competition, our outreach work, the promotion of healthy lifestyles and much more. It also will explore the often unrecognised contributions that sport makes to university life and how this can be enhanced further as students return from September 2021.

Stage Two, Students’ Union – refreshments will be provided.

11:30

12:30

B: Higher education is the engine of social mobility: What next?

Rt Hon Justine Greening, Former Secretary of State for Education of the United Kingdom

Universities have a crucial role to play in spreading opportunity as anchor institutions within communities. Collaboration between anchor institutions allows greater progress to be made in a city or region, and ultimately will ensure opportunities are more widespread. During her time as Education Secretary, the Rt Hon Justine Greening introduced opportunity areas to facilitate greater place-based collaboration. In this session, Ms Greening will discuss her work with universities and how more place-based collaboration can drive levelling up across the UK.

Upper Hall, Sport Central – refreshments will be provided.

12:00

13:00

Registration and lunch

Sport Central/Exhibitor Hall, Northumberland Rd

13:00

15:00

Plenary sessions

Domain, Students’ Union

13:00

13:15

President's Welcome

Professor Steve West CBE, President, Universities UK, and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, Bristol

13:15

14:20

What does the country need from its universities in a post-pandemic recovery?

Professor Dame Anne Johnson, President, The Academy of Medical Sciences
Sam Laidlaw, Chair, National Centre for Universities and Business
Sir Patrick Vallance, Government Chief Scientific Adviser
Vidhya Alakeson, Chief Executive, Power to Change
Chair: Professor Steve West CBE, President, Universities UK, and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, Bristol

Recent political and global events have resulted in significant challenges and opportunities for the higher education sector, both short and long term. As the country rebuilds and sectors reset from the Covid-19 pandemic, we will discuss how higher education manages funding uncertainties in the next spending review, the continued impact of Brexit, and prepare for future global events. This panel discussion will address how we can maximise the impact of universities and best demonstrate our contribution to recovery and growth regionally, nationally and globally.

14:20

14:30

Ministerial address

Amanda Solloway MP, Minister for Science, Research and Innovation

Please note this address will be pre-recorded, and therefore it will not be possible for questions to be taken.

14:30

15:00

The post-pandemic economy

Vicky Pryce, Chief Economic Adviser, Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR)
Chair: Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Universities UK Vice-President (Scotland), and Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Stirling

What will the UK economy look like post pandemic? What differences can we expect to see across the UK nations and regions? What is the global pandemic economic picture which is emerging – and what does this mean for the UK? What can universities do to best meet the skills, innovation and productivity needs of the post-pandemic economy?

15:00

15:30

Refreshments and networking

Exhibitor Hall

15:30

17:15

Plenary sessions

Domain, Students’ Union

15:30

16:30

Fair access in higher education

Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, Vice-President (England and Northern Ireland), Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor, University of Hertfordshire
Clare Marchant, CEO, UCAS
James Turner, CEO, Sutton Trust
Rt Hon Justine Greening, Founder, Social Mobility Pledge and Former Secretary of State for Education
Dr Omar Khan, Director, TASO
Chair: Professor Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of St Andrews

In an evolving policy context, this session will explore challenges faced in admissions policy and practice and how we can tackle inequalities in access to higher education: The panel will explore what more can be done to address societal issues and government intervention, as well as examining the legacy of the pandemic on admissions for years to come.

16:30

16:55

The culture war on (and off) campus

Professor Bobby Duffy, Director of the Policy Institute, King's College London
Chair: Professor Paul Layzell, Principal, Royal Holloway, University of London

The session will discuss ‘culture wars’ in Britain in the context of higher education focusing on free speech on campus and navigating political discourse on universities against a backdrop of broader government priorities.

16:55

17:10

Chief Executive’s Report

Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive, Universities UK

17:10

17:15

Closing remarks

Professor Steve West CBE, President, Universities UK, and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, Bristol

17:15

18:15

An update and discussion on the USS 2020 valuation, and a look to the future for the scheme (optional)

Professor Adam Tickell, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Sussex
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive, Universities UK
Stuart McLean MBA FPMI, Head of Pensions, Universities UK

We will introduce our latest analysis of the scheme position – in particular reflecting upon the very latest updates from discussions at the Joint Negotiating Committee, from the USS Trustee and discussing the UCU position in relation to the 2020 valuation. We will look to the immediate future, and what will likely be a turbulent time for USS employers in the sector with the likely threat of Industrial Action. We will then turn our attention to the needed scheme reforms to place the scheme on a positive footing for the future, including on: lower cost and flexible options for members, exploring and developing future alternative options for providing benefits, such as Conditional Indexation, and a root and branch governance review of the scheme.

Upper Hall, Sport Central – refreshments will be provided.

19:00

20:00

Drinks reception

Habita Bar, Students’ Union

20:00

21:30

Members' dinner

Domain, Students’ Union

Speaker: Professor Michael Worton CBE, Chair, Cara (Council for At Risk Academics)

Day two

07:00

07:30

Registration for fringe meeting attendees

Sports Central

7:30

8:30

Fringe meeting: Sharing best practice in addressing challenges on sustainability

Hosted by: Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth

UUK’s work on the climate emergency has shown over the past year that there has been a diversity of institutional responses to challenges facing universities, with some examples of best practice but also areas where there is a need for additional support. This session will provide an opportunity to share experiences of addressing challenges at your institution – what has worked well, and what has worked less well. The session will be facilitated by members of UUK’s climate task and finish group.

Upper Hall, Sport Central – refreshments will be provided

08:00

09:00

Registration and refreshments

Sport Central/Exhibition Hall

9:00

10:30

Plenary sessions

Domain, Students’ Union

09:00

09:30

President's Address

Professor Steve West CBE, President, Universities UK, and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, Bristol

09:30

10:30

Political Address

Rt Hon Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of State for Education

10:30

11:00

Refreshments and networking

Exhibition Hall

11:00

11:30

The mood of the nation: UK public perceptions on the big issues of the day and what this might mean for universities

Viki Cooke, Co-founder and Chair, BritainThinks
Chair: Professor Andrew Wathey CBE, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Northumbria University

As the public begin to believe – and sincerely hope – that Covid 19 is becoming endemic, what is their mood? What are their priorities for the next few years? How supportive are they of the current government and its priorities? And what might this mean for higher education? This session will draw on BritainThinks’ own research as well as published data to provide an overview and pose some key questions for the sector to consider.

11:30

12:25

The economic impact of international students

Dr Gavan Conlon, Partner, London Economics
Nick Hillman, Director, Higher Education Policy Institute
Professor Wendy Thomson CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of London
Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education, British Council
Chair: Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool

This plenary panel discussion will look at how universities can make the case for the positive role of international students and staff within the UK’s economy and society. It will present the findings of a report commissioned by UUK and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) which assesses the economic impact of international students.

12:25

12:30

Comfort break

12:30

13:30

Breakout sessions

12:30

13:30

A: Living Black at university – The hidden experiences of Black students in student accommodation

Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director, Unite Students
Dr Nick Cartwright, Consulting Fellow, Halpin
Professor Laura Serrant OBE, Leadership Development and Inclusive Practice Specialist
Osaro Otobo, Consultant, Halpin

Both the purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) sector and university accommodation teams are predominantly led by white people, as evidenced by the lack of diversity in senior leadership teams and in professional bodies. This has led Unite Students to question how well this sector, serves the needs of Black students.

Unite Students commissioned Halpin Partnership to explore this under researched area through data, qualitative research and the voices of Black students and employees to generate practical recommendations for private PBSA providers and universities. In this session you will hear the emerging findings coming from the hidden lived experiences of Black students, the recommendations and resulting policy implications, and how this research could help influence organisations and initiatives working on tackling racial inequalities in Higher Education.

Domain, Students' Union

12:30

13:30

B: Developing sustainability literate graduates

Professor Ian White DL FREng, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Bath
Dr Alex Hope, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Law, Northumbria University and Co-Chair, UN PRME Climate and Environment Working Group
Sandra Latner, Senior Director of Sustainability & ESG Investor Engagement, Pearson
Chair: Professor Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Nottingham

Your students are the decision-makers of the future. How do you integrate sustainability throughout every curriculum so that your graduates are socially and environmentally responsible and understand the pressing need for change? What impact does this have on student engagement and progression? Our panelists will discuss how organisations can make the cultural shift to a fully integrated strategy where sustainability becomes a natural consideration in every decision. They will consider how the broader HE ecosystem can help facilitate this change.

North Court, Sport Central

12:30

13:30

C: The public perception of universities, degrees and cultural challenges impacting the sector

Diana Beech, Chief Executive, London Higher
Richard Brabner, Director, UPP Foundation
Nick Hillman, Director, Higher Education Policy Institute
Jonathan Simons, Director of Education, Public First

In July the UPP Foundation and Higher Education Policy Institute published a major new survey on public attitudes to higher education in England about the value of degrees, opinion on universities and campus culture.

Media coverage focused on the fascinating finding that public support for changes to the curriculum, such as decolonisation, depends on how they are framed and presented. The panel will delve into this finding, and many other issues, such as the value of degrees and how different groups in society perceive universities We will share the report’s segmentation analysis which shows there are six distinct opinion groups in the country and a large minority which are disengaged with universities. The panel will discuss ways in which universities can connect with all groups in society.

Upper Hall, Sport Central

13:30

14:15

Lunch and networking

Exhibitor Hall

14:15

15:15

Breakout sessions

14:15

15:15

A: Protecting universities and research while increasing international partnerships

Paul Kett, Director General for Higher Education and Further Education, Department for Education
Professor Karen Holford CBE, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor, Cranfield University
Alan Mackay, Deputy Vice-Principal International, University of Edinburgh
Chair: Professor Anthony Finkelstein CBE, President, City University and former Chief Scientific Adviser for National Security

This session will explore the long-term impact of the pandemic on teaching and learning, and lessons learnt in developing a strategic response to these implications. Discussions will include the increased use of technology, and how to make the most of this investment. What changes are short-term and what is here to stay? It will also look at responding to student feedback about how teaching and learning is delivered and how the sector can better develop and promote blended learning. The next few years will define the future of teaching and learning – what are the outstanding challenges, and what are the emerging trends?

North Court, Sport Central

14:15

15:15

B: Mentally healthy universities

Claire Murdoch, National Mental Health Director, NHS England
Emily Wheeler, Chair, Nightline and Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships, MQ
Vince Mayne, Chief Executive Officer, British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS)
Chair: Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor, Middlesex University

This panel will discuss all aspects of mental health and wellbeing that will contribute to mentally healthier universities. We will hear about the national picture from the NHS, discuss building kinder communities and changing cultures, as well as student support, interventions and evaluation.

Domain, Students’ Union

14:15

15:15

C: Teaching and Learning in a post-pandemic world

Jonathan Baldwin, Managing director, HE, Jisc
Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, Vice President Higher Education, National Union of Students
Dr Peter Bonfield OBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Westminster
Chair: Professor Elizabeth Treasure, Universities UK Vice-President (Wales), and Vice-Chancellor, Aberystwyth University

This session will explore the long-term impact of the pandemic on teaching and learning, and lessons learnt in developing a strategic response to these implications. Discussions will include the increased use of technology, and how to make the most of this investment. What changes are short-term and what is here to stay? The session will pick up key themes which are being considered within an upcoming UUK publication on the topic of digital teaching and learning. It will also look at responding to student feedback about how teaching and learning is delivered and how the sector can better develop and promote blended learning. The next few years will define the future of teaching and learning – what are the outstanding challenges, and what are the emerging trends?

Upper Hall, Sport Central

14:15

15:15

D: Student Futures Commission – Preparing for September and Beyond

Richard Brabner, Director, UPP Foundation
Professor Lisa Roberts, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Exeter
Professor Mary Stuart CBE, Vice Chancellor, University of Lincoln
Professor Sir Chris Husbands, Vice Chancellor, Sheffield Hallam University
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive, Universities UK
Chair: Mary Curnock Cook CBE, Chair, Student Futures Commission

The UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission was set up in May 2021 to bring together insights and ideas from across the entire higher education sector to help students secure their successful futures – and to help universities support each other as well. The Commission will be presenting findings from its interim report, focusing on the start of the new academic year, as well as taking a longer term look at some of the key challenges facing students over the next five years.

Stage Two, Students’ Union

15:15

15:45

Refreshments and networking

Exhibitor Hall

15:45

16:30

The role of universities in tackling climate change

Larissa Kennedy, President, NUS
Professor Paul Monks, Chief Scientific Advisor, Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
Chair: Professor Judith Petts CBE, Vice-Chancellor, University of Plymouth

Climate change is the defining global issue of our time. Are universities doing enough to combat this global challenge? This session will look at all areas of sustainability, from greener campuses and digital study to internationalisation strategies and the role of research. How do university leaders demonstrate their commitment to making a difference, what actions do students expect from their university, and has Covid-19 forced behaviour change that we should look to continue for the sake of the planet?

Domain, Students’ Union

16:30

16:35

Closing remarks

Professor Steve West CBE, President, Universities UK, and Vice-Chancellor, University of the West of England, Bristol

How to book

If you are a member (Vice-Chancellor/Principal) booking a place for both days of the conference or letting us know you cannot attend, please book here.

If you are a member of your university's senior leadership team booking a place to join day two of the conference, please book here.

If you have any queries, please contact us at [email protected], or call us at 07500 441505.

Tickets are £285 for both members and senior leadership. For members, this covers both days, for senior leadership it covers day two. We are pleased to be able to offer a discounted rate for bookings of £950 for institutions who wish to book a place for their Vice-Chancellor/Principal and three other senior leadership team places at the conference. If you wish to do this, please email [email protected].

FAQs

Q: Our VC/Principal cannot attend Day One (September 8) – can we send a deputy instead?

A: Yes, if they cannot attend personally, we will accept a Deputy being booked in their place.

Q: Where is this event taking place?

A: The conference is taking place at Northumbria's City Campus. Sessions will be held at Sport Central, and the dinner on the first day will be held at the Student Union.

Q: Is it the same price if our VC/Principal can only attend Day One?

A: Yes, it is the same price – however, if they can only attend day one, you are allowed to send a deputy free of charge in their place for Day Two. Please email [email protected] if that is the case.

Q: How do I take advantage of the £950 group booking discount?

A: Please book your VC/Principal on this link, and the three members of your Senior Leadership Team on this link, selecting pay by invoice for all bookings. Please then send an email to [email protected] indicating that you have made a group booking, and we will process the discount. Please note that the booking system will automatically provide confirmation emails stating the cost is £285 per place, however the invoice you receive from us will confirm the total cost of £950. Please email us at [email protected] if you require any help or guidance.

Q: Can more than one representative from our university attend Day One / the dinner on September 8?

A: No, only one representative from your institution can attend Day One / the dinner. This is either your VC/Principal or a suitable replacement if they are unavailable.

Q: What should I do if the VC/Principal cannot attend and we cannot send a replacement?

A: Please complete the members' registration form and click on the Price Category option to select 'I am unable to attend or send a senior representative in my place'. Please select this option and fill in your VC's details so that we can acknowledge your institution's status.

Q: Can I attend this event virtually?

A: This conference is an in-person only event.

Q: What accommodation do you recommend?

A: Please find recommendations from our host institution below.

Accommodation

Motel One Newcastle

Motel One Newcastle is a 15-minute walk from Northumbria Sports Central, where the conference will be held. They are delighted to offer the following delegate rates:

Single occupancy: £59p/n (accommodation only) / £68.50p/n (B&B)
Double occupancy: £74p/n (accommodation only) / £93p/n (B&B)

Delegates can book by calling the hotel at 0191 211 1090 and quoting “UNICON2021” to get the above rate and make a reservation.

Staybridge Suites Newcastle

Staybridge Suites Newcastle is a 17-minute walk from Northumbria University Sport Central, where the conference will be held. They are delighted to offer the following delegate rate:

Delegate rate = £99p/n B&B

Delegates can book by calling the hotel at 0191 238 7008 or emailing [email protected] and quoting "UNI".

If you have any questions about accommodation, please email [email protected].

Travel

Northumbria University's Sports Central is easily accessible, situated in the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne.

By rail: The station you need to arrive at is Newcastle Central Station, which is a 10-minute car journey / 20-minute walk from Northumbria University.

By road: Road travel, by coach or car, is particularly easy as Newcastle stands on the premier north-south route in the UK. The postcode for Sports Central is NE1 8ST.

By air: Newcastle has its own international airport operating both domestic and international flights to cities including London, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Aberdeen, Dublin, Belfast, Southampton, Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Prague, Dubai and Copenhagen.

Latest Covid-19 guidance for events

We are planning for the conference to take place in-person, however this will be subject to the latest UK Government Covid-19 guidance. If it is necessary to make alternative arrangements we will advise you at the earliest opportunity. The conference will take place in a Covid-secure way, with all government and public health guidance adhered to. Any delegates who are unable to attend due to a positive Covid-19 test or needing to self-isolate will be refunded.

In partnership with:

BibliU

https://bibliu.com/

Jisc

https://www.jisc.ac.uk/

Pearson

https://www.pearson.com/uk/educators/higher-education-educators.html

Studiosity

https://www.studiosity.com/

Unite Students

https://www.unitestudents.com/

UPP

https://www.upp-ltd.com/

Epigeum

https://www.epigeum.com/

Universities UK Annual Conference 2021

These are past events

Overview

Day one

Day two

How to book

FAQs

Overview

Day one

UUK Board (invitation only)

Optional fringe sessions

​A: The role of sport in post-pandemic UK higher education

​B: Higher education is the engine of social mobility: What next?

Registration and lunch

Plenary sessions

​President's Welcome

What does the country need from its universities in a post-pandemic recovery?

Ministerial address

The post-pandemic economy

Refreshments and networking

Plenary sessions

Fair access in higher education

The culture war on (and off) campus

Chief Executive’s Report

​Closing remarks

An update and discussion on the USS 2020 valuation, and a look to the future for the scheme (optional)

​Drinks reception

Members' dinner

Day two

Registration for fringe meeting attendees

Fringe meeting: ​Sharing best practice in addressing challenges on sustainability

Registration and refreshments

Plenary sessions

President's Address

​Political Address

Refreshments and networking

The mood of the nation: UK public perceptions on the big issues of the day and what this might mean for universities

The economic impact of international students

Comfort break

Breakout sessions

A: Living Black at university – The hidden experiences of Black students in student accommodation

B: Developing sustainability literate graduates

C: The public perception of universities, degrees and cultural challenges impacting the sector

Lunch and networking

Breakout sessions

A: Protecting universities and research while increasing international partnerships

​B: Mentally healthy universities

C: Teaching and Learning in a post-pandemic world

D: Student Futures Commission – Preparing for September and Beyond

​Refreshments and networking

​The role of universities in tackling climate change

​Closing remarks

How to book

FAQs

In partnership with:

BibliU

Jisc

Pearson

Studiosity

Unite Students

UPP

Sponsored by:

Epigeum

Stay up to date with our work

A: The role of sport in post-pandemic UK higher education

B: Higher education is the engine of social mobility: What next?

President's Welcome

Closing remarks

Drinks reception

Fringe meeting: Sharing best practice in addressing challenges on sustainability

Political Address

B: Mentally healthy universities

Refreshments and networking

The role of universities in tackling climate change

Closing remarks