The Wonkhe Show

Andy Westwood, a policy expert from the University of Manchester, Emma Maslin, a senior officer at AMOSSHE focusing on student support, and Livia Scott, a partnerships coordinator at Wonkhe, discuss vital issues in Welsh higher education. They explore the implications of the Welsh government’s new funding and the alarming rise of student mental health issues. The conversation emphasizes the need for collaboration among universities and healthcare systems to enhance mental health strategies and tackle the growing regulatory burdens impacting student protection.

This week on the podcast universities failing to promote diversity will face funding cuts – so said The Times. We chat through the controversy building around the REF. Plus we look at what the sector is asking for in the spending review, and consider the government’s push for lower-level, shorter apprenticeships.With Shitij Kapur, Vice Chancellor and President at King's College London, Jess Lister, Director (Education) at Public First, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.Universities UK submits to spending reviewThe barriers that must be removed for degree apprenticeships to meet NHS workforce targetsHigher education institutions have invested time, effort and money in level 7 apprenticeshipsSocieties that are humane are thoughtful about promoting equality, diversity and inclusionPredictably bad education Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students.With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Charlotte Corrish, Head of Public Policy at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkh and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students.With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Charlotte Corrish, Head of Public Policy at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkh and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.Fairness and protection for students is coming – but not for those that need it nowShaping higher education for commuter studentsFilling their boots? The rationale for growing loss-making home student numbersHonesty and accuracy is about to get even more importantFlow - Official TrailerOIA- Student transfersAnother way of thinking about the national assessment of people, culture, and environment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alex Stanley, Vice President for Higher Education at the National Union of Students, discusses the impact of university funding cuts on student rights and experiences. Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at the Quality Assurance Agency, highlights the importance of inclusivity in campus climate. James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, shares insights on the rising challenges facing higher education, including student recruitment complexities and internationalization efforts. The trio emphasizes urgent action needed amidst governmental inaction and the implications of financial pressures.

Ben Vulliamy, Executive Director at the Association of Heads of University Administration, and Dani Payne, Senior Researcher at the Social Market Foundation, join to discuss critical issues in higher education. They tackle the government's reluctance to increase funding, the tightrope international students walk under UKVI's new attendance rules, and the rising financial hardships students face that hinder their educational pursuits. Both guests advocate for a reintroduction of maintenance grants, pondering if they could alleviate the financial stress many students endure.

This week on the podcast the government is to press on with implementing parts of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 while seeking to repeal others - we discuss what will (and should) happen next. Plus there’s a report on more resilient and sustainable higher education finances, and NEON has been looking at regional inequality in university admissions.With Richard Sykes, Partner at Mills & Reeve, Paul Greatrix, HE expert and until recently Registrar at the University of Nottingham, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.Bridget Phillipson reaffirms commitment to free speechResolving the tensions in campus culture requires leadership from withinConnect more: creating the conditions for a more resilient and sustainable HE sector in EnglandNew NEON research shows widening regional inequalities in university admission for poorer studentsWidening access needs more flexibility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Katie Jackson, the Faculty of Humanities Officer at the University of Manchester SU, Seán Keaney, Academic Officer in Ireland, Gary Hughes, CEO of Durham SU, and Matush Lukacka from Slovakia share engaging insights on student life across the Visegrad countries. They discuss impactful protests for democracy, affordable housing initiatives, and the importance of student governance. Topics like disability support and mental health provisions highlight the contrasts between student experiences in Central Europe and the UK, revealing a dynamic landscape of advocacy and change.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Matthews, a Senior Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham, and Michael Salmon, Wonkhe's News Editor, dive into the art of writing for higher education commentary. They shed light on how academic insights can connect with personal narratives and the evolving responsibilities of universities. The duo emphasizes the significance of diverse voices and inclusivity in academic discussions, sharing practical tips on navigating the editorial process and crafting compelling contributions that resonate with wider audiences.

This week on our final proper show before the break, we’ve published polling on students experience of earning while learning - is a return to “full time” study possible? Plus OfS has a new strategy, the OIA has some learning from complaints, and we look ahead to the 2025 spending review.With Shahid Omer, Director of Policy at Universities UK, Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer at London Higher, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. And keep an ear out over the break for a special edition of the show.Latest from Belong – students are earning, but what are we learning?Every student on every placement should be paid for their labourThe realities of student transferThe OIA rides to the rescue on university restructuresComplex and insufficient – Scottish student income doesn’t match the expenditureThe Office for Students’ proposed new strategy for 2025–30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast there’s budget news from both Wales and Scotland - why are governments finding it so hard to stick to commitments on student financial support? Plus OfS has temporarily “closed” its register as the financial crisis intensifies, and Radio 4’s File on Four has been looking at international recruitment.With Beccy Freeman, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at University of Warwick, Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.File on 4: The International Student ScandalWe need to look at representation ratios as well as awarding gapsHate to say we told you soIt’s time for a legislative response to student suicideAnother brutal budget in Scotland – for universities and studentsWales ditches Diamond and robs students to pay universitiesOfS temporarily closes entry to the register Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.