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9 Sep 2021
Insights and analysis

9 Sep 2021
Insights and analysis
Last updated on Thursday 4 Nov 2021 on 12:31pm
Professor Steve West CBE, President of Universities UK, today spoke at our Mental health conference. Speaking to colleagues in the higher education sector and beyond, he recognised the progress that has been made in improving student and staff mental health, but said that there is still significant work to be done.
Professor West emphasised the importance of looking at our entire university community – staff and students – and that promoting positive mental health needs to underpin everything a university does. However, he also stressed that improving mental health for all students and staff needs consistent support and a shared vision, from the government, the Office for Students, the NHS and universities.
Any effort to improve student and staff mental health, he says, must also acknowledge the impact of the pandemic. As restrictions have lifted and students have returned to a more normal life experience, students’ life satisfaction and wellbeing has improved – but there is still a gap between students and the wider public.
Going into more detail, he described some of the efforts we are currently making, including:
Speaking candidly, Professor West also talked about how opening up and showing vulnerability as a leader, particularly about our wellbeing, can have a powerful impact. While describing a moment of feeling powerless in the face of the pandemic he said, ‘opening ourselves up like this isn’t easy but it can have a profound impact when we feel able to do it.’
You can read the full transcript [pdf] of Professor West's speech.