We have a series of exciting events coming up. Our in-person conference Tackling Degree Awarding Gaps on the 18 May is proving very popular so early booking is strongly advised.
The first call for papers is now out for our summer in-person conference: Education and work: Addressing inequality through collaboration planned for 2 July 2026 and kindly hosted by Aston University. Please complete the form to express interest in contributing a practice session. The conference provides an opportunity for HEPs, post sixteen providers and employers to share practical strategies that facilitate more equitable access to careers education, advice and guidance (CEIAG) and progression to employment.
Supporting Student Ambassadors: Building Inclusive Communities in Practice 29 April, online, 10.00 - 11.30. This NERUPI Student Ambassador and Mentor Working Group session will explore how to build inclusive and supportive student ambassador communities, including a focussed case study on supporting student ambassadors observing Ramadan. BOOK HERE
Emerge: Creative Graduate Studio, 12 May, online 2.00 - 3.00. This Creative HE Working Group session will describe Bath Spa University's innovative Emerge initiative which offers a studio residency programme for alumni and local community artists to improve graduate outcomes grow the local economy and support graduate retention within the region. BOOK HERE
Tackling Degree Awarding Gaps in HE 18 May, in-person, London South Bank University, 9.30 - 4.00. This conference will explore persistent disparities in higher education outcomes and practical approaches to achieving equity. Despite over a decade of sector attention in UK higher education, persistent disparities remain in undergraduate degree outcomes across race, class, disability and other minoritised groups. Research has shown that these disparities do not stem from student deficits but from systemic and institutional factors manifesting as deep-seated cultural, pedagogical and curricula practices that underpin the degree awarding gap. BOOK HERE
Parents and carers working group: Lightning Talks 21 May, online, 2.00 - 3.30. At the next Parents and Carers working group meeting we have a series of Lightning Talks from members about their work with parents, carers, and influencers. Anyone from NERUPI member institutions with an interest in working with parents and carers is welcome to join the meeting. BOOK HERE
Using Data Dashboards for Management Information, 3 June, online, 2.00 - 3.30. As the range and scope of widening participation interventions become more complex the need for effective management systems becomes ever more urgent. In this Evaluators’ Working Group session we will hear about examples of two data dashboards developed to support planning, management, monitoring, evaluation and APP reporting of access, success and progression interventions. BOOK HERE
Romany and Gypsy Travellers, 4 June, online, 2.00 - 4.30. This event is part of our NERUPI series on Student Characteristics in the OfS Equal Opportunities Risk Register. The first part of the session will provide a brief history of Romany and Gypsy Travellers in the UK along with an overview of the current situation in relation to schooling and participation in higher education. Three practice examples from NERUPI member universities will provide examples of how higher education can engage constructively with local communities. BOOK HERE