Expression of Interest for Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement Network

Overview

Expression of Interest for Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement Network

The Department for the Economy (DfE) is reviewing the future approach to Widening Participation in Higher Education.

We believe that your valuable expertise and insights will greatly contribute to our mission of promoting equal access and opportunities in education.

Stakeholder participation will not only help shape our widening participation efforts but also create a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals who are currently under-represented in Higher Education.

As part of the review, a Widening Participation Forum has been established; a key focus of the Widening Participation Forum is to develop and maintain Widening Participation policy and revise the approach to Widening Participation policy as set out in the Department's current strategy ‘Access to Success’.

The Widening Participation Forum is supported by a Widening Participation  Stakeholder Engagement Network which comprises of a wider group of interested parties and key stakeholders. The purpose of the Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement Network is to ensure stakeholders have the opportunity to inform and shape the policy proposals being developed. The Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement Network will be given the opportunity to attend the Widening Participation Forum at appropriate times and provide feedback on the discussions and proposals being developed for consideration as work progresses.    

Further, a number of Task and Finish Groups have been established to consider specific work strands across the following areas:

1. Target Groups
2. Planning and Monitoring - Including WAPPs Review
3. Raising Attainment, Support & Progression to Successful Outcomes 
4. Support for Collaboration / Structures/ Communication
5. Data & Evidence

These Task and Finish Groups will serve as a platform for collaborative discussions to bring forward proposals as we review the approach to Widening Participation in Higher Education. 

Expression of Interest

We would like to invite you to put forward your expression of interest in becoming a member of the Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement Network.

To express your interest in participating, please complete the below questionnaire outlining any preferences you may have and submit a brief statement outlining your background and expertise.

For anyone responding to the Expression of Interest, please read our Privacy Notice here: Privacy Notice

What happens after I respond?

All the responses we receive following the Expression of Interest will be collated and we will correspond directly with those who wish to participate in stakeholder engagement. 

We kindly request that you submit your expression of interest by Wednesday 21st February 2024 to ensure that we can consider your organisation.