The Wonkhe Show

Spending review, Tooling Up, REF, students at work Jun 12, 2025

This week on the podcast we examine the government's spending review and what it means for higher education. How will the £86bn R&D commitment translate into real-terms funding, and why was higher education notably absent from the Chancellor's priorities?

Plus we discuss the Post-18 Project's call to fundamentally reshape HE policy away from market competition, the startling new REF rules, and the striking rise in student term-time working revealed by the latest Student Academic Experience Survey.

With Stephanie Harris, Director of Policy at Universities UK, Ben Vulliamy, Executive Director at the Association of Heads of University Administration, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Tooling up: Building a new economic mission for higher education

Investing for the long term often loses out to pensioner power

What’s in the spending review for higher education

The student experience is beyond breaking point

How to assess anxious, time-poor students in a mass age

REF is about institutions not individuals

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Efficiency, EDI, speed Jun 05, 2025

This week on the podcast we examine Universities UK's efficiency and transformation taskforce report. What do shared back-office services, federation models and subject cold spots tell us about the sector's financial pressures?

Plus we discuss Research England's new EDI action plan, and explore whether the UK's rapid three-year degree model is harming student wellbeing and learning outcomes.

With Rille Raaper, Associate Professor in Sociology of Higher Education at Durham University, Jess Lister, Director (Education) at Public First, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe SUs, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Our drop-out and pace miracle is harming students’ health and learning

Universities UK’s new era of collaboration

Fixing the potholes in postgraduate funding

The spending review is a critical moment for UK science and innovation

There are better politics, big ideas, and future trade-offs in Research England’s new EDI action plan

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Governance, apprenticeships, trends May 29, 2025

This week on the podcast we examine the OfS penalty imposed on Leeds Trinity over subcontractual partnerships oversight. What does the £115,000 fine and a new proposed code of “ethical” governance tell us about decision-making at the top?

Plus we discuss the government's decision to axe level 7 apprenticeships from levy funding, and explore incoming OfS chair Edward Peck's ten trends shaping the future of campus universities.

With Alex Stanley, Vice President for Higher Education at the National Union of Students, Pam Macpherson Barrett, Head of Policy and Regulation at the University of Leeds, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Poor quality teaching and student outcomes. But where?

The new OfS chair identifies ten trends

A code of ethical university governance is overdue

Should governance reform be horizontal or vertical?

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Cuts, student suicide, widening access May 22, 2025

This week on the podcast we examine the government's brutal funding cuts to universities. What does the £108m reduction in the Strategic Priorities Grant mean for higher education, and why are media studies and journalism courses losing their high-cost subject funding?

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit http://www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

Plus we discuss the independent review of student suicides, and explore new research on widening participation and regional disparities.

With Shân Wareing, Vice Chancellor at Middlesex University, Richard Brabner, Executive Chair at the UPP Foundation, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Why not take a risk-based approach to discrimination or harassment on campus?

Whatuni Student Choice Awards

For those in HE cold spots, higher education isn’t presenting as a good bet

A review of student suicides suggests that standards are now necessary

What have coroner’s reports said about student suicide?

A brutal budget for strategic priorities from the Department for Education

Why are we so embarrassed about Erasmus?

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Immigration white paper, Jacqui Smith May 15, 2025

This week on the podcast we get across the government's new immigration white paper. What does cutting the graduate route visa from two years to 18 months mean for international students and universities? Plus we examine the proposed 6 per cent levy on international student fees and tighter compliance requirements that could put some institutions at risk.

We also discuss Skills Minister Jacqui Smith’s Telegraph op-ed criticizing universities for "losing sight of their responsibility to protect public money" – are her concerns reasonable?

With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Roscoe Hastings, Director of Teaching Excellence and Student Experience at the University of Exeter, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson.

Everything in the immigration white paper for higher education

There are lots of ways to be more transparent about university finances

Lessons from innovating in our student support model

Euro visions: A playbook to fight the populists in the Netherlands

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Finances and cuts, VC pay May 08, 2025

This week on the podcast we discuss the Office for Students' financial sustainability report. What do widespread course closures and maintenance cutbacks mean for the sector's future? Plus we examine "naming and shaming" over vice-chancellor pay packages when student outcomes fall short.

With Paul Greatrix, higher education expert and former registrar at the University of Nottingham, Graeme Atherton, Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Regional Engagement at the University of West London, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

OfS continues to sound the alarm on the financial sustainability of English higher education

Plotting VC pay against OfS progression

Are there secret government bailouts?

Survey shows how the sector is cutting spending

Hard raindrops keep falling on my head

With the power of knowledge – for the world

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Dundee, student health, international May 01, 2025

This week on the podcast we discuss the financial crisis at the University of Dundee, as a revised recovery plan reduces proposed job cuts while requesting additional funding. Is this a sustainable solution for institutions facing similar challenges?

Plus we look at concerning new Wonkhe and Cibyl polling on student health, and we examine how international student policies have become political battlegrounds in global elections.

With Chris Shelley, Director of Student Experience at Queen Mary University of London, Rachel MacSween, Director of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement (UK and Europe) at IDP, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Dundee: An alternative pathway to financial recovery, Scottish Government statement

Latest from Belong – students’ health is not OK, and that’s not OK

Canada: The Deeper Meaning of Election 2025

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Portugal special Apr 25, 2025

This week on the podcast the SUs team has been on a study tour to universities in Lisbon in Portugal, and have reflections on everything from space to food, from interdisciplinarity to curriculum design and from Praxe to ribbon burning.

With Khadiza Hossein, VP Education at UWE SU, Emillia Zirker, Student Representation Officer at Lincoln SU, Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe and hosted by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Those who fight don’t always win, but those who don’t fight always lose

Students should be co-authors of their education

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Easter special Apr 09, 2025

This week on the podcast it’s our Easter special – and we’re diving into the highlights from The Secret Life of Students, our event that looked at a new vision for the student experience.

We hear from student officers, sector experts, and campaigners on everything from the myth of the full-time model, to the pressures of placements, to the problems faced by international students. There’s testimony from nursing students, fire from SU officers challenging tokenistic consultation, and reflections on race, identity, and institutional indifference. Plus we zoom out to explore commuter challenges, disabled students, student cities and the global call for student solidarity.

Hosted by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Regret, provider collapse, WP Apr 04, 2025

This week on the podcast we discuss new research on student regret, as a report from the University of Bristol reveals that while two-thirds of current undergraduates are happy with their choice of degree, it drops to less than half among recent graduates. Are improved advice and guidance really the answer?

Plus we look at the collapse of the Advanced Business Academy (ABA) and its aftermath, as an Office for Students (OfS) investigation uncovers serious concerns about student placements and course delivery. And we examine new research on widening participation “cold spots” and the stark disparities in teachers’ expectations for students based on geography and school ratings.

With Mary Curnock Cook, non-executive in education and edtech, Pete Quinn, inclusion consultant, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Sussex fine, franchising Mar 27, 2025

This week on the podcast we're discussing the Office for Students fine of £585,000 levied against the University of Sussex for breaches of free speech conditions, as vice chancellor Sasha Roseneil calls the process "Kafka-esque" and plans a legal challenge.

Plus we examine what Bridget Phillipson has called "one of the biggest financial scandals universities have faced" – franchising. Does the affair point signal a shift towards a more “planned” system?

With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Sussex fined almost £600k over free speech

\So are universities allowed to chill misogyny or not?

The franchise problem may not have a quick answer

Welcome to the walk-in degree

What is the franchising boom doing to drop-out?

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Scotland, Secret life of Students Mar 18, 2025

This week on the podcast - recorded live at our Secret Life of Students event in London - we get across the financial crisis facing universities in Scotland. Can the SNP hold its “free education” line forever?

Plus there’s clips, highlights and reflections from our Secret life of Students event in London - where we’ve been discussing student health, students at work, what students learn, student cities, the time crunch that prevents meaningful engagement and what universities can do to “make the space” to innovate in the student interest.

With Jimena Alamo, President at University of Bath Students’ Union, Mark Peace, Professor of Innovation in Education at King's College London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Additional £10m funding from the Scottish Government

Breaking out of Borgentown – the case for hope in higher education

You can’t change the design of a plane while it’s in flight

The SU University of Bath - Together we shape tomorrow

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Free speech, graduates, student finance Mar 13, 2025

This week on the podcast free speech tsar Arif Ahmed is back as the government presses ahead with the free speech act - we get across the implications.

Plus there’s new analysis on how graduates’ importance to the government’s industrial strategy, and we take a closer look at the inequalities baked into student maintenance support.

With Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at the Association of Colleges, Janice Kay, Director at Higher Futures, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Update on Freedom of Speech Act.

New analysis shows that graduates will be key to government’s industrial strategy.

Beware the great unbundling implied in the LLE.

Why do we punish low-income students for entering education?

A proper review of student maintenance is now long overdue.

How much are we paying to (for) students?

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OfS chair, employment, skills Mar 06, 2025

This week on the podcast Nottingham Trent VC Edward Peck has been confirmed as the government’s candidate for Chair of OfS. But what does his focus on “quality improvement” and engagement with governing bodies mean for the regulator’s approach—and how will his skepticism of government bailouts impact struggling institutions?

Meanwhile, as the Employment Rights Bill sees significant amendments, we unpack what proposed changes to zero-hours contracts and industrial action rules could mean for universities and students. And with the policy spotlight shifting from “knowledge” to “skills,” we’re asking—where do universities fit into the UK's economic vision?

With Brooke Storer-Church, CEO at GuildHE, Neil Mackenzie, CEO at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and hosted by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Edward Peck’s performance at the Education Committee

How R&D creates new skills and can jump start the economy

Policy change can help manage the demand for graduate knowledge and skills

The case against impartial university teaching

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New leaders, Gen-AI, Visas Feb 27, 2025

This week on the podcast UK Research and Innovation and the Office for Students both have new leadership – but what does that mean for the future of regulation, research funding, and sector confidence?

Meanwhile, a new report reveals a dramatic rise in student use of generative AI, and as speculation swirls over potential changes to post-study work visas, the sector braces for further uncertainty in international student recruitment.

With Mark Bennett, Director (Audience & Insight) at FindAUniversity, Sarah Cowan, Head of Policy (Higher Education and Research) at the British Academy,, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Preferred candidate to lead Office for Students confirmed

The UK-Ukraine 100 year partnership and its commitment to educational leadership

Boom and bust – but still whopping

The Home Office has its eyes on post-study work numbers

HEPI/Kortext AI survey shows explosive increase in the use of generative AI tools by students

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Wales cuts, mental health, regulation Feb 20, 2025

This week on the podcast the Welsh government has announced £18.5m in additional capital funding for universities - but questions remain over reserves, job cuts, competition law and student protection.

Meanwhile, new research reveals student mental health difficulties have tripled in the past seven years, and Universities UK warns that OfS’ new strategy risks expanding regulatory burden rather than focusing on priorities.

With Andy Westwood, Professor of Public Policy at the University of Manchester, Emma Maslin, Senior Policy and Research Officer at AMOSSHE, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

The government’s in a pickle over fees and funding

As the cuts rain down in Wales, whatever happened to learner protection?

Partnership and promises are not incompatible

Student mental health difficulties are on the rise, and so are inequalities

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REF people and culture, spending review, apprenticeships Feb 13, 2025

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 review

The barriers that must be removed for degree apprenticeships to meet NHS workforce targets

Higher education institutions have invested time, effort and money in level 7 apprenticeships

Societies that are humane are thoughtful about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion

Predictably bad education

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Protection, visas, commuter students Feb 06, 2025

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 now

Shaping higher education for commuter students

Filling their boots? The rationale for growing loss-making home student numbers

Honesty and accuracy is about to get even more important

Flow - Official Trailer

OIA- Student transfers

Another way of thinking about the national assessment of people, culture, and environment

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Cuts, applications, campus climate Jan 30, 2025

This week on the podcast as news of further redundancies sweeps the sector, we ask how bad things can get before the government will act or the public notice.

Plus UCAS end of cycle applications data has arrived, there’s a new report on the campus encampments, and there’s data futures news to get across.

With Alex Stanley, Vice President for Higher Education at the National Union of Students, Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at the Quality Assurance Agency, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

An early look at 2023–24 financial returns shows providers working hard to balance the books.

Lessons for leaders from the campus encampments.

UCAS End of Cycle provider data, 2024.

Data futures, reviewed.

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Funding, attendance, student hardship Jan 23, 2025

This week on the podcast Minister of State for Skills Jacqui Smith helped launch a pamphlet on whether universities are “worth it” - and was notably cold on extra money. But does she mean outlay or eventual return to the Treasury?

Plus there’s changes afoot in Scotland, UKVI is cracking down on attendance for international students and students are still feeling the pinch financially - is a return to maintenance grants a lost possibility?

With Ben Vulliamy, Executive Director at the Association of Heads of University Administration, Dani Payne, Senior Researcher at the Social Market Foundation, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Jacqui Smith rules out (much) more money while her department assesses the impacts

The Scottish government wants its own post-study work offer

A new funding body landscape emerges in Scotland

UKVI is tightening the rules on international student attendance

Higher education should lift students out of poverty – not trap them within it

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Free speech, uni finances, regional inequality Jan 16, 2025

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 speech

Resolving the tensions in campus culture requires leadership from within

Connect more: creating the conditions for a more resilient and sustainable HE sector in England

New NEON research shows widening regional inequalities in university admission for poorer students

Widening access needs more flexibility

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Visegrad special Jan 10, 2025

This week on the podcast Jim, Mack and team are on a bus around the Visegrad countries where they’ve been exploring student experience, representation and rights, discounted dorms and a set of countries where students have been leading change.

Plus Disabled Students UK has its access insights survey out, and we discuss changes to the Renter's Rights Bill.

With Katie Jackson, Faculty of Humanities Officer at the University of Manchester SU, Seán Keaney, Academic Officer at University of Limerick Student Life, Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU, Mack Marshall, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

On Day -1 of this year’s magical mystery tour around Europe and students, the team come across plenty of protests for democracy, on Day 0 of the tour we find students in the centre of both the past and the future for Hungary, on Day 1 the team put down some roots and build some belonging at camp, on the second evening the team try to work out if they have enough points for a dorm in Slovakia, and on Day 2 the team get community building and pot roasting.

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Special: Writing for Wonkhe Dec 19, 2024

In this special seasonal edition of the Wonkhe Show, we discuss how you can contribute to the higher education debate by writing for the site, the importance of communicating academic and professional insights to wider audiences, and we take you inside our editorial process - which is all about clear arguments and diverse perspectives.

With Adam Matthews, Senior Research Fellow at the School of Education at the University of Birmingham, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe.

Higher Education Policy into Practice (Online) PGCert

Writing for Wonkhe

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Students at work, transfers, spending review Dec 12, 2024

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 labour

The realities of student transfer

The OIA rides to the rescue on university restructures

Complex and insufficient – Scottish student income doesn’t match the expenditure

The Office for Students’ proposed new strategy for 2025–30

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OfS, international, Wales, Scotland Dec 05, 2024

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 Scandal

We need to look at representation ratios as well as awarding gaps

Hate to say we told you so

It’s time for a legislative response to student suicide

Another brutal budget in Scotland – for universities and students

Wales ditches Diamond and robs students to pay universities

OfS temporarily closes entry to the register

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Skills, PTES, transformation Nov 28, 2024

This week on the podcast the government is to “get Britain working” - but what role will higher education play in the plans? Plus there are big divides between international and home students in this year’s PTES, and proposals for a transformation fund to help universities change what they do and how they work.

With Shane Chowen, Editor at FE Week, Roscoe Hastings, Director of Teaching Excellence and Enhancement at University of Exeter, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, MIke Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Getting Britain Working (except for students, as usual)

How skills, careers, and industrial policy fit together

A higher education transformation fund would catalyse university reform

Another year, another PTES

World Skills

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Financial sustainability, cold spots, student housing Nov 21, 2024

This week on the podcast the sector’s financial woes continue - just how bad is it and are regulators on top of the problem? Plus there’s a new report out on subject cold spots, and student housing is back in the news.

With Gavan Conlon, leader of the Education and Labour Market teams at London Economics, Sally Burtonshaw, Director of the Education Practice at Public First, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Do we need a league table of scholars produced by Silicon Valley?

There are cold spots in arts, humanities, and social sciences provision

Is it reasonable to expect higher education institutions to be more business-like?

Governing bodies need to prepare and plan now for a different future

VAT is not always the barrier to shared services that it is thought to be

Universities need a plan to manage future HE provision. So does the government

The regulator does not have a handle on the financial state of English higher education

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Labour’s agenda, OfS, regional APPs Nov 13, 2024

This week on the podcast live from the Festival of Higher Education in London, England is grappling with Labour’s longer-term aspirations for higher education - we try to figure out what it wants. OfS wants to silence the “boomers”, regional access and participation planning is coming and we dive into the history of our venue for the festival, Senate House.

With Vicki Stott, Chief Executive Officer at the Quality Assurance Agency, Alistair Jarvis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance) at the University of London, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Alex Usher’s One Thought to Start Your Day

How to better understand students’ sense of belonging

Universities may be a priority for reform but they are not a priority for investment

Some providers are cutting financial support for students – with OfS’ blessing

Access and participation planning gains a regional dimension

Bridget Phillipson has set out the government’s priorities for HE reform

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Fees increase, efficiency, Trump Nov 07, 2024

This week on the podcast the Westminster government has announced a fee increase - but will it be enough, and can universities even impose it?

Plus the government is on a “renewed drive for efficiency” in universities, and we consider the implications of the results of the US Election.

With Brooke Storer-Church, Chief Executive Officer at GuildHE, Johnny Rich, Chief Executive at the Engineering Professors’ Council and Push, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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Budget, student finance, consumer rights Oct 31, 2024

This week on the podcast we pore over Rachel Reeves’ first budget and consider the implications for universities. We also think about students’ finances as bus fares and the minimum wage both rise. Plus OfS has been rattling its sabre on consumer rights—but is the sector taking any notice?

With Andy Westwood, Professor of Public Policy, Government and Business at the University of Manchester, Mary Curnock Cook, serial sector non-exec and former UCAS CEO, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Everything in the Budget for higher education

Student bus travel should be free

More consumer rights cases emerge from OfS and NTS

The minimum wage is going up. Will maintenance loans rise to match it?

The value of history

DfE to stop grading English schools based on proportion of Russell Group students

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Student numbers, budget, international, VC pay Oct 24, 2024

This week on the podcast student numbers are set to decline in England after 2030 - we discuss the implications. Plus rumours are swirling over next week’s budget, the TaxPayers’ Alliance has turned its attention to VC pay, and there’s a new report on international student perceptions of different destinations.

With David Duncan, Chief Operating Officer and University Secretary at University of Glasgow, Selena Bolingbroke, Principal at the Building Crafts College, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

The demographic tide is turning, but university remains popular

The UK will need to do more to reassure international applicants if it wants to remain a first choice destination

TPA: University Rich List 2024

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Graduate jobs, sexual misconduct, NSS analysis Oct 17, 2024

This week on the podcast we look at the latest graduate recruitment trends as the Institute of Student Employers reveals a 60 per cent surge in applications per vacancy.

Plus OfS is to survey the prevalence of sexual misconduct, and there’s new NSS data on satisfaction by student characteristic.

With Julie Sanders, Vice Chancellor and Principal at Royal Holloway, University of London, Joe Cooper, Director of People and Culture at University of East London, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

What does the graduate jobs market look like right now?

A league table on sexual misconduct could be coming

NSS 2024 – results by student characteristics

Royal Holloway's Campus Unity Week

The Finnish Student Health and Wellbeing Survey (KOTT)

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Mental health, renters’ reform, international strategy Oct 11, 2024

This week on the podcast it’s possible to predict a student’s wellbeing using mental health analytics - but what are the ethics and implications?

Plus Labour’s new legislation for improving the rental market has been discussed in Parliament, Hidden History looks at a push for higher technical skills, and there’s going to be a new International Education Strategy - we discuss what should be in it.

With Ben Jordan, Director of Strategy at UCAS, Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

Data can help predict where students are struggling with wellbeing

Won’t somebody think of the landlords?

Ten things that could feature in a new International Education Strategy

Universities can build trust through creative public engagement

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Blueprint, fees increase, Brussels Oct 03, 2024

This week on the podcast Universities UK’s much anticipated “blueprint for change” is out – is a new 70 per cent participation target the right one?

Plus The Times reports that fees might be going up, Hidden History recalls university leaders trying to get the attention of government, and Keir Starmer has been in Brussels – will he give way on fees and youth mobility?

With Rose Stephenson, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Higher Education Policy Institute, Andy Youell, HE data and systems specialist, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

A bluffer’s guide to the Universities UK blueprint for HE policy under Labour

A blueprint for change needs students at its centre

Universities UK has a plan to fix research funding

Fees of £10,500 would be a return to the policies of 2017

The poverty gap between students and the universities they attend is getting wider

Students have unrealistic expectations of the financial support universities can offer them

Starmer vows to turn page on UK’s relationship with the EU

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Labour, skills, Medr Sep 26, 2024

This week on the podcast Team Wonkhe has been at Labour Conference in Liverpool - we discuss what was and wasn’t said about higher education.

Plus there’s news on skills (and in particular Level 7 apprenticeships), Hidden History looks at how HE came to be publicly funded, and Wales’ new tertiary regulator has a plan.

With Pam Macpherson Barrett, Head of Policy and Regulation at the University of Leeds, Aaron Porter, Chair at BPP University and Deputy Chair at Goldsmiths, University of London, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s, University of London, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

Students should expect less of universities and more of everyone else

More sharp suits than a Burton’s window

The Jacqui Smith doctrine

Who should pay for relief for students and universities?

A strategic plan for Medr

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Fees and funding, ABA closure, workload Sep 20, 2024

This week on the podcast bits of the UUK blueprint on funding the sector have emerged - we evaluate what’s emerged so far. Plus we ask whether closure of courses at ABA is a coalmine canary, a debate is hotting up over workload and Hidden History dives into the duopoly.

With Ben Ward, Chief Executive at University of Manchester Students’ Union, Meg Price, Senior Policy Manager at Public First, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Universities will be told to “double down” on sharing things

Why do we all work such long hours?

Staff are working dangerously long hours, and their employers should be concerned

Preventing staff burnout makes financial as well as compassionate sense

Applied Business Academy to close all higher education courses

The NHS productivity puzzle: Why has hospital activity not increased in line with funding and staffing?

Tomorrow’s teachers: A roadmap to get Gen Z into the classroom

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Free speech, international applications, social mobility Sep 12, 2024

This week on the podcast over the summer the government paused implementation of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act - but should it have, and what will happen next? Plus international visa application data for August is out, Hidden History looks at the competition to be old, and a younger generation is doing less well than their parents.

With Chris Husbands, Director at Higher Futures, Steph Harris, Director of Strategy, Insight and Member Engagement at Universities UK, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University, and presented by Mar Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

Nobel laureates join campaign to save university free speech act

August student visa applications are down 17 per cent on last year

The future of higher and degree apprenticeships under Labour

Would the free speech act have ushered in antisemitism?

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Jacqui Smith, franchising, digital divide Sep 05, 2024

This week on the podcast the Westminster government has broken its silence on university funding - but did it say anything?

Plus OfS has been pitch-rolling on franchising, Hidden History looks back when universities had their own MPs, and there’s new research on digital student experience.

With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Ben Vulliamy, Executive Director at the Association of Heads of University Administration, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George's University and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Jacqui Smith's speech at the Universities UK conference

OfS’ insight on the risks of franchising fall short at addressing the incentives

Students are still facing issues accessing essential digital services

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Skills, King’s speech, international foundation years Jul 18, 2024

This week on our final show before the summer break, Labour is to introduce a Skills England bill - we discuss what might be in it, and everything else that was (and wasn’t) in the King’s speech.

Plus the QAA has published its investigation into international foundation years, and DK has been making music again.

With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Aaron Porter, Chair of the Board at BPP University, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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New Parliament, NSSmas, academic support Jul 12, 2024

This week on the podcast the new government is shaping up - we check if it’s ship shape. Plus it's been NSSmass so we’ll work out the impact, and we’ve got new research on academic support.

With Jess Lister, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, Alex Favier, Founder and Director at Favier Ltd, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

What can the NSS can tell us about staff pay?

National Student Survey 2024

Who is Jacqui Smith?

Listening to what students say in the national student survey

What academics want from academic support

Once you can describe an academic support system, you can begin to evaluate it

How universities are thinking about academic support

Five free(ish) things Labour could do on R&D

Thirty seven things Labour should do now to make things better for students

A look at Labour’s in-tray for higher education

The unofficial reintroduction to Patrick Vallance

The Kerslake Collection looks forward to a refreshed civic agenda for universities

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Maintenance, postgrad complaints, international Jun 27, 2024

This week on the podcast the party leaders have spoken out on student living cost support - did they have anything to say, and if not why not? Plus the OIA has a fresh batch of complaints to learn from, there's two new reports on international expansion, and DK has some red hot quality news.

With Michelle Morgan, Dean Of Students at University of East London, Mark Bennett, Director (Audience & Insight) at Find A University, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Cost of living, public polling, election Jun 20, 2024

This week on the podcast we have new research out on cost of living and its impact on the student experience. With no time, will students get the skills and confidence they were promised? Plus there's new public polling out on the salience of universities, the election rumbles on and Debbie's going back to the 90s.

With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at University of Nottingham, Ed Marsh, Chief Executive Officer at the Tutor Trust, and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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Manifestos, academic experience, flirting Jun 13, 2024

This week on the podcast all the major parties have their manifestos out for the General Election. What's in there for students or universities? Plus the Student Academic Experience Survey for 2024 is out, and staff-student relationships are in the news.

With Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Alex Stanley, Vice President Higher Education-elect at the National Union of Students, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Post-election, manifestos, Mickey Mouse Jun 06, 2024

This week on the podcast we talk about potential HE policy after the election – could a tuition fee rise be on the cards in England if Labour wins? Plus various sector organisations have their manifestos out, and we go over the Conservatives’ plan to cull “Mickey Mouse” low-value courses.

With Pam Macpherson Barrett, Head of Policy and Regulation at the University of Leeds, Chris Shelley, Director of Student Experience at Queen Mary University of London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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General election special May 23, 2024

This week on the podcast Rishi Sunak has called a general election for July 4th - so we think about the issues, the pitfalls and landmines for universities, students, SUs and the sector, we talk tactics for the regulated period and we even turn our attention to what might happen after the election.

With Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Polly Mackenzie, Chief Social Purpose Officer at University of the Arts London, Mark Leach Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Graduate route, sector finances May 16, 2024

This week on the podcast the Migration Advisory Committee’s review of the Graduate route is here - how will the government respond? Plus we take a trip back to the sixties to look at manifesto mentions from six decades ago, and OfS says that 40 per cent of institutions expect to be in deficit this year.

With Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at QAA, Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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Campus protest, student income, academic freedom May 09, 2024

This week on the podcast a group of vice chancellors have been called into see Rishi Sunak in a bid to clamp down on student protest. Where does that fit with new Free Speech duties?

Plus HEPI has a new study out on students’ standard of living, and UCU has a new report out on academic freedom.

With Anne-Marie Canning, Chief Executive Officer at the Brilliant Club, Ben Vulliamy, Chief Executive at University of York Students’ Union and incoming ED at AHUA, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Franchising, Labour, misogyny, dropping out Apr 26, 2024

This week on the podcast a parliamentary report calls for changes to regulation on franchising – does it go far enough?

Plus the think tanks are circling as Labour keeps shtum on HE policy, Jim is in Austria chatting dropping out and study speed, and creepy behaviour towards female academics is under fire.

With Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at the Association for Colleges, Sally Burtonshaw, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Maja Höggerl, 1st deputy chairwoman at ÖH Uni Graz, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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First in family, NUS, hybrid grads Apr 18, 2024

This week on the podcast there’s a new campaign to highlight first-in-family students. Will it shift the dial on public (and political) attitudes to HE?

Plus NUS attempts to bounce back at its annual conference in Blackpool, and new data on graduates’ experiences in the labour market suggests a lot of focus on hybrid working.

With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Johnny Rich, Chief Executive at the Engineering Professors' Council and Push, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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Funding, disabled students, nursing Apr 11, 2024

This week on the podcast the Department for Education has published its annual funding letter – we work out the size and shape of the cuts. Plus there’s a call for evidence on abolishing part of the Disabled Students Allowance, and there’s a problem for providers in post-pandemic nursing.

With Selena Bolingbroke, Principal at the Building Crafts College, Pete Quinn, HE inclusion consultant, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Graduate route, pensions, graduate mobility Mar 21, 2024

This week on the podcast the Home Office has commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee to review the Graduate route visa - what could be on the cards come its conclusions in May?

Plus UUK and UCEA are trying to pull out of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), and there’s a new tool from ONS that lets us see towns and cities’ ability to retain, attract or lose their graduates.

With Mary Curnock Cook, Chair at the Dyson Institute and Pearson UK, Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Loneliness, culture wars, HE on TV Mar 12, 2024

This week on the podcast, live from our Secret Life of Students event in London, we've published new stats and analysis on student loneliness - what can universities (and their SUs) do about this seemingly intractable problem?

Plus we have highlights from our session on the campus culture wars, and we ask whether TV coverage of universities is fair and balanced in the wake of Geoff Norcott's Is University Really Worth It documentary.

With Rebecca Freeman, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at University of Warwick, David Gilani, Head of Student Engagement and Advocacy at Middlesex University, Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe, Kirsty Sedgman, author of On Being Unreasonable, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Andy Winter, Director of Student Support Services at the University of Sheffield and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Donelan, disconnect, budget Mar 07, 2024

This week on the podcast Science Secretary Michelle Donelan has paid damages to two academics that she falsely accused of supporting Hamas. What next for the campus culture wars?

Plus a new report finds a “growing disconnect” between students and their university experience, and there’s been an HE-free budget.

With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at University of Northampton, Ben Elger, Chief Executive at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Cost of living, Australia, international Feb 29, 2024

This week on the podcast only three per cent of students say they feel they have enough money. Do students need to change their expectations?

Plus Australia has a new Universities Accord, there’s all sorts of international numbers floating around, and MPs debate franchising.

With Paul Ashwin, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University, Hannah Malone, Vice President at Arts University Bournemouth Students’ Union, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Culture wars, Covid compensation, student votes Feb 22, 2024

This week on the podcast the government is planning to introduce a “quality seal” for universities evidencing standards in dealing with antisemitism. But does its free speech legislation put that in jeopardy?

Plus students are off to court over their Covid consumer claim, and a “welcome week” election could present headaches.

With Mary Stuart, Director of Leadership Development at Minerva, Anne-Marie Canning, Chief Executive Officer at The Brilliant Club, Livia Scott, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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Disability discrimination, applications, students at work Feb 15, 2024

This week on the podcast the University of Bristol has lost its appeal over a student suicide case - we discuss the implications. Plus the January deadline UCAS figures are out, and we look at the rise in hours that students are spending in paid employment.

(CW: Suicide, depression, mental health)

With Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at QAA, Ben Whittaker, Chief Executive at LSE Students’ Union, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.

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Fees and funding, access, public sector Feb 08, 2024

This week on the podcast university funding is back in the news as Wales increases fees and the sector puzzles over fixing funding across the UK. Are fee increases politically palatable, and what are the alternatives?

Plus free school meals students face a “postcode lottery” for university entrance, and we’ve been taking a look at universities’ role in the public sector jobs pipeline.

With Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics, Jess Lister, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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International students, mental health, students and politics Feb 01, 2024

This week on the podcast international students have been in the news - but how much of the coverage was unfair, and does the sector have a case to answer on admissions? Plus DfE has a mental health taskforce report out, Scotland's Commissioner for Fair Access has reported and we look at new polling and data on students' views and the role that gender can play in politics.

With Helen O'Sullivan, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Chester, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Inspections, Jo Phoenix tribunal, governance Jan 25, 2024

This week on the podcast OfS has published more inspection reports into Business and Management provision in universities. Is the process and focus right? Plus we discuss the implications of Jo Phonenix's win at tribunal against the OU, and look in detail at a report on university governance.

With Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, Steph Harris, Director of Strategy, Insight and Member Engagement at Universities UK, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Fraud, market exit, applications, living wage Jan 18, 2024

This week on the podcast the National Audit Office reports on organised crime and fraud in franchise agreements - is the regulation right and are the incentives appropriate? Plus we discuss the prospect of a university going under, there’s new UCAS figures out and who’s paying the Real Living Wage?

With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Baltics and Finland special Jan 11, 2024

This week on the podcast we’re in Helsinki on the Wonkhe SUs study tour where SU officers and staff from around the UK have been to Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Finland to learn about student representation, political advocacy and belonging on a budget.

Jim and guests from the bus trip discuss students and sleep, the HE policy year ahead, and what the sector might learn from the frozen north - while Livia catches up with some student leaders from across the countries.

With Lily Byrne, President at Sheffield SU, Hannah Clarke, VP Activities at Lincoln SU, Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU, Livia Scott, Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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International, REF delay, stagnation Dec 07, 2023

In our final festive episode of the year we survey the political turmoil over immigration, and consider the impact on university finances.

There's also a big delay to the REF to understand, a new report that calls for more graduates and some festive cheer from DK.

With Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Justine Andrew, Head of Education and Head of University Partnership Office at KPMG UK, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Minimum service levels, PTES, graduates and politics, apprenticeships Nov 30, 2023

This week on the podcast the government is consulting on minimum service levels in education - what could that mean for industrial action in the sector?

Plus there’s a growing “education divide” in UK politics, Advance HE’s 2023 PTES is out, and we’re asking if universities need to “go hard or go home” on degree apprenticeships.

With Diana Beech, CEO at London Higher, Mark Bennett, Director (Audience & Editorial) at Find a University, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Immigration, Autumn Statement, PGRs Nov 23, 2023

This week on the podcast - recorded at Advance HE's Governance Conference in London - new immigration figures are out, and we reflect on what they mean both for the new Home Secretary and for university finances. Plus there's the Chancellor's Autumn Statement to digest, and this year's Postgraduate Research Experience Survey results are out.

With Roberta Blackman-Woods, Board Chair at Northumbria University, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Dan Tinkler, Governance Development Manager at Advance HE and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Reshuffle, inspections, money, data futures Nov 16, 2023

This week on the podcast there's been a Westminster government reshuffle - but does any of it matter to higher education? Plus OfS has been inspecting business courses, sector finances are in the news and Data Futures has been pushed further into the future.

With Chris Shelley, Director of Student Experience at Queen Mary University of London, Jess Lister, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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King's speech, food, graduate skills Nov 08, 2023

This week on the podcast, recorded live at Wonkhe's Festival of HE in London, we discuss the King's speech and politics for higher education in the run up to a general election. Plus there's new polling data on students and food, we get as across a new report on graduate skills in an age of AI, and hidden history traces how women got into universities.

With Alistair Jarvis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance) at University of London, Eve Alcock, Director of Public Affairs at the Quality Assurance Agency, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Free speech, franchising, NHS training Nov 02, 2023

This week on the podcast Michelle Donelan’s letter to UKRI expressing outrage over “extremism” has been in the news, and Gillian Keegan is bearing down on antisemitism on campus - we discuss and assess the fallout.

Plus OfS is set to get digging around into franchised provision, and we try to work out if the student training needs in England’s long-term NHS plan are deliverable.

With Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice Chancellor at the University of St Andrews, Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Housing, research culture, international Oct 26, 2023

This week on the podcast the Renter’s (Reform) Bill has been in Parliament, and there’s a new report on soaring student rents. Should the sector reduce demand or lobby for increased supply?

Plus there’s a new report on research culture, and a decline in international student experiences.

With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Andrew Boggs, University Secretary at Royal Holloway, University of London, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Student numbers, belonging, Israel/Gaza, social mobility Oct 19, 2023

This week on the podcast a fresh debate over controlling student numbers in England’s HE system has kicked off. Would doing so damage access?

Plus we’ve new research on belonging and cost of living, we review activity on campus in the wake of the situation in the Middle East, and a new iteration of the Social Mobility Index for universities has emerged.

With Rachel Sandby-Thomas, Registrar at University of Warwick, Gary Hughes, Chief Executive at Durham Students' Union, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Labour and funding, antisemitism, mental health Oct 12, 2023

This week on the podcast we’ve been at Labour’s conference in Liverpool - asking what might make it into the manifesto on fees and funding.

Plus ministers have written to universities over antisemitism, and we find out what Labour might do on regulating (or not) mental health in universities.

With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Gareth Smith, Executive Director of Student Life and Strategy at UA92, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Strikes, woke science, immigration, learner analytics Oct 05, 2023

This week on the podcast the government is to consult on “minimum service levels” during industrial action at universities. What could happen next?

Plus Michelle Donelan is kicking “woke ideology” out of science, immigration and international students were the talk of the Conservative Party Conference fringe, and there’s new findings on student views of engagement analytics.

With Julian Gravatt, Deputy Chief Executive at Association of Colleges, Elise Page, Postgraduate Officer at University of East Anglia Students’ Union, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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TEF results, staff development, PGR new deal Sep 28, 2023

This week on the podcast results of the Teaching Excellence Framework are out - but what do they tell us, and how helpful are they for students?

Plus there’s a new report on university staff and skills development and a “new deal” for PGRs has arrived.

With Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of Education Practice at Public First, Anne-Marie Canning, Chief Executive Officer at The Brilliant Club, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Loneliness, climate change, LLE, work Sep 21, 2023

This week on the podcast we discuss the government’s plans to reduce the stigma and increase support for students who are lonely.

Plus Gillian Keegan is urging VCs to just stop just stop oil, the Lifelong Loan Entitlement gets a rebrand and HESA’s making measures on meaningful work more meaningful.

With Selena Bolingbroke, Principal at the Building Crafts College, Jonathan Woodhead, Policy Adviser at Birkbeck, University of London, Michael Salmon, is News Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Regulation, quality, care experienced students Sep 15, 2023

This week on the podcast a Lords committee says England’s HE regulator is “arbitrary, overly controlling, and unnecessarily combative. What happens next?

Plus we look at what we can learn from two new assessment reports into quality of courses, and there’s a new report on care experienced students.

With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Richard Brabner, Director at UPP Foundation, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Cost of living, research security, gender based violence Sep 07, 2023

This week on the podcast we look at three new reports that detail the impact of the cost of living crisis on students. Is there more that universities can do as governments continue to ignore the issue?

We also discuss Horizon, research security and foreign policy, and the question of gathering stats on gender-based violence in higher education.

Plus hidden history looks at how teacher training troubles impacted where our universities are.

With Pete Quinn, HE inclusion consultant, Jess LIster, Associate Director Education at Public First, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City, University of London and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Summer special: Admissions, NSS, Predictions Aug 20, 2023

This week on our summer break special Level 3 results are out - does the press coverage bear any relation to what's happening in universities?

Plus this year's new and "improved" National Student Survey results are out, and the team looks ahead to the new academic year.

With Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, University Administrator and Sector Historian and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Harassment, NHS, AI, Bob Kerslake Jul 06, 2023

This week on the podcast there’s new recommendations on campus harassment and sexual misconduct - but is a DfE campaign targeting men the right approach?

Plus there’s a new NHS workforce plan to think about, the challenges of AI continue to generate debate, and Richard Brabner pays tribute to Bob Kerslake, who died earlier this week.

With Claire Taylor, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive at Plymouth Marjon University, Paul Ashwin, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University, Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Skills, research culture, industrial strategy Jun 29, 2023

This week on the podcast Labour’s plans to turn the apprenticeship levy into a “Growth and Skills Levy” get more detail - but what will it all mean for HE?

Plus David Willetts has been looking back at his “eight great technologies”, and the debate over reforms to the Research Excellence Framework (REF) rumbles on.

With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at University of Northampton, Ashley Storer-Smith, Student Voice Manager at University of Nottingham Students’ Union, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Student experience, MAB, LLE Jun 22, 2023

This week on the podcast the 2023 Student Academic Experience Survey is out, and it finds that more students are in paid employment than ever before. Does that matter?

Plus the marking and assessment boycott is picking up pace, and the Lifelong Loan Entitlement has been in the Lords - we wonder where the demand is.

With Carole-Anne Upton, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Global Innovation and Impact, Middlesex University, Ben Vulliamy, Chief Executive at University of York Students’ Union, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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FRAP, awarding gaps, international Jun 15, 2023

This week on the podcast the Future Research Assessment Programme (FRAP) has reported - we discuss whether its recommendations will fix the issues that researchers raise.

Plus there’s a new report out on awarding gaps, there’s advice on recruiting international students and English studies is in better health than we thought.

With Omar Khan, Director at TASO, Sally Burtonshaw, Associate Director Education at Public First, Livia Scott, SUs Community and Policy Officer at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Duty of care, franchising, interdisciplinary Jun 08, 2023

This week on the podcast duty of care has been discussed in Parliament - and we examine the implications.

Plus there’s media interest in UK from across the pond, we’ve been getting all interdisciplinary and there’s revised guidance out on students as consumers.

With Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, India Ellis, President at Lancaster University Students’ Union, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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In conversation with Jeremy Miles May 29, 2023

In this special half term episode of the show, Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach chats to Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles.

In a wide ranging discussion the pair talk Wales’ new Commission for Tertiary Education and Research, fees funding and finance, the character of regulation and governance in Wales, Miles’ vision for students as citizens and how the new commission will drive progress on widening access.

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Immigration, renters reform, regulation May 25, 2023

This week on the podcast net immigration stats are out - will stopping the dependants of PGT students from getting visas be the end of restrictions?

Plus reform for renters in England is causing a headache in the student housing market, and OfS is upping its fees by 20 per cent - whatever happened to value for money?

With Chris Skidmore, Net Zero Review Chair and MP for Kingswood, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at The University of Manchester, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Duty of care, international students, drugs May 19, 2023

This week on the podcast student suicides and a duty of care have been discussed in Parliament - but would such a duty help or hinder in efforts to support students?

Plus Cabinet wranglings over immigration policy and international students continue, and we discuss whether the sector should wade in or deftly avoid controversies over issues like student drug use.

With Sue Rigby, Vice Chancellor at Bath Spa University, Andy Youell, Executive Director Digital and Regulation at University College of Estate Management, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Twente Twente three May 11, 2023

This week on the podcast to mark Eurovision week we have a special episode featuring Bram Van Uden, who’s President of the SU at Twente University in the Netherlands. We chat project-based learning, building belonging and community and what the world’s biggest student case competition on campus says about this fascinating institution.

Presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Starmer and fees, PGRs, fundraising, graduate outcomes May 05, 2023

This week on the podcast Keir Starmer has U-turned over student fees and finance - but what should Labour’s policy be if not free education?

Plus support for PGRs is in the news, universities are frantically fundraising in a period of fiscal constraint, and disadvantaged students go on to be lower earning graduates - why?

With Selena Bolingbroke, Director at Sighthound Consultancy, Ben Ward, Chief Executive at University of Manchester Students’ Union, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Finances, CBI, disabled students Apr 27, 2023

This week on the podcast there’s new data on the financial health of universities - we discuss how higher education is coping with inflation and frozen fees.

Plus we discover how much students are getting from universities in financial help, universities are leaving the CBI just as soon as people realised they were members, and there’s a new commitment out on improving accessibility for disabled students.

With Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice Chancellor of the University of Glasgow, Mary Stuart, Director of Leadership Development at Minerva, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Complaints, student voice, research funding Apr 20, 2023

This week on the podcast the Office of the Independent Adjudicator has published its annual report. Should we worry that it’s handled a record number of complaints?

Plus the Lords have beeling listening in on an apparent absence of student voice in the Office for Students, and the question of whether quality-related (QR) funding needs a root-and-branch review is in the air.

With Anthony Finkelstein, President at City, University of London, Smita Jamdar, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Access and participation, applications, mental health, Turnitin Mar 31, 2023

In our final show before the Easter break, OfS has published the first Equality of Opportunity Risk Register for English HE. But are there some big risks missing?

Plus UCAS says we’ll soon have a million applicants, Wales is working towards better mental health and in response to news from Turnitin, plenty of people seem to want to turn it off.

With James Purnell, Vice Chancellor at University of the Arts London, Anne-Marie Canning, CEO at The Brilliant Club, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Size and shape, generative AI, neurodiversity Mar 23, 2023

This week on the podcast there are new numbers out on the size and shape of higher education providers - is the sector growing international PGT too quickly?

Plus the robots are coming for our jobs and souls, and we mark neurodiversity celebration week.

With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Joseph Cooper, Director of People and Culture at University of East London, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Secret Life of Students special Mar 16, 2023

This week on the podcast we’re live at our Secret Life of Students event in London where we hear from the Office for Students' Director for Fair Access and Participation John Blake, discuss belonging and community and its relationship to the rest of the student experience, and consider the impact of the cost of living crisis on different groups of students.

With Sally Burtonshaw, Associate Director (Education) at Public First, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, Eve Alcock, Head of Public Affairs at QAA, Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Lifelong learning, Nurse review, international, housing Mar 09, 2023

This week on the podcast we’re getting a complete overhaul of student finance in England - but is there enough demand for modules of debt?

Plus the government has published its independent review of the research, development and innovation organisational landscape, there’s new polling on the public’s attitude to international students, and we’ve been working out where they’re living.

With Marian Hilditch, Academic Registrar at University of Bradford, Mark Bennett, Director Audience and Editorial at Find a University, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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R&D, dependants, autocracies Mar 03, 2023

This week on the podcast 46 per cent of people would only choose to invest more in R&D when the UK economy is in better shape – does the fragility of public support matter?

Plus international student visas are up again, and so are dependants, and the Lords have been interrogating universities’ engagement with autocracies.

With Martin Jones, Vice Chancellor at Staffordshire University, Jess Lister, Associate Director Education at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Harassment, science and tech, student living Feb 23, 2023

This week on the podcast the Office for Students has new proposals out on harassment and sexual misconduct – but will they work in the way intended?

Plus Tony Blair and William Hague have ideas out on science and technology, there’s a new student living strategy in Nottingham and we explain the reclassification of FE colleges into the public sector.

With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham, Selena Bolingbroke, HE consultant, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, Andrew Bush, Director at KPMG and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Sturgeon, engagement, graduate route Feb 17, 2023

This week on the podcast Nicola Sturgeon has resigned as leader of the SNP and Scotland’s First Minister - what kind of higher education legacy does she leave?

Plus student engagement with their studies may or may not have bounced back, and there’s a call to extend rather than cut the post-study work visa for international students.

With Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of the UPP Foundation’s Student Futures Commission, Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

You can subscribe to the podcast on Acast, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Google podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, RadioPublic, Podchaser, Castbox, Player FM, Stitcher, TuneIn, Luminary or via your favourite app with the RSS feed.

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Prevent, reshuffle, graduate outcomes Feb 09, 2023

This week on the podcast the government has published its review of the Prevent counter-terrorism strategy. Are campuses really a breeding ground for extremism?

We also discuss this week’s reshuffle and its implications for HE, a new report on graduate outcomes and earnings, and try to understand what’s going on with the government’s short courses trial.

With Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive at Universities UK, Julie Sanders, Principal at Royal Holloway, University of London, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Public perceptions, international, students and sex Feb 03, 2023

This week on the podcast there's new polling out on the public perception of universities. Does it explain funding woes and what can be done to turn around voters’ views?

Plus new HESA data shows a dramatic rise in international students, there’s a new survey out on students and sex, and David Kernohan reads the Lifelong Learning Higher Education Fee Limits bill so you don’t have to.

With Helen O’Sullivan, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of Chester, Johnny Rich, CEO at the Engineering Professors’ Council, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Demand, student hardship, loans reform Jan 26, 2023

This week on the podcast we interrogate UCAS end of cycle data - what is going on with demand for higher education? Plus the Sutton Trust has new research out on the impacts of the cost of living crisis on students, and the Lords are leaping over student loan reform.

With Clare Marchant, Chief Executive at UCAS, Amatey Doku, Consultant at Moorhouse Consulting, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Halfon, strikes, reviewing regulation Jan 19, 2023

This week on the podcast new universities minister Robert Halfon has written to vice chancellors with new priorities, and our guests analyse the content. Plus UCU have announced 18 days of strike action, and sector mission groups are calling for a review of the Office for Students.

With Mary Stuart, Director of Leadership Development at Minerva, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Drugs, year ahead, study tour Jan 13, 2023

This week on the podcast we’re in Münster, Germany for the Wonkhe SUs study tour. Jim and guests from the bus trip discuss the HE policy year ahead, drugs on campus, and what we might learn from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Plus DK dives into the UCAS end of cycle data.

With India Ellis, President at Lancaster SU, Alexander Robinson, President at the SU Bath University, Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Canada v UK special Dec 28, 2022

This week in a special seasonal episode of the show we travel to Toronto, Canada to meet with sector experts Higher Education Strategy Associates.

Alex Usher and his team chat international students, student mental health, predictions for 2023 and the collapse of a university - and how to avoid it happening again both in Canada and in the UK.

With Alex Usher, President at Higher Education Strategy Associates, Tiffany McLennon, Research Analyst at HESA, Jonathan McQuarrie, Manager Academic Planning at HESA, Mike Ratcliffe, academic registrar and sector historian and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

Alex Usher’s One Thought to Start Your Day blog

Alex’s commentary on Laurentian University

The Walrus: The Shadowy Business of International Education

Wonk Corner: A crackdown is likely still coming on international students

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Student finance, student suicide, PGR supervision, Disabled students Dec 15, 2022

This week on the podcast student finance is back up for debate and there’s new guidance out on student suicide.

Plus we talk research assessment, PGR supervision, and Disabled students - and there’s a bonus Wonkhe Christmas song at the end too.

With Pete Quinn, inclusion consultant, Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Free speech Bill, Brown review, Chat-GPT Dec 08, 2022

This week on the podcast the Free Speech Bill has cleared report stage in the Lords and NDAs have been banned in the process - we discuss what happens next.

Plus Gordon Brown’s review of devolution has implications for HE, and we wonder whether Chat-GPT will kill the essay as an assessment tactic.

With Nicola Dandridge, Professor of Practice in Higher Education Policy at University of Bristol, Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Immigration, China, PTES, graduate mobility Dec 01, 2022

This week on the podcast we consider the fall out from last week’s immigration figures. Is a crackdown on international students really on its way from government?

Plus we chat China amid growing concerns about the superpoower’s relationship with HE, this year’s PTES suggests rapid expansion might need more careful management, and HESA is helping us understand brain drain.

With Lucy Van Essen-Fishman, Lead Policy and Research Analyst in Data and Innovation at HESA, Jonathan Simons, Partner and Head of the Education Practice at Public First, Michael Salmon, News Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Cost of living, innovation, strikes Nov 24, 2022

This week on the podcast the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has new stats on students and cost of living. Will more support for students ever come?

Plus Rishi Sunak declares the UK an innovation nation, strikes have begun across the sector, and Hidden History looks back at the end of the binary divide between universities and polytechnics in 1992.

With Richard Brabner, Director at the UPP Foundation, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, academic registrar and sector historian, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Woke QAA, Robert Halfon, Plan B, equality data Nov 18, 2022

This week on the podcast the Quality Assurance Agency has “gone woke” – or has it?

New minister Robert Halfon has set out his priorities in the role. Plus there’s a Plan B for research, some new equality data and DK reviews the Chancellor’s autumn statement.

With Osama Khan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Academic at University of Surrey, Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Regulatory burden, Dearing, governor diversity, harassment Nov 10, 2022

This week on the podcast there’s a new report out on regulation - are small and specialist providers at a disadvantage? Plus new figures show that a quarter of providers had no governors from a minority ethnic group, we’ve been debating the Dearing review 25 years on, and there’s a new review of OfS’ statement of expectations on harassment and sexual misconduct.

With Debbie Holley, Professor Of Learning Innovation at Bournemouth University, Ursula Kelly, Director at Viewforth Consulting, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe.

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Free speech, NUS, estranged students, NSS Nov 03, 2022

This week on the podcast the free speech bill reaches committee stage in the Lords, and the NUS President has been terminated. What are the implications for culture on campus? Plus there’s a new report out on estranged students, and we discuss the final question set for the new National Student Survey.

With Jess Lister, Senior Policy Manager at Public First, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Reshuffle, industrial action, applications decline Oct 27, 2022

This week on the podcast Rishi Sunak has been reshuffling his team of ministers - what could the impacts be for higher education?

Plus we have the results of UCU's ballot on industrial action, applications appear to be in decline and students seem to have been forgotten about in the cost of living crisis - again.

With Carole-Anne Upton, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Middlesex University, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Immigration, belonging, blended learning Oct 20, 2022

This week on the podcast Suella Braverman is gone - but has the threat of a crackdown on international students gone with her? We’ve launched new research on belonging and we look at the implications for universities.

Plus there’s a new review out on blended learning and hidden history looks at the origins of UCL.

With Heidi Fraser-Krauss, CEO at Jisc, Ian Dunn, Provost at Coventry University, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Harassment and sexual misconduct, R&D, debating societies Oct 13, 2022

This week on the podcast OfS is to survey the scale and nature of sexual misconduct affecting students - we discuss why and what next.

Plus the UK has accidentally hit the 2.4 per cent of GDP target for research and development spending, and we consider the culture of debate on campus through two new reports.

With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at University of Northampton, Nick Hillman, Director at the Higher Education Policy Institute, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratclkiffe, Academic Registrar and sector historian, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Conservative conference, outcomes and experience data, student suicide Oct 07, 2022

This week on the podcast the team has been at Conservative party conference - is a crackdown coming on international students?

Meanwhile OfS has published data on student experience and outcomes, and there’s interesting new guidance out on students undertaking a placement.

With Andy Youell, Executive Director Regulation at UCEM, Selena Bolingbroke, Director at Sighthound Consultancy, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Labour, access and participation, free speech, social class Sep 29, 2022

This week on the show we’ve been to Labour Party Conference. Was anything of interest for higher education announced?

Plus the Office for Students has been revising its approach to access and participation, there’s new research out on perceptions of free speech among both students and the wider public, and UCU has a report out on staff and social class.

With Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice Chancellor at Wrexham Glyndŵr University, Andrew Bush, Director of Higher Education Internal Audit and Advisory lead at KPMG, James Coe, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, editor in chief at Wonkhe.

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Admissions, Energy Costs, Academic Freedom Sep 22, 2022

This week on the podcast we're at the end of the 2022 applications season - has there really been a crunch on university places? We also consider if the sector and its students have the energy for the year ahead, and there's a new pamphlet out on academic freedom calling for better education on the concept.

With Smita Jamdar, Partner at Shakespeare Martineau, Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Hidden History special Sep 15, 2022

This week in a special edition of the podcast, academic registrar and sector historian Mike Ratcliffe reflects on the history of the relationship between the royal family and higher education, as well as the fight between Oxford and Cambridge over who is the oldest university and the origins of a student-centred approach to governance.

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Truss, Cost of Living, Digital Sep 08, 2022

This week on the podcast Liz Truss is the new Prime Minister - what does that and her ministerial appointments mean for higher education? Plus we discuss the cost of living, a new report from Jisc on the digital student experience, and there's an exciting new feature to play along with.

With Gary Hughes, Chief Executive at Durham Students’ Union, Ailsa Crum, Director of Membership, Quality Enhancement and Standards at the Quality Assurance Agency, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Acting Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Review of Summer 2022 Sep 05, 2022

Before the show returns properly for the Autumn season, this week the team meets to discuss what you might have missed (or wish you'd missed|) over the summer, including everything from clearing and student numbers to the cost of living crisis, the Conservative leadership contest, the culture wars and the B3 bear. Plus Mike Ratcliffe has a tale of town gown conflict.

With David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Politics, UCAS, cost of living, cheating Jul 15, 2022

This week on the podcast we have a new minister at the Department for Education - but will she be around for long enough to make a difference?

Plus there’s new applications data from UCAS, a coming cost of living crisis for students, a new report on academic governance and evidence suggesting a growing cheating problem in online exams - can anything be done to stop it?
With Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, Aashish Khadia, Director of Planning at University of Leicester, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief, Mark Leach.

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Politics, NSS, grade inflation, access Jul 08, 2022

This week on the podcast we attempt to keep up with the drama at No.10. What does it all mean for higher education? Plus this year’s NSS results are out, the sector tries to get a grip on grade inflation and there’s a new report out on Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities.
With Alistair Jarvis, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance) at the University of London, Anne-Marie Canning, CEO at the Brilliant Club, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Equality charters, free speech, staff and tech, Labour and fees Jul 01, 2022

This week on the podcast there’s a ministerial intervention over equality charters in the name of free speech. How should universities respond?
Plus there’s new research on staff views of technology, and big questions over Labour’s policy on fees and funding as speculation mounts about a snap election.
With Martha Horler, Head of Registry Services & Business Intelligence at Futureworks, Johnny Rich, CEO at the Engineering Professors' Council, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Graduate wellbeing, student housing, free speech Jun 24, 2022

This week on the podcast graduate anxiety is on the rise and feelings of dissatisfaction and low worth are becoming more prevalent. What’s going on?
Plus major changes to the student rental housing market are coming, and there’s new polling out on students and free speech.
With Paul Ashwin, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University, Alexis Brown, Director of Policy and Advocacy at HEPI, David Kernohan, Acting Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Public accounts committee, belonging, student financial support, free speech Jun 16, 2022

This week on the podcast MPs are struggling to pin universities’ problems on the right body - where does responsibility lie when things go wrong? There’s also the next phase of our research on belonging with Pearson, a fall (in England) to dramatic new lows for student financial support, and the free speech bill clears the commons.
Plus we listen in as George Freeman and Ottoline Leyser appear at the Commons Science and Technology Committee, and hot off the press there’s some new graduates outcomes figures out from HESA.
With Ben Elger, Chief Executive of the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, Selena Bolingbroke, Director of Sighthound Consultancy, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Student experience, free speech, microcredentials Jun 09, 2022

This week on the podcast the 2022 Student Academic Experience Survey is out - has the student experience bounced back post-pandemic? Plus we discover that free speech is alive and well on UK campuses, we think big about microcredentials and there’s some interesting new data out on innovation and outreach.
With Marian Hilditch, academic registrar at the University of Bradford, Amatey Doku, consultant with Moorhouse, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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OfS investigations, uni leadership, skills May 27, 2022

This week on the podcast OfS has launched eight investigations into suspected poor quality courses. What happens next? Plus VCs seem to be lasting longer than before, and there’s a raft of new reports out on skills.
With Ant Bagshaw, Partnerships Director at OES, Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive at MillionPlus, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Wokery, LEO, grade inflation May 19, 2022

This week on the podcast the press and politicians have been attacking the Race Equality Charter - how should universities respond? Plus there’s some interesting new LEO data out on the industries in which graduates are working, and OfS has published new figures on grade inflation.
With Chris Shelley, Director of Student and Academic Services at the University of Greenwich, Clare Adams, Head of Education Strategy at Handshake, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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REF results, Queen’s speech, Access all areas May 12, 2022

This week on the podcast the results of the Research Excellence Framework have been published - what do they mean and how should the exercise change?
Plus a higher education bill has been announced in the Queen’s speech, and we reflect on our Access All Areas event where we discussed the big issues with OfS’ John Blake.
With Carl Lygo, Vice Chancellor of Arden University, Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Complaints, consultations, student suicide, in-person teaching May 06, 2022

This week on a heavily West Midlands infused podcast, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator has published its annual report - what is it telling us about complaints and consumerism in HE? Plus sector bodies have been publishing their responses to the English HE reform proposals, there’s a new report out on student suicide and information sharing, and Michelle Donelan is putting “boots on the ground” over in-person teaching.
With Selena Bolingbrooke, HE consultant, Lawrie Phipps, Senior Research Lead at Jisc, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Blair, spiking, minimum entry, free speech Apr 28, 2022

This week on the podcast the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change has argued for 70 per cent HE participation - but are interventions from Blair doing more harm than good? Plus the Home Affairs committee reports on spiking, IFS has a report on student loans and Michelle Donelan has been talking about free speech.
With Paul Greatrix, University of Nottingham Registrar, Diana Beech, Chief Executive at London Higher, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark leach, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief.

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Covid harms, Michelle Donelan, Scandinavia Apr 08, 2022

This week on the podcast we’re in Scandinavia learning about student representation, student rights, brewing societies and campus ombuds. Plus there’s a report out in Scotland on Covid harms in HE, and Michelle Donelan has published views on NDAs, mental heath and precarity.
With Evie Croxford, President at Sheffield SU, Becky Ricketts, President at NUS Wales, Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Grad jobs, staffing, China, student finance Mar 31, 2022

This week on the podcast the Institute of Student Employers (ISE) has published its annual Student Development Survey - what does it tell us about graduate jobs and skills? Plus we discuss staffing in the sector, a new report from HEPI on China, and institution-level student financial support.
With Helen O’Sullivan, Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost at the University of Chester, Pete Quinn, independent higher education consultant, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Spring statement, UKRI strategy, social mobility Mar 24, 2022

This week on the podcast Rishi Sunak has delivered his spring statement, and we get across the politics, the policies and the implications for universities and students. Plus UKRI has a new strategy out, and HEPI has published a new version of a social mobility index for universities.
With Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean for Social Responsibility in the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester, Jenny Shaw, Higher Education External Engagement Director at Unite Students, Sunday Blake, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s Editor-in-Chief.

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Quality, demand, blended, disabled students Mar 17, 2022

This week on the podcast the Office for Students’ consultations on quality have closed - what has the sector been saying? We’ve been kicking off a debate about meeting demand for HE in the next decade and whether student number controls are part of the answer. Plus OfS has launched a review into blended learning, and there’s two new reports on disabled students.
With Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, Kate Wicklow, Policy Manager at Guild HE, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Ukraine, Augar, Digifest, Admissions Mar 10, 2022

This week on the podcast we discuss the crisis in Ukraine and what universities can do, and would like to do if only the home office allowed it. There's also Phillip Augar on the government's response to his review, a new admissions code, a look at university finances via the National Audit Office and DK's been to digifest.
With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham; Laura Tamara, Co-President at BedsSU; David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Sexual misconduct, quality, belonging, drugs Mar 03, 2022

This week on the podcast the Office for Students has new conditions on quality and standards - but what does it all mean? Universities UK has published new guidance on staff-to-student sexual misconduct - does it go far enough? There’s also a look at our research with Pearson on belonging, and a new HEPI report on drugs.
With Michelle Morgan, Dean of Students at the University of East London, Andrew Hargreaves, co-founder of DataHE, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Augar response special Feb 24, 2022

This week on the podcast it’s a special edition as the government publishes its response to Phillip Augar’s Post-18 review of fees and funding. We dive into what has been (and hasn’t been) announced, think through some of the implications for universities and students, and consider the politics of everything from the Lifelong Loan Entitlement to freezing fees. And there’s also an interesting announcement on PQA.
With Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor; Jim Dickinson, David Kernohan and Sunday Blake, Wonkhe’s Associate Editors; and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief.

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The Secret Life of Students 2022 Feb 17, 2022

This week on the podcast there’s a bunch of highlights from our student experience conference in London. We hear results from the Student Futures Commission and research on belonging, examples of student and SU led-projects on diversity, insights from generational research and reflections from the outgoing CEO of the Office for Students.
With Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive at the Office for Students, Hillary Gyebi-Ababio,Vice President (HE) at NUS, Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission, Bobby Duffy, Professor of Public Policy and Director of the Policy Institute King's College London, Richard Brabner, Director at the UPP Foundation, Omar Khan, Director of the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in HE, Shuab Gamote Project Manager at The Union MMU, Dani Bradford, Policy and Research Manager Students' Union UCL, Calum Sherwood, Senior Policy and Research Officer at Arts Students' Union, Georgia Spencer, Welfare Officer at Arts Students' Union, Syeda Zara Haram, Vice President Education, Herts SU, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Access and participation, blended, careers, student finance Feb 10, 2022

This week on the podcast there’s a new Director for Fair Access and Participation at OfS, and we’ve published new research on blended learning and careers.
Plus the IFS says the government is tightening the screws on students, and UUK is doing work on drugs.
With Graeme Atherton, University of West London and NEON, Zuleikha Chikh, SU President at University of Central Lancaster, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Levelling up, black students in halls, disabled students Feb 03, 2022

This week on the podcast we go searching for a role for higher education in the levelling up agenda.
There’s also interesting new reports out on race and disability ahead of our Secret Life of Students event.
With Amatey Doku, Consultant at NOUS, Selena Bolingbroke, Independent Consultant, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Student numbers, assessment, third years, blended Jan 27, 2022

This week on the podcast we’re crunching numbers as HESA spring tells us about the size and shape of the sector in 2020/21, and UCAS end of cycle data gives us a sense of where we are this year. Who’s up, who’s down, and does it matter?
We’re also thinking about assessment, considering the plight of third year students, looking at QAA research on blended learning and Dame Shirley Pearce gives Debbie the lowdown on the TEF review.
With Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, NUS Vice President for Higher Education, Lawrie Phipps, Senior Research Lead at Jisc, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Outcomes, TEF, NDAs Jan 20, 2022

This week on the podcast we’re discussing the Office for Students’ new proposals on the outcomes that universities will have to deliver for students. Are they the right way to judge quality?
Plus OfS has a new design for the Teaching Excellence Framework, and Michelle Donelan is urging universities to outlaw the use of NDAs.
With Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of the Student Futures Commission, Ben Archibald, General Manager at the Union of Students in Ireland, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Omicron, access, harassment, NSS Jan 13, 2022

This week on the podcast we’re back after the break being told that there’s “no excuses” for online learning. How is the sector handling Omicron?
We’re also reflecting on exhortations from ministers on improving attainment in schools, reading up on UCU’s new report on harassment on campus, and trying to work out what’s going on with the National Student Survey.
And DK has an update on the ARIA bill, and there's also the triumphant return of Yes, but does it correlate?
With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Northampton, Ben Vulliamy, Chief Executive at York University Students’ Union, Sunday Blake, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Plan B, admissions, staffing, “one nation” Dec 09, 2021

This week on our Christmassy podcast, England has moved to plan B - but what does that mean for students and universities? The UCAS end of cycle report is out - what does a bumper year for high tariff providers mean for their local areas and the test of the sector? Plus there’s new reports on staffing in higher education, the idea of a “one nation” university, and Wonkhe’s bid for the Christmas #1.
With Jackie Njoroge, Director of Strategy at the University of Salford, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice at the University of Manchester, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Strikes, blended, transfers Dec 02, 2021

This week on the podcast industrial action has begun across the sector - how should universities mitigate any impact on students? There’s also a new briefing out on digital delivery from Universities UK, and new figures on student transfers.
With Emily McIntosh, Director of Learning, Teaching and Student Experience at the University of Middlesex; Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor at The Open University; David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe; Jamie Melrose, President of the University of Bristol UCU branch; and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Access and participation, social mobility, student loans Nov 25, 2021

This week on the podcast there’s a new director for fair access and participation at the Office for Students - what will that mean for students and universities?
Plus IFS has some fascinating new data out on social mobility, there’s a new report out on what graduates think about student loans and on Hidden History we look at how women came to study in the sector.
With Anne-Marie Canning, Chief Executive at the Brilliant Club, Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor and President at the University of Sussex, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Regulation, industrial action, PGTs Nov 18, 2021

This week on the podcast we consider the future of regulation of universities, and wonder who gets to decide the "student interest". Plus UCU have announced strike dates, Advance HE has published the results of this year's PTES and on Hidden History we look back at student disciplinary procedures from a different age.
With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Northampton, Neil Mackenzie, Associate Director Membership at Sheffield Students' Union, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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OfS, COP, student experience, antisemitism Nov 11, 2021

This week on the podcast OfS chief Nicola Dandridge is stepping down - what next for regulation of higher education?
There’s also news from COP, some new stats on the student experience, and concern over antisemitism on campus.
With Sue Rigby, vice chancellor at Bath Spa University, Jonathan Grant, Director of Different Angles, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief of Wonkhe.

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White paper, Wales, PRES, ONS Nov 04, 2021

This week on the podcast we ask if we’re getting an HE white paper for Christmas, and look at polling on the politics of fees, funding and maintenance. Plus Wales has a new Bill, and there’s new data on PGRs and undergrads - both of which appear to signal an intractable mental health crisis across the sector. What can be done?
With Osama Khan, PVC Education at the University of Surrey, Debbie Holley, Professor of Learning Innovation at Bournemouth University, David Kernohan, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Spiking, R&D, COP26, specialist providers Oct 21, 2021

This week on the podcast we consider the spate of "student spiking" stories and the student-led campaigns to improve safety in venues.
There’s also some new reports on research and development in the run up to the spending review, universities have been making climate commitments in the run up to COP 26 and OfS is consulting on funding for specialist providers.
With Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive at Million Plus, Pete Quinn, inclusion consultant, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Skills, social mobility, black grads, free speech Oct 14, 2021

This week on the podcast we’re tracking the progress of the Skills Bill and keeping an eye on efforts to redefine social mobility. There’s also a new report out on black graduates, OfS has been talking about how it will regulate in the future and we reflect on where you draw the line over free speech.
With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Johnny Rich, CEO at the Engineering Professors' Council, David Kernohan and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editors at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach.

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Conservative conference, spelling, essay mills, diversity training Oct 07, 2021

This week on the podcast we’re reflecting on a few days at Conservative Party conference. Have we found out what levelling up means?
Plus OfS launches a report on spelling, essay mills are to be banned in England and we consider whether online diversity training is more hassle than it’s worth.
With Selena Bolingbroke, Consulting Fellow with the Halpin Partnership, Amatey Doku, Consultant at the Nous Group, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Spending review, party conferences, graduate outcomes, posters Sep 30, 2021

This week on the podcast we’re looking ahead to the comprehensive spending review and proposals to lower the graduate repayment threshold. We also discuss party conference season, a new index on graduate outcomes and we discover the posters that were on everyone’s walls as a student.
With Diana Beech, Chief Executive Officer at London Higher, Aashish Khadia, Director of Planning at the University of Leicester, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach.

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Industrial action, humanities, LGBT+ students, free speech bill Sep 23, 2021

This week on the podcast UCU are balloting for industrial action over pay and pensions - does it signal a bleak midwinter for the sector?
Plus HEPI has a new report out on the humanities, there’s new data on LGBT+ applicants and the Free Speech bill completes its committee stage.
With Graham Virgo, Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Education at the University of Cambridge, Mary Curnock Cook, serial non-exec director and Chair of the UPP Student Futures Commission, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent and presented by Wonkhe’s own Jim Dickinson.

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Reshuffle, groupings, graduates Sep 16, 2021

This week on the podcast we have a new Secretary of State and a promotion for the universities minister to discuss. Plus we’ve started a big debate about sector groupings, there’s new research on where graduates end up and Hidden History looks at the rules governing student conduct after the war.
With Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, VP Higher Education at NUS, Andrew Hargreaves, dataHE founder, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Gavin Williamson, UCAS data, student futures, international Sep 09, 2021

We're back for a new season as Gavin Williamson addresses Universities UK conference - did he give anything away about the upcoming spending review? Plus there's UCAS data in an odd year for Clearing, an interim report from the Student Futures Commission, two new reports on international students and Hidden History looks at old student conduct rules that might be just as applicable today.
With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham, Sunday Blake, from the Strategic Delivery Unit at the University of Exeter, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, David Kernohan, Associate Editor and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor.

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Summer special - building back student experience Aug 26, 2021

In association with Routledge, we've assembled some special guests from the field of higher education research, pedagogy and leadership to explore how we build student experience back in the year ahead.
Hosted by Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty, and featuring Wonkhe associate editor Jim Dickinson, co-editor of A handbook for student engagement in higher education Tom Lowe, Internationalisation in HE series editor Elspeth Jones, and Queen Mary University of London vice principal Stephanie Marshall.
Routledge is offering an exclusive discount to Wonkhe Show listeners - head over to the Wonkhe Show special edition page on their site to find out more, meet the authors featured, and browse for titles, including those mentioned in the show.

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Reopening, skills, UCAS figures, NDAs Jul 08, 2021

This week on the final podcast of the season we review campus reopening guidance from across the UK. What happens when the balance between freedom and safety becomes universities’ problem? Plus the skills bill gets read for a second time in the Commons, there’s new UCAS figures to take a look at, and Michelle Donelan has been writing letters about non-disclosure agreements.
With Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation, Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Finances, digital skills, careers, BLM, September Jul 01, 2021

This week on the podcast we consider the state of the sector’s finances. Did the dire predictions of a sector in financial crisis come close to happening? There’s also new research on students’ digital skills, some careers confidence stats, plus we catch up with SU evidence into the Student Futures Commission and our Black Lives Matter event.
With Diana Beech, Chief Exec at London Higher, and Ben Villiamy, Chief Exec at the University of York Students’ Union and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor.
Link to shownotes on Wonkhe.com

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Value for money, science, PG access, white working class Jun 25, 2021

This week on the podcast the results of this year’s HEPI/Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey are out. Did students think that this year represented “value for money” and how can universities with their mental health? Plus there’s a new government science office, a report on postgraduate widening participation and that ongoing controversy over white working class children.
With Marian Hilditch, Deputy Academic Registrar at the University of Bradford and Chair of SROC, Jonathan Grant, Professor of Public Policy at the Policy Institute King’s College London and Director of Different Angles, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Skills bill, examnishambles, roadmap delay Jun 17, 2021

This week on the podcast we catch up with the Skills Bill and its second reading in the Lords - and sense big debates to come over fees, funding and creative subjects. We’re also finding out more about last year’s examnishambles and there's the delayed roadmap to freedom - what does that mean for HE?
With Mary Curnock Cook, Chair of the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission, Mark Essex, Director of Skills at KPMG, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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The best of Wonkfest Jun 10, 2021

This week on the podcast we’ve got a clutch of highlights from Wonkfest. We consider how universities can build back higher, bridge the digital divide and inject care in the university community. We also think about the university of the high street and consider how we might create a stronger sense of belonging on campus.
With Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.
Plus contributions from Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, Simone Buitendijk, Vice Chancellor of the University of Leeds, Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, vice president for higher education at NUS, Steven Spier, Vice Chancellor of Kingston University, Janice Kay, Provost at the University of Exeter, Kate Tapper, leadership coach, Becky Thomson, President at Christ Church Students Union, Joe Cooper, Deputy Director for HR at Imperial College, and Sunday Blake, President of University of Exeter Students’ Guild.

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Loans, geography and employment, drama, September Jun 03, 2021

This week on the podcast we discuss student loans - should the interest rate go up or come down, and where’s the balance between politics and progressivity? There’s also a new dataset from OfS to crunch, a spate of misconduct cases at Drama schools that may have sector-wide implications, lessons to learn from successfully containing Covid at Cambridge and the launch of a new Black women's professors’ network.
With Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance) Advance HE and Chair of BPP University, Steph Lomas, UCLan SU VP Education, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor, Alice Chilver, CEO of WHEN and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Augar, credit, student futures, apprenticeships May 27, 2021

This week on the podcast we try to make sense of ongoing speculation about fees and funding in England as we move towards an Autumn response to the Augar review. There’s also a new report out on academic credit that may be more important than first meets the eye, news from the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission and polling on what students have missed out on this year, and UCAS has a new report out on apprenticeships. Plus Hidden History looks at higher level learning.
With Helen O'Sullivan, Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Chester, Johnny Rich, Chief Executive at the Engineering Professors Council, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at Nottingham Trent University and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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“Dead end” courses, skills bill, September May 20, 2021

This week on the podcast Gavin Williamson has been offering up his views on “dead-end courses” and OfS has published a measure that might tell us how to find one. There’s also a skills bill to digest, some data issues to dive into, a couple of free speech cases to learn from and September is coming - but what are universities saying will be delivered?
With Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International, Gary Hughes, Chief Exec of Durham Students’ Union, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Free speech, Queen’s speech, admissions, transitions May 13, 2021

This week on the podcast the government has introduced a new Higher Education Bill into parliament - but do its proposals on academic freedom and freedom of speech stack up? There’s also a range of other measures in the Queen’s speech to consider, and as the deadline for the government’s admissions review looms, we take the temperature of responses from across the sector.
With Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Wrexham Glyndwr University, Chris Shelley. Director of Student and Academic Services, University of Greenwich, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Racism, sex, drugs and controversial ideas Apr 29, 2021

This week on the podcast the Commons Education Committee raises antisemitism with Michelle Donelan and BBC3 airs a documentary on racism in the sector. Is real progress being made? Plus there’s new findings out on students and sex and drugs, and the long-awaited Jornal of Controversial Ideas has its first edition out - but is it as edgy as it thinks?
With Eunice Simmons, VC at the University of Chester, Ben Ward, CEO at the University of Manchester SU, Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe and Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Return to campus, inclusive assessment, sex work, London Apr 15, 2021

This week on the podcast we consider the implications of the government’s announcement on return to campus. There’s also a debate rumbling round on inclusive assessment, a reported rise in students engaging in sex work, and news of a new campaign on London weighting.
With Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, Sunday Blake, President at Exeter Students' Guild, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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The New Power University Apr 01, 2021

Our usual podcast format is on its Easter break, so this week there’s an opportunity to enjoy highlights from the launch of a new book on the social purpose of higher education in the 21st century.
In The New Power University, Jonathan Grant argues that to remake the social contract between universities and the public, universities must embrace “new power” values that focus on participation, networks governance and radical transparency.
With Jonathan Grant, Author of The New Power University and Professor of Public Policy at the Policy Institute, King’s College London; Henry Timms, co-author of New Power; former universities minister Jo Johnson; ‘Funmi Olonisakin, vice principal international at King’s College London; and chaired by Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe. There’s also a link to the full video version of the event on the site.

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Student choice, Student Futures, happiness Mar 26, 2021

This week on the podcast UCAS has some new findings out on supporting students to make good (higher education) choices.
Wales has its own Erasmus replacement, Northern Ireland has a brain drain, Mary Curnock Cook appears to discuss the new Student Futures Commission from the UPP Foundation that she’s chairing, and a happiness course at Bristol brings a smile to the face. Plus Mike Ratcliffe tells the story of Oxford’s Masters degrees on Hidden History.
With Gavan Conlon, partner at London Economics, Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director at Unite Students, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor.

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Science, admissions, protest, tertiary Mar 18, 2021

This week on the podcast the government’s integrated review of security, defence, development and foreign policy puts science and technology at the centre of international relations. But where do universities fit into that agenda?
There’s also an interesting new HEPI report on admissions to get across, the threat of the silencing of student protest posed by the police, crime, sentencing and courts bill and a new report on the relationship between colleges and universities. Plus Mike Ratcliffe’s Hidden History looks at the expansion of the sector in the sixties.
With Anne-Marie Canning, CEO at the Brilliant Club, Osama Khan, Vice-Provost Education at the University of Surrey, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and Mark leach, CEO at Wonkhe.

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China, graduate employment, wellbeing, attainment gaps Mar 11, 2021

This week on the podcast we discuss a new report on the relationship between universities and China and ask if UK HE is too close to the superpower. There’s also ONS data on graduate employment and student wellbeing, and fresh findings from Jisc on the digital student experience.
Mike Ratcliffe’s Hidden History travels to Bologna, and we take a quick look at new OfS Access and Participation data that suggests changes to assessment methods and policies at the end of last year had a significant impact on attainment gaps.
With Selena Bolingbroke, consulting fellow for the Halpin Partnership, Amatey Doku, consultant with the Nous Group, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Budget, complaints, pensions, history Mar 04, 2021

This week on the podcast we get across Rishi Sunak’s budget and what it means (and doesn’t mean) for higher education.
We also discuss the latest batch of Covid complaints summaries from the OIA, consider the implications of the USS pensions news and try to understand universities minister Michelle Donelan’s intervention on curriculum decolonisation.
With Alex Favier, Director of Global and Political Affairs at the University of Nottingham, Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor and Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s CEO.

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Return to campus again, digital learning, wider experience, examnishambles Feb 25, 2021

This week on the podcast we consider the issues presented by the return to campus for students and their universities. There are new reports on digital learning and student activities and employability to get across, and we think through how teacher assessed A level results might impact admissions.
With Smita Jamdar, Partner & Head of Education at law firm Shakespeare Martineau, Paul Greatrix, Registrar and Secretary at University of Nottingham, and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Free speech, applications, the media Feb 18, 2021

This week on the podcast we discuss Gavin Williamson’s proposals on campus free speech and ask “why now” and whether they’ll work. We also review the latest applications data and look at an interesting new report on universities and the media.
With Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, Vice President Higher Education at NUS, Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor and presented by Mark Leach, CEO at Wonkhe.

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Regulation, complaints, essay mills, WP Feb 11, 2021

This week on the podcast our guests dissect the latest letter from Gavin Williamson to the Office for Students, and ask if the regulator is becoming unduly politicised. There’s also developments on the student complaints front, essay mills action in Parliament and DK deep dives into HESA’s new widening participation data.
With Mary Curnock Cook, higher education expert and serial non-exec director, Steven Spier, Vice Chancellor at Kingston University and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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UCAS end of cycle, learning experience, student hardship, free speech Feb 05, 2021

This week on the podcast there’s the ups and downs of student recruitment to discuss as the UCAS cycle reports. We’ve also launched new research on the student learning experience, and our guests discuss catch up, new money for student hardship and ongoing work on free speech on campus.
With Alistair Jarvis, CEO at Universities UK, Natalie Day, Head of Strategy and Policy Insight at Sheffield Hallam, David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s CEO.

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Grade inflation, skills, student housing, care leavers Jan 28, 2021

This week on the podcast there’s new figures on the impact of the pandemic on students to discuss. Did those studying away from home “stay away” as asked?
There’s also the skills agenda, grade inflation, the hidden history of student accommodation and our “boarding school” model, a new report on care-experienced students, and DK digs into the University of St Andrews (Degrees in Medicine and Dentistry) Bill.
With Michael Taylor, External Affairs Advisor at Manchester Metropolitan University, Cat Turhan, Policy Analyst at the Russell Group and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Augar response, TEF review, Skills for Jobs, funding Jan 21, 2021

In a special podcast this week Team Wonkhe attempts to make sense of a big release of policy documents from the Department for Education. There's an interim response to the Augar review of HE fees and funding, news on the TEF, Gavin Williamson's long awaited skills white paper and a teaching funding settlement for 2021/22.
With Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe's Editor, David Kernohan and Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe's Associate Editors, and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe's Editor in Chief.

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PODCAST: Gavin Williamson, fair assessment, skills Jan 14, 2021

This week on the podcast we consider the fate of Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, and ask what ministers haver to do to get sacked these days. There's also a look at our new Skills to Thrive research, and a delve into the complexities of fair assessment during a pandemic.
With Sue Rigby, Vice Chancellor at Bath Spa University; Jonathan Simons Director at Public First; Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe's Editor; and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe's Associate Editor.

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PODCAST: Start of term special Jan 08, 2021

To kick the term off Wonkhe's editorial team gathers to discuss the year ahead - taking in everything from the delayed and constrained "staggered" return, to quality and standards, student accommodation, calls for "no detriment" policies and the team's things to watch out out for in the year ahead.
With Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe Editor; David Kernohan, Associate Editor; Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor; and presented by Editor in Chief Mark Leach.

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Brexit, OfS reset, UCAS figures, free speech. Dec 17, 2020

It’s the end of term at Wonkhe towers but the policy train is still trundling along, and so on the podcast we’re discussing everything from Brexit, to a glut of paperwork from the Office for Students, UCAS figures and the dramatic return of the Free Speech University Rankings. Plus not one but two special musical interludes.
With Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International, Jonathan Simons, Director at Public First and Head of the Education Practice, Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wobnkher and presented by Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief Mark Leach.

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Transfers, ONS, climate change, brexit Dec 10, 2020

This week on the podcast there are new figures from the Office for Students on student transfer to understand. There’s also some striking survey data out from the ONS, a new paper on universities and climate change from HEPI, and the small issue of Brexit and its impact on higher education.
With Claire Taylor, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham Glyndwr University, Johnny Rich, Chief Executive of the Engineering Professors' Council and presented by Jim Dickinson, Wonkhe’s Associate Editor.

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Return to campus, graduate skills, pandemic student experience Dec 04, 2020

This week on the podcast there’s guidance for England for the return to campus in the new year to get across. We also discuss the skills graduates need and whether higher education can deliver them, and new polling form HEPI on the full time undergraduate experience this term.
Presented by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe, guests Tim Blackman, Vice Chancellor at the Open University, Jess Moody, Senior Adviser at Advance HE and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe.

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Spending review, racial harassment, digital, Covid complaints Nov 26, 2020

This week there's the Chancellor's spending review to get across and a new report from Universities UK on tackling racial harassment. There's also work out from Jisc on staff and digital, and a batch of complaints from the first part of the pandemic to learn lessons from published by OIA.
With Helen O'Sullivan, Pro VC Education at Keele University and Amatey Doku, Consultant at Nous.

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Mickey mouse, international, student protection, Cummings going Nov 19, 2020

This week on the podcast the panel evaluates proposals on quality, standards and so-called “Mickey Mouse” courses. We also think through the great “reset” at No.10 and potential implications for higher education, international recruitment, and protections for students in the event of course, campus or whole provider closure.
With Selena Bolingbroke, Consulting Fellow at the Halpin Partnership, Paul Inman, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) at the University of Reading, Jonathan Simons, Director at Public First and Mark Leach, Editor in Chief at Wonkhe.

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Admissions reform, Demo 2010, Christmas Nov 13, 2020

This week on the show we discuss admissions reform and what's looking like an impending shift towards post qualifications offers. There's also a look back at the big student demo of 2010 and a look forward to both Christmas and what we could be faced with in the new year.
With Helen Higson, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Aston University and Chris Shelley, Director of Student and Academic Services at the University of Greenwich.

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Retention, lockdown two, skills and levelling up Nov 05, 2020

This week on the podcast the panel looks at Wonkhe's new research on non-continuation. We also think through the implications of the month long lockdown in England, and look at a couple of new reports on the skills agenda and levelling up.
With Diana Beech, CEO at London Higher; Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor at Sussex University; and Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach.

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Half term retention special Oct 29, 2020

Our usual discussion format is on its half term break, so ahead of our Wonkhe @ Home event on retention on November 4th we’ve got a recording of our session on the subject from our Secret Life of Students event back in September.
This term students need more help than usual to thrive, especially when face to face contact, extracurricular activity and part-time work is severely constrained. In this discussion, delivered in partnership with Solutionpath, a panel of experts explored how universities can build a picture of student engagement, and explore what can be done to reconnect with students who are at risk of non-continuation.
With Richard Gascoigne CEO, Solutionpath; Helen Higson, Provost and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Aston University; Ed Foster, Head of Student Engagement and Analytics, Nottingham Trent University; and Wonkhe’s Editor Debbie McVitty.

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Future, REF, boomerangs, student support Oct 22, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss demand for higher education and new reports on the future of the sector. We also consider the phenomenon of the "boomerang" generation, confidence in democracy, reforms to the REF and some good news on funding for students impacted by the pandemic.
With In Paul Ashwin, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster University and Deputy Director of the Centre for Global Higher Education; and Marian Hilditch, Deputy Academic Registrar at the University of Bradford and chair of SROC.

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Christmas lockdown, culture wars, student outcomes Oct 15, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the proposed student lockdown for Christmas and the latest salvos in the sector's slice of the culture wars.
We also review what's happening on the ground in universities and consider a new report on student outcomes.
With Emmanuel Adukwu, UWE; Rachel Hewitt, HEPI and Mark Leach, Wonkhe's CEO.

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Disabled students, new providers, diverse governors, Conservative conference Oct 08, 2020

This week on the podcast the panel reflects on a new report on the experience of disabled students in higher education. There is also discussion on the HE "market" and new providers, the diversity of HE governing bodies and Conservative party conference.
With Ian Dunn, Provost at Coventry University and Anne-Marie Canning, CEO at the Brilliant Club.

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Return to campus, Augar, Black History Month Oct 02, 2020

This week on the show we check in on the return to campus and the fallout from student self-isolation that’s been dominating all the press coverage. We also discuss the government’s partial response to the Augar review, the start of Black History Month and there’s a look at student discipline on Hidden History.

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NSS, campus return, UCAS, student politics Sep 24, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the impending review of the National Student Survey and what’s going on with the great return to campus. We also consider the latest student numbers figures from UCAS, look at a report on students’ unions and ask why students might be “leaning left”.
With Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director at Unite Students; and Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute.

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The Secret Life of Students special Sep 18, 2020

In this week’s special edition of the podcast we’ve got a grab bag of highlights from our Secret Life of Students event - covering everything from the future of the NSS, to how students understand the “value” of higher education, through to building community, student safety and fairness.
With Alison Johns, CEO Advance HE; Nicola Dandridge, CEO Office for Students; Libby Farrier-Williams, St Mary’s University; Ann Olivarius, Senior Partner, McAllister Olivarius; Felicity Mitchell, Independent Adjudicator OIAHE; Alan Sutherland, CEO Surrey SU; Jenny Shaw, Unite Students; Ben Vulliamy, CEO York SU; Patrick O'Donnell President York SU; Philippa Hardman, Aula; Andrew McLaughlin, CEO The SU, University of Bath; Francesco Masala, President The SU, University of Bath; Danielle D’hayer, associate professor, London Metropolitan University; and Jess Moody, Senior Advisor, Advance HE.

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Return to campus, examnishambles, ministers Sep 10, 2020

In our first episode of the autumn term we consider the issues surrounding higher education's return to campus and the latest Covid guidance from government. We also look at the summer results crisis and consider its long term impacts, and discuss two big speeches from Gavin Williamson and Michelle Donelan.
With Mary Curnock Cook, independent higher education expert; Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean of Humanities at the University of Manchester; Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe; and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Clearing and admissions special Aug 07, 2020

The podcast is back off its hols for a week with a clearing and admissions special. We wrap up the news from the controversial Scottish Highers results, look ahead to the rest of the UK’s results, and consider how students are making decisions in the context of Covid-19.
There’s also discussion on admissions reform, and where widening access fits into the picture.
With Clare Marchant, CEO at UCAS; Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews; Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor; and presented by Mark Leach, Wonkhe’s Editor in Chief.
This week’s special episode is produced in association with UCAS.

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Expectations, Donelan, restructuring Jul 16, 2020

In our end of term podcast, we dive into Wonkhe/Pearson research on student expectations around September and consider how universities should respond. Wales has a new tertiary education bill, Michelle Donelan has been at the Commons Education Committee, there are some reforms to higher technical education and DK has all the highlights (and correlations) we need from NSSmas day.
After the main recording, news of DfE’s restructuring regime and OfS’ market exit plans dropped - so Jim and DK discuss those too.
With Frances Corner, Warden at Goldsmiths, University of London, Alex Favier, Director of Global and Political Affairs at the University of Nottingham, and Wonkhe’s Associate Editor David Kernohan.

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Recovery, international, applications, 50% target Jul 09, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the economy, the Government’s recovery plan and why some are claiming that bashing universities is “the new Brexit”.
There’s also a road map out for making the UK the world’s most attractive global destination for international students, some new UCAS figures to give us a bit of hope and there's a quick listen to Gavin Williamson's speech on skills.
Hosted by Wonkhe CEO Mark Leach, and with guests Jess Strenk, Policy & Public Affairs Manager at Middlesex University, Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK and Wonkhe’s Editor Debbie McVitty.

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Bailout 2, social mobility, expectations Jul 02, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the Government’s package of support for research and ask who it’s for and whether it will work. There’s also a speech from Michelle Donelan on social mobility and low value courses to digest, and HEPI polling on lockdown learning and student expectations for September.
With Ross Renton, Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Worcester and Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International (UUKi).

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Graduate Outcomes, fees in Australia, PhD students Jun 25, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss results from the Graduate Outcomes survey, and evaluate reforms to tuition fees in Australia. We also look at HEPI's new report on PhD students and the realities of their experience.
With Ellen Wilson, VP higher education services at Pearson; Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI; and Debbie McVitty Editor of Wonkhe.

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Reassurance, international, admissions, Rhodes will fall Jun 18, 2020

This week on the podcast we evaluate universities' efforts to reassure students about the experience they will have from September.
We also discuss Jo Johnson's proposals on international students, a new report recommending changes to admissions and Michelle Donelan's interview with HEPI.
With Ghazwa Alwani-Starr, Pro Vice-Chancellor Strategy at the University of London and Ben Ward, Union Director and CEO at the University of Manchester SU.

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Consumers, student experience, China, statues Jun 11, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss OfS’ new guidance on student consumer protection and wonder whether it’s possible to offer the certainty that the law suggests they are entitled to. We also look at this year’s iteration of the HEPI / Advance HE Student Academic Experience Survey, Onward and British Council reports on China, and the Rhodes Must Fall protests. With Shân Wareing, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Northampton and Aaron Porter, Governor of Goldsmiths & BPP universities.

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Reopening, racism, number controls, cost cutting Jun 04, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the advice on offer to universities about reopening in September. We also look at the reaction to the murder of George Floyd, the (re)introduction of student number controls and the budget issues facing many universities
With Sue Rigby, Vice Chancellor at Bath Spa University and Jonathan Grant, Vice President & Vice Principal (Service) at King’s College London.
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Deferrals, clearing, research, access May 28, 2020

This week on the podcast we’re discussing the possibility of students attempting to defer as we approach September, and consider what the clearing period might look like.
We also look at a new report on the regional imbalance in research and development expenditure, and have a read of the Russell Group’s plan for widening access.
Hosted by Wonkhe’s CEO and Editor in Chief Mark Leach, with David Sweeney, Executive Chair at Research England; Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director at Unite Students and David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Reopening, mental health, immigration, mergers May 21, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the announcements that universities are starting to make about their approach to September.
There's an updated and refreshed mental health framework out, an immigration bill has been passed in Parliament, and we catch up with former Wales Education Minister Leighton Andrews on his urge to merge. Plus - nature is healing - correlate is back.
With Anne Marie Graham, CEO at UKCISA, Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor at the University of Sussex and Leighton Andrews, Professor of Practice in Public Service Leadership and Innovation at Cardiff Business School.

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Science, postgrads, training, student housing May 14, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the relationship between science, society and politics. There's also new report from HEPI on postgrads, a Policy Exchange report on "training", and new legislation on student accommodation in Scotland.
With Rachel Sandison, Vice Principal External Relations at the University of Glasgow; Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe's Editor; David Malcolm, Head of Policy at NUS; and Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach.

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Bailout, social distance, governance, optimism May 07, 2020

This week on the podcast we look at the fallout from the Government's support package for universities and students. We also ask whether it's possible to create a viable socially distanced student experience, the role of university governance in the next phase, and share some optimism about the future.
With Mary Curnock Cook (serial non-exec director), Chris Shelley (Director of Student and Academic Services at University of Greenwich).

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The Covid-19 support package for universities and students May 03, 2020

In a special extra edition of The Wonkhe Show, the editorial team discusses the Government's Covid-19 support package for universities and students.
Wonkhe's Editor Debbie McVitty has all the information on the measures; Associate Editor Jim Dickinson takes a look at a proposed new OfS registration condition; Associate Editor David Kernohan takes a deep dive into a new thing called Clearing Plus; and CEO Mark Leach considers the politics of the package.

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Key workers, complaints, international demand, mental health Apr 30, 2020

This week on the podcast we look at the proposal from Universities UK and MillionPlus on attracting government funds to the sector to support current and future key workers. We also reflect on the OIA annual report, interrogate new evidence on the intentions of international applicants, and think about mental health in the context of the pandemic.
Hosted by Wonkhe CEO Mark Leach; with Steve Smith, Vice Chancellor at Exeter University and Hillary Gyebi-Ababio, Undergraduate Education Officer at Bristol SU.

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No Buildings from September? Apr 26, 2020

In this special extra edition of the Wonkhe Show, we’re looking how universities might prepare for the prospect of having to deliver fully online courses into September. What principles might be adopted? How should staff be supported? And how can universities engage with students in managing this shift?
Hosted by Debbie McVitty, Editor of Wonkhe, with Andrew Turner, Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor at Coventry University, Rachael Curzons, Chief Partnerships Officer at Aula and Eve Alcock, SU President at University of Bath Students’ Union.
This podcast is produced in association with Aula. Join Aula and Wonkhe on 7 May for the online event: No buildings from September - what on earth do we do about the learning experience?

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Bailouts, admissions, September Apr 23, 2020

This week on the podcast we look at UUK's proposed higher education bailout and NUS' proposed student bailout and consider how the proposals are being received by Government. We also look at the ongoing moratorium on unconditional offers, talk to Durham's VC, wonder how universities will ever re-open, and have a think about what September might look like for students and universities.
With sector student experience expert Michelle Morgan, Professor of Higher Education at Lancaster Uni Paul Ashwin, and Wonkhe’s Associate Editor David Kernohan.

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Uni budgets, quality, admissions Apr 09, 2020

This week on the podcast we discuss the impact of Covid-19 on university finances, we have a think about maintaining quality and standards in the middle of the crisis and we discuss the big admissions questions as the moratorium on unconditional offers continues.
With Smita Jamdar, Partner & Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau and Andrew Hargreaves, co-founder of dataHE.

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Number controls, safety nets, community contribution Apr 02, 2020

This week on the Wonkhe Show we're thinking about student numbers, and the types of regulation and national intervention needed during and after the Covid-19 lockdown. We also think about students and their need for safety both over assessment and enrolment, and the role universities are playing in the community during the crisis.
With Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe, with Selena Bolingbroke, Lead for External Engagement & Strategic Development at Goldsmiths, University of London; and Andy Westwood, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility for the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Manchester.

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Covid-19 and admissions, REF, regulation and accommodation Mar 26, 2020

This week on the Wonkhe Show we start to try to make sense of the fall out from the Covid-19 crisis. We discuss admissions and student recruitment, the cancellation of the REF and the prospects for PGR students, the character of regulation required for the coming period and the major issues around student accommodation for both next term and beyond.
Hosted by Mark Leach, CEO of Wonkhe, with Mary Curnock Cook, independent higher education expert; Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI, and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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PODCAST: Mental health, universities and Covid-19 Mar 20, 2020

This week on the podcast we ask how we maintain our emotional and mental health during the Covid-19 pandemic. We also process the events of the week just gone, there’s top tips for staying healthy while working or studying at home, and we have a think about what universities and government should be doing to help.
With John de Pury, Assistant Director of Policy at Universities UK and Fran Longstaff, Head of Psychology at Fika.

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PODCAST: Budget, COVID-19, OfS in court, misconduct Mar 12, 2020

This week on the podcast we look at the budget and implications for HE, as well as the impacts on the sector of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Office for Students has won a court case, and we look at new guidelines on handling cases of sexual misconduct.

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Graduate premium, careers, levelling up, culture wars Mar 05, 2020

This week on the podcast we go through IFS’ work on the graduate premium, examine HEPI’s take on how graduate employability has changed universities, and look at Million Plus’ ideas for how to level up higher technical education. We also tackle Turning Point UK’s attempt to address “left wing bias” in university teaching.
With Selena Bolingbroke, Lead for External Engagement and Strategic Development at Goldsmiths University of London; and Adam Tickell, Vice Chancellor of the University of Sussex.

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Admissions, coronavirus, number controls, levelling up Feb 27, 2020

his week on the podcast we take a look at OfS’ new review of admissions, assess the impact of coronavirus on the sector, and look at whether we’re about to see the return of student number controls. We also have a look at a new HEPI report on “levelling up”.
With Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief of Wonkhe; Vivienne Stern, Director of Universities UK International; David Bell; Vice Chancellor of the University of Sunderland; and Graeme Wise, Contributing Editor at Wonkhe.

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Trinity Hall Cambridge, civic, fair admissions, NSS Feb 20, 2020

This week we discuss Tortoise’s investigation into sexual misconduct at UK universities, consider UPP’s research into public perception of higher education, and dissect polling done on UUK’s behalf about perceptions into university admissions. We also look at the Office for Students’ insight brief into the National Student Survey.
With Justine Andrew, Market Director for Education and Skills at KPMG; Pete Quinn, independent higher education consultant and Debbie McVitty; Editor at Wonkhe.

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Value indicators, wellbeing, NDAs, student engagement Feb 13, 2020

This week on the podcast Universities UK is proposing new VFM indicators, there’s new analysis on teaching and learning and mental health, universities are being accused of using NDAs to gag student complainants and we chat Open Access with UKRI.
With Vanessa Wilson CEO at University Alliance, Andy Youell - writer, speaker and strategic data advisor and Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty.

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Student marketing and recruitment special Feb 06, 2020

This week’s Wonkhe Show is a recruitment special, in association with SMRS.
We take a first look at the UCAS data on January deadline application data, consider the politics of universities’ offer-making in 2020, and discuss where the lines are when marketing to students. The panel also speculates about how university recruitment practices may change over the next decade as we anticipate rapid growth in demand for HE.
Hosted by Mark Leach, Editor in Chief of Wonkhe, with Clare Marchant, Chief Executive of UCAS; Dan Beynon, Head of Education at SMRS; and Alison Kerwin, Director of Marketing at the University of Liverpool.

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Access and participation, recruitment, research bureaucracy Jan 30, 2020

This week on the podcast we have a look at the ups and downs of the end of cycle UCAS figures. There's an OfS analysis of access and participation plans out, we think about the implications of a reduction of research bureaucracy and a quick look at immigration and HE.
With Rachel Hall, Universities Editor at the Guardian, Amatey Doku, a Consultant at the Nous Group and David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Augar delay, access, casualisation, grammar schools Jan 23, 2020

This week on the podcast we consider the implications of another delay to the government's response to the Augar review of post-18 fees and funding. There's a suite of new reports out on access, we look at casualisation, and DK has been poring over new LEO data.
With Mary Curnock Cook, independent higher education expert, and Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of the University of Northampton

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Unconditionals, KEF, research culture, racism Jan 16, 2020

This week on the podcast we're back in the UK and discussing Nottingham Trent's intervention into the ongoing row about offer making in universities. We also discuss the spec for the first run at the Knowledge Exchange Framework, a new report on research culture and we look at the press coverage over the Sheffield students being paid to tackle racist language on campus.
With Nick Hillman, Director at HEPI and Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director at Unite.

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PODCAST: Harassment regulation, languages, Baltics Jan 09, 2020

This week on the podcast we're live from Helsinki where the Wonkhe SUs European Study Tour has been reflecting on meeting friends from across Europe. We also chat OfS regulation on harassment and sexual assault and a new HEPI report on learning languages.
With Eve Alcock, President at Bath Uni SU; Jazz Nesbitt-Larking, President at Bath Spa SU; Katie Smyth, President at Newcastle Uni SU; Gary Hughes, CEO at Durham SU; and Vicky Saward-Read, VP at Kent SU.

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The Hidden History of HE Box Set: Season 2 Part 2 Dec 26, 2019

The Wonkhe Show podcast is on its Christmas break, so as a special treat we’ve rolled up Season 2 of the Hidden History of HE into two special box sets.
Every week Nottingham Trent’s Academic Registrar Mike Ratcliffe delves deep into the sector’s past to find out how things were and how things came to be.
This week in part 2 Mike looks at the development of the doctorate, the regular execution of university chancellors, the origins of public funding of universities in the UK, the era of university MPs, when VCs met the PM, and the creation of the CATs.

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The Hidden History of HE Box Set: Season 2 Part 1 Dec 19, 2019

The Wonkhe Show podcast is on its Christmas break, so as a special treat we’ve rolled up Season 2 of the Hidden History of HE into two special box sets.
Every week Nottingham Trent’s Academic Registrar Mike Ratcliffe delves deep into the sector’s past to find out how things were and how things came to be.
This week in part 1 Mike looks back at attempts to ban the Oxbridge tradition of awarding MAs, the time when the Government closed HE colleges they'd just opened, the end of the binary divide between universities and polytechnics, the battle build new universities (including the towns that lost), and the vision we used to have for student accommodation.
Look out for Part 2 next week.

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PODCAST: The morning after the general election 2019 Dec 13, 2019

In the final episode of our podcast this season, we analyse the general election. We take in the result, overall and at the constituency level, and talk about the big wins and upsets of the night. We move on to examine how this result will affect higher education, as well as the rest of the nation.
From Team Wonkhe: Mark Leach, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, Jim Dickinson and David Kernohan, Associate Editors; with special guests Hettie Hill, Research Lead at BritainThinks; and Diana Beech, Head of Government Affairs at the University of Warwick.

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Free speech, UCAS data, HE SMEs, student data Dec 05, 2019

This week we discuss the state of independent higher education providers, analyse UCAS’ new self-release function for applications, examine a report from King’s College London on student perceptions of freedom of expression and chat about HEPI’s new research into how students feel about the use of their data.
With Johnny Rich, Chief Executive of Push and Chief Executive of the Engineering Professors' Council; Andy Youell, HE data specialist; and Debbie McVitty, Editor at Wonkhe.

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Applications, nurses, 21st century uni, voter registration Nov 29, 2019

This week on the podcast (live from Advance HE's governance conference in London) we discuss the release of the first part of UCAS’ data for the most recent applications cycle, analyse the Conservative’s pledge for 50,000 more nurses, and chat about the University of Lincoln’s manifesto for the university of the 21st century. We also think about the surge in voter registration and what it might mean for the election.
With Joe Cooper, Deputy Director of Human Resources at Imperial College, London; Michelle Morgan, Student Experience Consultant; and David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Bolton fire, Oxford Union, election Nov 21, 2019

This week on the podcast we discuss the fire that affected student accommodation in Bolton, unpick the incident where a blind international student was forceably removed from a debate at the Oxford Union, and scrutinise the many demands made for higher education in the current general election campaign. And Hidden History looks at university chancellors...
With Jess Moody, Senior Adviser at Advance HE; and David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Labour, residential HE, PTES, free speech Nov 14, 2019

This week on the podcast we analyse the Labour Party’s plans for education, scrutinise HEPI and UPP’s report on the fact that so many students live away from home in the UK, discuss the results of Advance HE's Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey, and finish up by delving into free speech on campus through Policy Exchange’s report into “academic freedom”.
With Philip Plowden, Vice Chancellor of Birmingham City University; Smita Jamdar, Education lead at Shakespeare Martineau; and Sofia Ropek, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Live from Wonkfest 2019 Nov 05, 2019

This week live from Wonkfest our guests reflect on two intense days of higher education wonkery. We also chat the coming general election and UCU's impending industrial action.
With Andrea Burrows, MD at OES; Mary Curnock-Cook, Independent Education Expert; Jonathan Simons, Director at Public First; and Wonkhe's CEO Mark Leach.

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OfS reviews applications to get on its register Oct 30, 2019

This week in a half term special Team Wonkhe takes a look at OfS' initial provider registration process, pulling out key themes and asking - is its regulation working?
With Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty and Wonkhe's Associate Editor Jim Dickinson.

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Racism, grad premium, criminals, VFM Oct 24, 2019

This week on the podcast we dive into the EHRC’s report on racism at British universities, scrutinise HESA’s report on the graduate premium, discuss the new initiative to help people with criminal convictions access HE and examine HEPI’s report into education in prison.
Plus there's a chat about quality and value for money, a cracking correlation quiz and Hidden History looks at "free" Masters degrees at Oxford.
With Richard Eyre, Chief Programmes Officer at the Brilliant Club; Nick Hillman, Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute; and Debbie McVitty, Wonkhe’s Editor.

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Science, TNE, disabled students, demand Oct 18, 2019

This week on the podcast we investigate the government’s plan for a new science agency, discuss transnational education, talk about the Office for Students’ Insights report into disabled students and their Disabled Students’ Commission, and consider how we might meet demand for higher education over the next decade,
With Ben Vulliamy, CEO of the University of York’s Students’ Union; Kate Wicklow, Policy Manager at GuildHE; and Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Student housing, research funding, sexual misconduct, Augar Oct 10, 2019

On the podcast this week we talk about Chris Skidmore’s intervention into student accommodation not ready for the new term, and his letter to Research England about the future of UK research. We dig into what’s changed in the two years since UUK set up its harassment and hate crime task force, and discuss HEPI’s new report into how students view the Augar Review.
With Andy Youell, strategic data advisor; Shân Wareing, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) at London South Bank University; and David Kernohan, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Private schools, RORI, care leavers, VC pay Oct 03, 2019

On the podcast this week we discuss Labour's party conference resolution on capping the percentage of kids from private schools going to uni. We also discuss the newly launched "research on research" institute, a new report on care leavers and HE and an intervention on VC pay from the Taxpayer's Alliance.
With James Wilsdon, professor of research policy and director of impact and engagement in the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Sheffield; Tristram Hooley, Professor of Career Education at the University of Derby and Chief Researcher at the Institute of Student Employers; and Sofia Ropek, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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TUNDRA, fees, initiations, midwives Sep 26, 2019

This week on the podcast we talk about equality, privilege, and TUNDRA; and the shelving of £7,500 fees. We also chat UUK’s new guidance on initiations and a new survey on student financial pressure.
With Selena Bolingbrooke, Lead for External Engagement & Strategic Development at Goldsmiths, University of London; Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean of Humanities at the University of Manchester; and Wonkhe’s Editor Debbie McVitty.

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Mental health, BME gap, freshers Sep 19, 2019

This week we dive into Unite Students and HEPI’s new insights report, discuss Gavin Williamson’s letter to the Office for Students, look at the barriers faced by Black PhD students, and discuss whether freshers’ week needs a rethink.
With Jenny Shaw, Student Experience Director at Unite Students, Pete Quinn, former board member at AMOSSHE and now HE consultant, and Wonkhe Associate Editor Jim Dickinson

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UUK Conference, International Students, Discover Uni Sep 12, 2019

The podcast is back for its autumn season, and we're chatting all the gossip and speeches from Universities UK's annual conference in Birmingham. There's also news on international students, a new unistats from OfS, and the return of Hidden History.
With Wonkhe's own Jim Dickinson (Associate Editor), Debbie McVitty (Editor) and Mark Leach (CEO)

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Higher technical, Warwick, clearing Jul 11, 2019

On our final podcast of the season we dive into the Department for Education’s technical review of level 4 and 5 qualifications and the results of a review into the Warwick WhatsApp issue. We take a look ahead to clearing and look back on a year in higher education policy.
With Mary Stuart, vice chancellor of the University of Lincoln, Andy Westwood, Professor of Government Practice and Vice Dean of Humanities at the University of Manchester, and Wonkhe Associate Editor David Kernohan.

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NSS, DMU, new SU officers Jul 04, 2019

This week we dive into the Office for Students’ annual report and look at wider issues of governance surrounding the OfS investigation into De Montfort University. We take a detailed look at this year’s National Student Survey results and - it’s that time of year - we discuss priorities for incoming students’ officers.
With Mary Curnock Cook, former chief executive of UCAS, Pete Quinn, former board member at AMOSSHE and now HE consultant, and Wonkhe’s Editor-in-Chief, Founder and CEO Mark Leach.

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Private schools, LEO, REF, free speech Jun 27, 2019

This week on the podcast we discuss the Sutton Trust and Social Mobility Commission’s report on the educational backgrounds of Britain’s leaders and what the findings suggest about social mobility. We look at LEO, analyse an exercise reviewing the Research Excellence Framework, and take stock of where the sector is with the debate over free speech.
With Paul Greatrix, Registrar at the University of Nottingham; Aaron Porter, Associate Director Governance, Advance HE and Director of Policy, IDP Connect; and Wonkhe’s own Arthi Nachiappan.

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S3 Ep8: VC pay, mental health, TEF4, graduation Jun 20, 2019

This week on the show we chat the results of UCU's FOI requests to universities about VC membership of remuneration committees, and the PM’s prevention plan to tackle mental ill health across the education sectors. And it’s that time of year - we take a look at graduation costs for students.
There's also a dose of True Crime on Campus and our Correlation Quiz.
With Rachel Piper, Policy Manager at Student Minds; Ben Vulliamy, chief executive of York Students’ Union; and Wonkhe’s own Minto Felix.

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S3 Ep7: Student experience, safeguarding, mobility, Tories Jun 13, 2019

This week we discuss the annual student academic experience survey produced by HEPI and Advance HE to dissect students’ perceptions of value for money, teaching and assessment.
We also explore trends in international student mobility, and higher education has finally made its appearance in the manifestos of candidates for leadership of the Conservative party - we take a look.
Plus True Crime on Campus and our Correlation Quiz.
With Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics; Greg Walker, chief executive of MillionPlus; Nottingham University's Head of Security Gary Stevens; and Wonkhe’s Debbie McVitty.

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S3 Ep5: Augar special May 30, 2019

The long awaited Augar review is finally out, and this week our top wonks discuss the proposals, implications for the sector and politics of the review. Plus a look behind the curtain at what went on at the launch event.
With Wonkhe's Editor in Chief Mark Leach; our Editor Debbie McVitty and our Associate Editor David Kernohan.

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The education policy trap: will the Augar review avoid the mistakes of the past? May 25, 2019

On the eve of the expected publication of the Augar review of Post-18 Education and Funding, Mark Leach asks if it will avoid the education policy trap.

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S3 Ep4: Staff well being, degree classification, student health May 24, 2019

This week we discuss the Higher Education Policy Institute’s report on staff mental health and the University of Oxford’s programme to widen access to the institution. There is a statement of intent on degree classifications, and the question of how responsible universities should be for freshers’ weight gain.
With Justine Andrew of KPMG; Amatey Doku of the National Union of Students; and Wonkhe’s Mark Leach.

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S3 Ep3: Research, anti-semitism, social mobility, car parking May 16, 2019

This week we discuss the government’s strategy on research and innovation and the Minister’s intervention on anti-semitism. Duncan Exley, former Director of the Equality Trust, has published a book scrutinising the UK’s social mobility problem and we chat Wonkhe's Car Parking Ranking.

With Luke Myer of Edge Hill Students’ Union; Sarah Barr-Miller of UCAS; and Wonkhe’s David Kernohan.

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S3 Ep2: NDAs, ministers and offers, wellbeing May 09, 2019

This week we discuss the Minister’s intervention on non-disclosure agreements and research, and get up to speed with the latest in the row over conditional unconditional offers. The Higher Education Policy Institute has a report on measuring wellbeing.

With Graeme Atherton, director of the National Education Opportunities Network; Kate Wicklow, policy manager at GuildHE; and Wonkhe’s Minto Felix.

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EU students, over-education, BME attainment, Cambridge and slavery May 02, 2019

The amount that EU students may have to pay to come to a UK university has been across the news this week, and our podcast guests analyse the debate. We also talk ONS figures on “over-education”, the UUK/NUS report on the BME attainment gap and Cambridge’s decision to look into its past. We also catch up with OfS’ Richard Puttock about data.

With Rachel Hall, Universities Editor at the Guardian, Alec Cameron, Vice Chancellor of Aston University, and Wonkhe’s Jim Dickinson.

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The Hidden History of HE Apr 24, 2019

We’ve been on our Easter break at Wonkhe towers, so this week we’ve got a special treat - the whole season of the Hidden History of HE in one podcast.

Find out about the university curriculum that was designed exclusively for women, the origins of the commuting university, the battle to be the oldest university, and the students at a university where most of the rules were for those that taught them - and much more!

With Nottngham Trent’s Academic Registrar, Mike Ratcliffe.

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Non disclosures, access, pro-life, a levels Apr 18, 2019

On the last podcast before our Easter break, we discuss the rise of non-disclosure agreements for university staff, the state of the Office for Students’ access and participation data, the refusal of affiliation for an anti-abortion group in Aberdeen, and students with low prior attainment doing well at university.

With Shan Wareing, Chief Operating Officer and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Education) at London South Bank University; Thom Brookes, Professor of Law and Government at Durham University; and Wonkhe’s David Kernohan.

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Kirsty Williams Apr 17, 2019

In this special bonus edition of the podcast, Wonkhe's editor Debbie McVitty sits down with Wales' Education Secretary Kirsty Williams to discuss higher education policy, politics and the challenges of being a woman in public life.

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Tories, NUS, stalking, rent guarantors Apr 11, 2019

A centre-right think tank has a new report out on generational differences. We also discuss NUS' conference, data on stalking and a fascinating rent guarantor scheme aimed at care leavers.

With Nick Hillman, Director at HEPI, Jess Moody, Senior Advisor at Advance HE and Wonkhe's own Arthi Nachiappan.

The shownotes and correlation quiz are on wonkhe.com

Note this episode contains discussion of stalking and domestic violence. Paladin is the national stalking advisory service paladinservice.co.uk. The national domestic violence helpline is 0808 2000 247.

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Financial forecasts, cybersecurity, apps Apr 04, 2019

OfS has finally published its assessment of English providers' finances - and the forecasts look shaky. Our guests discuss the implications, along with a new report on cybersecurity, and another on the value of vocational degrees.

Plus Chris Skidmore calls App Britain!, our correlation quiz and more Hidden History of HE.

With Johnny Rich, CEO of Push and the Engineering Professors' Council; Julia Clarke, Pro VC at Manchester Metropolitan; and Wonkhe's Editor Debbie McVitty.

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Grade inflation, loneliness, mergers, Peterson Mar 28, 2019

Is grade inflation the problem that Damian Hinds claims it is? This week on the podcast we discuss DfE’s “intervention” on the issue, as well as research on student loneliness and the issue of institutional mergers and acquisitions.

We also cover the University of Cambridge’s withdrawal of a two-month fellowship for Jordan Peterson.

With David Morris of the University of Greenwich; Rebecca Lowe of the Institute of Economic Affairs; and Wonkhe’s own Mark Leach.

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International, cheating, skills, demography Mar 21, 2019

The government has published a new international education strategy - but is it enough given the competition? On the podcast this week we discuss the issues, as well as taking a look at Damian Hinds’ intervention on plagiarism.

We also discuss the UK’s skills slowdown, the looming university recruitment crisis, and Hidden History looks at degrees for women.

With Robin Webber-Jones, Vice Principal at The Sheffield College; Kate Wicklow, Policy Manager at Guild HE; and Minto Felix, Associate Editor at Wonkhe.

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Data, housing, funding and cheating Mar 14, 2019

On the podcast this week we discuss the impact of recent political developments on higher education, data futures, and new research on student accommodation. Plus ITV's new drama about a student who uses an essay mill, our correlation quiz, the latest from the blogs and the launch of Wonkhe SUs.

With Chris Shelley, Director of Student and Academic Services at the University of Greenwich; Gavan Conlon, Partner at London Economics; and Wonkhe’s own Jim Dickinson.

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Uni bailouts, subsidies and teaching excellence Mar 07, 2019

What is the real cost to the taxpayer of funding higher education? This week on the podcast we look at report trying to answer that question, as well as students’ views on bailouts for universities, student mental health stats, Hidden History and our correlation quiz.

With Andy Youell, strategic data advisor; Eve Alcock, president of Bath Students’ Union; and Wonkhe’s editor Debbie McVitty.

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Strike complaints, access, harassment Feb 28, 2019

On the show this week we discuss student complaints about last year's strike action and compensation. The Office for Students has new guidance out on access and participation plans, and there's new data on sexual misconduct on campus. Plus hidden history, our correlation quiz and the latest from our bloggers.

With HE public affairs and strategy expert Charles Heymann, Lucy Findlay of Social Enterprise Mark, and Wonkhe’s David Kernohan.

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Labour, decolonisation, housing Feb 21, 2019

This week on the podcast we discuss Labour's emerging policy on higher education. There's also a look at curriculum decolonisation campaigns getting the royal seal of approval and the state of private student housing. - should universities intervene?

With serial non-exec and sector expert Mary Curnock Cook, HE consultant Pete Quinn, and Wonkhe’s Editor-in-Chief, Founder and CEO Mark Leach.

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VC pay, civic, staff on TEF Feb 15, 2019

This week on the podcast the Office for Students has released data on senior pay, and there’s a major report on the civic role of universities. The University and College Union has asked its members what they think of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework, and we hear from this week’s bloggers.

With Anne Marie Canning of King’s College London, William Whyte from the University of Oxford, and Wonkhe’s Arthi Nachiappan.

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Michael Barber live at Wonkfest18 Nov 10, 2018

The full recording of Michael Barber live at Wonkfest18. Accompanying slides can be found here: https://wonkhe.com/wp-content/wonkhe-uploads/2018/11/WONKHE-5-NOV-FINAL.pdf

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