In its competitive market, the UK’s universities face growing pressure to be enterprising and produce graduates with real-world skills and innovative thinking. Employers frequently voice concerns about graduates lacking practical skills required in today’s workplace. At the same time, a new generation of students is more entrepreneurial and digitally agile…
Fourth Generation Universities unite teaching, research and civic purpose to tackle real-world challenges through bold, strategic partnerships.
Universities must invest in ‘relational infrastructure’ to reconnect with communities and prove their real-world public value.
**UPDATE: A recording of the webinar is available below** A team at London South Bank University (LSBU), with support from the UPP Foundation, have created the UK’s first student-led Energy Advice Centre (EAC), combining civic action with sustainability. Providing bespoke advice to householders and small businesses on how to reduce…
Russell Group universities are forging local partnerships to upskill workers and meet the UK’s urgent graduate workforce demands.
The Higher Education Policy Institute is today publishing a new paper, Increasing Employer Support for the Tertiary Skills System in England (HEPI Report 189) by Professor David Phoenix, Vice-Chancellor of London South Bank University. The report argues that, despite being one of the primary beneficiaries of our tertiary skills system, many employers…
Providing skills and expertise applicable to the workplace has always been a central component of universities’ provision. However, repeated government initiatives to involve employers more actively in the skills system over the past 60 years have shown few lasting successes. In this paper, Professor David Phoenix reflects on past initiatives…
Teacher shortages persist in 2025, but improving working conditions, student loan reform and key worker housing could drive change.
As HE reform looms, universities must urgently adapt to deliver agile, industry-ready skills in AI, cybersecurity and digital sectors.
On Tuesday 17 June 2025, HEPI and Lloyds Bank will host a roundtable dinner in Liverpool looking at ‘Drivers of Growth: Opportunities for universities to enhance their civic role and support national prosperity’. The dinner will bring together colleagues in the higher education sector and policymakers from across the region.…