‘Life After University’ collaborative event Supporting care experienced students as they begin to consider life after graduation From rights and entitlements to employment and postgraduate study AccessHE is the pan-London organisation that aims to support the progression of under-represented groups to higher education (HE). It does this by enabling HE institutions (HEIs), schools and colleges to achieve their objectives on widening access to HE more efficiently and effectively. Headed up by Dr Graeme Atherton and chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Kingston University London, Julius Weinberg, AccessHE has established itself as the largest network of its kind in England since 2011. AccessHE acts as a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for our HEI members to circulate information regarding their outreach work to schools via our weekly e-bulletins and our website. 

What is AccessHE? AccessHE is the pan-London organisation that aims to support the progression of under- represented groups to higher education (HE). It does this by enabling HE institutions (HEIs), schools and colleges to achieve their objectives on widening access to HE more efficiently and effectively. Founded in 2011 after end of Aimhigher AccessHE is the pan-London organisation that aims to support the progression of under-represented groups to higher education (HE). It does this by enabling HE institutions (HEIs), schools and colleges to achieve their objectives on widening access to HE more efficiently and effectively. Headed up by Dr Graeme Atherton and chaired by the Vice Chancellor of Kingston University London, Julius Weinberg, AccessHE has established itself as the largest network of its kind in England since 2011. AccessHE acts as a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for our HEI members to circulate information regarding their outreach work to schools via our weekly e-bulletins and our website.  lower socio-economic groups, those from disadvantaged backgrounds who live in areas of relative deprivation where participation in HE is low, looked after children and disabled students.

AccessHE member HEIs Brunel University London Pearson College London City, University of London Ravensbourne Conservatoire for Dance and Drama Rose Bruford College Courtauld Institute of Art* Royal Holloway, University of London* University of Greenwich Royal Veterinary College* Greenwich School of Management London St Mary’s University College, Twickenham University of Hull University of Sussex Kingston University London Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance LCA Business School, London University College London* London Metropolitan University University for the Creative Arts London School of Economics & Political Science* The University of West London London South Bank University University of Westminster Middlesex University *Colleges of the University of London AccessHE is a small operation with limited resources. AccessHE currently has 25 Higher Education Institutions as members - large, small, specialist, range of courses, in and outside of London - many of which are represented here today. As well as schools, colleges and HEIs in London we are working with the following partners at the moment: Office for Fair Access (OFFA) The National Union of Students (NUS) The Association of Colleges (AOC) The Greater London Authority (GLA)

What does AccessHE do? AccessHE Advocate network - over 220 schools and colleges in every local authority in London AccessHE Advocate programme - staff development events AccessHE Expos Weekly e-bulletin and monthly e-newsletter NCO projects - AccessHE Creative, AccessHE Online, Capital Access, Prepare to Succeed AccessHE forums - sharing best practice and developing collaborative solutions to widening access challenges in London. Forums include: The Arts and Design, Disability, Evidence and Evaluation, Student Ambassadors and Care Experienced and Estranged Students

Activity: What should care leavers consider when preparing for life after university? Discuss the above in groups: In which areas is support needed? Which areas do you encounter in your role? What resources are out there? Who can help?

Life After University event Right and entitlements Postgraduate study Mental Health and Wellbeing Employment Housing Finance

Who we involved Higher Education Institutions – widening participation staff, designated member of staff (DMS), counselling services Local authorities – leaving care services, virtual schools Charities Employers & recruitment specialists

Activity: How would you promote this event to care leaver/ care-experienced students? Discuss the above in groups: How would you disseminate the information – formats, platforms? How would you encourage students to attend? How would you encourage those who’ve booked to turn up on the day?

What we did Flyer and draft programme Info sent to Designated Members of Staff (DMS) in HEIs – student support services, outreach practitioners AccessHE e-bulletin – HEIs and advocates Info sent to collaborative partners – charities, local authorities Social media – twitter Instant booking confirmation for those who booked Several ‘contact’ emails to participants between booking and event date Emails sent from DMS’ to own students to further encourage attendance on the day

Conclusions Consider the model of the event – multipronged or focused approach? How to engage students? Be flexible and allow open dialogue Engage different stakeholders – local authorities, HEIs, charities, employers… Collaboration is key! It is worthwhile

Thank you for listening Lauren Hedges, AccessHE Operations Manager lauren.hedges@londonhigher.ac.uk Guy Cowen-Hutton, AccessHE Operations Officer guy.cowen-hutton@londonhigher.ac.uk www.accesshe.ac.uk