

Sussex fine, franchising
Mar 27, 2025
Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Jonathan Simons, Partner at Public First, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, dive into critical issues in higher education. They discuss the University of Sussex's hefty fine for free speech violations and the complexities surrounding academic freedom. The conversation then shifts to the controversial rise of franchising in education, exploring its potential pitfalls and the urgent need for reform. Insights reveal how these challenges impact student welfare and institutional accountability in a rapidly evolving landscape.
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Gaston Performance
- Vivienne Stern's son played Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.
- She proudly shared this personal highlight.
Company Acquisition
- Public First, Jonathan Simons' company, was acquired by Stonehaven.
- This acquisition made it a busy but exciting week for him.
Creative Collaboration Event
- Debbie McVitty attended a creative collaborations event at UWE Bristol.
- Despite sector challenges, she found ongoing innovation and creative thinking cheering.