Birkbeck welcomes report on social mobility
Universities UK report highlights the importance of part-time higher education
Birkbeck welcomes the publication today of a new report on social mobility, which highlights the importance of part-time higher education, particularly for mature learners.
The report, published by Universities UK, is a response to a Government request for practical ways to address inequalities in higher education. Its recommendations include a call for more evidence and shared data about what works in improving social mobility; increased work with schools by universities; improved careers information, advice and guidance in schools; and the creation of an employers’ forum to bring about closer collaboration between universities and employers to improve employment prospects for under-represented groups.
Professor David Latchman CBE (pictured), Master of Birkbeck, said: “This report offers many sensible proposals while acknowledging that there are no quick fixes to deep-rooted social inequalities. I welcome its emphasis on the need for evidence-based approaches to policy-making on social mobility, and for greater evaluation of what universities are doing in this area.
“Birkbeck also welcomes the report’s focus on mature learners. For almost 200 years, Birkbeck’s mission has been to provide high quality evening education for people regardless of their background or age, and our commitment to social change and widening access is still central to that mission. Our graduates are testimony to the power of education to transform and improve lives.”
The report, Working in partnership: enabling social mobility in higher education, has been produced by Universities UK’s Social Mobility Advisory Group. Its publication comes as the Government continues to debate the Higher Education & Research Bill, which aims to put students at the heart of HE.