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Lifelong-learning fund proposal at Ruth Thompson Lecture

Baroness Wolf outlined her ideas for lifelong access to higher education at the lecture held to commemorate the late deputy chair of Birkbeck Governors, Ruth Thompson.

Baroness Alison Wolf of Dulwich proposed the creation of a lifelong-learning fund as part of a more flexible higher education system, as she gave this year’s Ruth Thompson Commemorative Lecture.

The envisaged fund, which she outlined in conversation with Claire Callender, Professor of Higher Education Studies at Birkbeck, University of London, would offer an alternative to the current system, which is channelling more school leavers than ever into full-time higher education.

It could universalise access and incite a radical improvement to widening participation in UK Higher Education, she suggested.

Speaking at the event, hosted in collaboration between Birkbeck and the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), Baroness Wolf advocated a major shift towards a more flexible higher education landscape to support all students.

She said: “A fund which could be accessed at any point during adult life, without conditions of repayment, would prevent a further fall in part-time student numbers and demonstrate Government’s commitment to personal and professional development for all.”

Baroness Wolf’s call comes at a crucial time, as the Government considers its options on university funding, be it to cut tuition fees or replace the system entirely. Professor Wolf said “Each era has generated a different answer to the old question of what universities are for. If Higher Education is to continue its pursuit of excellence, in research, in teaching and in knowledge transfer, something must be done.”

In February of this year, universities minister, Jo Johnson MP, admitted that all students, but especially mature ones, are “desperate for more flexible courses, modes of study which they can fit around work and life”. Despite this, part-time student numbers continue to fall and the latest figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency show that part-time student numbers in England have fallen 56% since 2010

The event, held on Wednesday, October 2, was attended by a number of leading lights in UK university management and higher education policy to celebrate the life and contribution of Dr Ruth Thompson as a civil servant, trustee, governor and loyal friend. Described as a ‘force of good to be reckoned with’, Dr Thompson had an incredible career in the civil service, ranging from the Treasury, the then-Department for Trade and Industry, Department for Education and latterly, just prior to retirement, the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills. She was variously Director of Finance for the Department for Education (2000–03) and then of the Higher Education Strategy and Implementation Group (2003–06). She pursued her commitment to the sector in her retirement, taking on a number of positions and directorships, including Deputy Chair of Governors at Birkbeck and as a trustee of the Advisory Board of the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI).

In his tribute to Dr Thompson, Professor David Latchman, Master of Birkbeck, remembered both her thorough, fair and uncommonly kind manner, and her commitment to Birkbeck’s mission to provide evening learning to working Londoners. “Ruth recognised and wholeheartedly supported the unique nature of Birkbeck’s commitment to flexible study, and she was as proud of our dedicated, determined students as I am. Ruth was an asset to the leadership of this institution and she will be greatly missed,” he said.

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