All Together Now
Collaboration in a new era of widening access and student success
The academic year 2026/27 will see big changes in terms of widening access as higher education providers, and other organisations, look to adapt to the changes outlined in the post 16 education and skills white paper. In England planning for the rebranding and reorganisation of the Uni Connect programme will undoubtedly be underway with changes now expected in 2027/28. In other areas of the UK both governments and higher education providers are also looking to implement changes to current practice to make higher education more accessible for under-represented learners and ensure their future success. These changes are the latest in a new era of widening access and student success, one which focusses on collaborative practice, regional engagement and a focus on the holistic student journey from access, through attainment and finally to progression.
The 2026 Summer Symposium focussed upon collaboration as we navigate this new era and looked at topics such as:
- The centrality of data and evidence in identifying awarding gaps, tracking progression and evaluating collaborative interventions to inform regional priorities.
- The whole institutional approach and the importance of partnership, both from within a higher education provider, and across the education sector.
- Deepening relationships with further education to enhance student pathways into higher education.
- Collaboration to enhance and strengthen progression routes from vocational qualifications including V levels and T levels.
- Moving from isolated initiatives to a truly integrated ecosystem across defined geographical regions.
- Expanding collaboration to share best practice on curriculum support, pedagogy, and initiatives to tackle awarding gaps.
- Working with employers from key sectors to both engage in outreach and student success programmes.
Confirmed speakers include:
- The Rt Hon. the Baroness Smith of Malvern – Minister for Skills and Minister for Women and Equalities.
- Professor Mark Power – Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, Liverpool John Moores University.
- Alun Francis OBE – Chair, Social Mobility Commission, and Principal/Chief Executive, Blackpool and the Fylde College.
- Lucy Haire – Director of Sector Engagement, UPP Foundation.
- Professor Chris Millward – Interim Director of Fair Access, Office for Students, Professor of Practice in Education Policy, University of Birmingham.
- Gianina Harvey-Brewin – Dean of Continuing Education, University of Roehampton.
- Fliss Miller – Director of Skills and Employment, East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
- Keith Mullin – Head of Management Department, Professional Practice and Music Business Subject Leader, Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA). Guitarist with Liverpool band, The Farm.
- James Owen – Chief Executive and Executive Director, Medr
- Lab Sessions from Student Finance, UCAS and NEON Working Groups
Lab Sessions from Student Finance, UCAS, NNECL, Talk The Talk and NEON Working Groups.
The NEON Summer Symposium was hosted at Liverpool John Moores University near to Liverpool City Centre. LJMU was one of the first higher education providers to become a NEON member back in 2013 so it was a real pleasure to enjoy their hospitality over the two days of the Symposium.
Get involved
NEON is the professional organisation supporting those involved in widening access to higher education at all levels and in all sectors to affect change in their own organisations and communities.