Vivienne Stern

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.

Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Aaron Porter, Chair of BPP University, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, delve into the future of education in the UK. They discuss Labour's forthcoming Skills England bill and its implications for higher education. The trio examines recent challenges in regulating international student recruitment and the significance of free speech on campuses. They also highlight key points from the King's Speech, emphasizing necessary legislative shifts and collaborative efforts in adapting to the evolving labor market.

Vivienne Stern, Chief executive of Universities UK, discusses the challenges and value of universities in Britain, including Brexit, falling student numbers, strikes, and the COVID pandemic. They explore the importance of social sciences, evidence-based policy decisions, and the role of universities as collaborative spaces for research and teaching. They also touch on the financial challenges faced by universities, the role of international students, and the debate around market pressures on universities.