The Wonkhe Show

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 for Audience Insight at FindAUniversity, Sarah Chaytor, Head of Policy for Higher Education 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students. With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Charlotte Corrish, Head of Public Policy at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkh and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. This week on the podcast OfS is introducing new protections for some students - but will they come fast enough and who will they apply to? Plus a Lords committee says UK visa policy for scientists and researchers is an “act of national self-harm”, and we’ve launched a new article series on commuter students. With Omar Khan, Chief Executive at TASO, Charlotte Corrish, Head of Public Policy at the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education, David Kernohan, Deputy Editor at Wonkh and presented by Jim Dickinson, Associate Editor at Wonkhe. Fairness and protection for students is coming – but not for those that need it 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the podcast there’s budget news from both Wales and Scotland - why are governments finding it so hard to stick to commitments on student financial support? Plus OfS has temporarily “closed” its register as the financial crisis intensifies, and Radio 4’s File on Four has been looking at international recruitment. With Beccy Freeman, Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education) at University of Warwick, Jonathan Grant, Director at Different Angles, Livia Scott, Partnerships Coordinator at Wonkhe, Mike Ratcliffe, Academic Registrar at City St George’s University of London, and presented by Mark Leach, Editor-in-Chief at Wonkhe. File on 4: The International Student 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.