The HEPI Blog aims to make brief, incisive contributions to the higher education policy landscape. It is circulated to our subscribers and published online. We welcome guest submissions, which should follow our Instructions for Blog Authors. Submissions should be sent to our Blog Editor, Rose Stephenson, at [email protected].
The Government wants English universities to play a greater civic role in their localities. But new research shows universities are failing to invest in the people who perform this work, putting local relationships at risk. A new report from the National Civic Impact Accelerator (NCIA) programme, funded by Research England…
HEPI’s Director, Nick Hillman, spent Friday at a conference organised by SKOPE (the Centre for Skills, Knowledge, and Organisational Performance), part of the University of Oxford’s Department of Education. It was overseen by James Robson, Professor of Tertiary Education Systems, and featured the Minister for Skills, Baroness (Jacqui) Smith, among…
Universities must harness AI’s promise with caution, ensuring innovation enhances rather than undermines education, equity and academic integrity.
A clear, authentic personal brand helps university leaders build trust, amplify impact, and future-proof their careers in a changing sector.
Digital learning portfolios offer students lifelong, portable proof of skills, enhancing global mobility and aligning education with workforce needs.
University rankings have long been a trusted, if controversial, proxy for quality. Students use them to decide where to study. Policymakers use them to shape funding. Universities use them to benchmark themselves against competitors. But in an AI-powered world, are these rankings still measuring what matters? If we’ve learned anything…
A proposed 6% levy on international student fees could cost the University of Manchester £43 million annually and risk sector-wide harm.
Ethnically minoritised careers staff face burnout, exclusion, and microaggressions, yet structural reform and inclusive leadership offer hope.
ResearchPlus unites leading research-focused UK universities to boost innovation, skills, and regional and national prosperity.
* To declare an interest, Ben Hillman is the son of Nick Hillman, HEPI’s Director.