The Wonkhe Show Efficiency, EDI, speed
Jun 5, 2025
This week features Jess Lister, Director at Public First, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe SUs, and Rille Raaper, Associate Professor at Durham University. They dive into the challenges facing UK higher education, including a critical review of the three-year degree model and its toll on student wellbeing. The discussion also highlights the need for collaboration among universities and explores the implications of Research England's new EDI action plan in tackling equity and diversity in research. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation!
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Unclear Collaboration Vision
- Universities UK's report stresses collaboration over competition to improve financial pressures in higher education.
- However, the notion of 'collaboration' lacks clarity and student involvement is notably absent in the report.
Shared Services Benefit Students
- Shared back-office services and collaboration are recognized as necessary but have been difficult to implement.
- There's potential to enhance student experience through shared services like libraries or sports facilities.
Risks of Managing Cold Spots
- 'Cold spots' in subject provision lack clear data, risking managed decline of vulnerable disciplines.
- Collaboration often comes from positions of weakness, not strength, risking unequal partnerships.