1. ‘ SMEs don’t have time to be involved in curriculum development; true or false?’ Jane O’Brien and Bob Lauder

2. Experiences with the Biomedical sector HLSP projects: Postgraduate level CPD for those working in the Biomedical sector, including graduates in their first year of employment Skills areas: business/management, key skills, bioscience

3. Pre-bidding stage Few established relationships with SMEs within the School Invested resources in contacting SMEs to establish interest/support/needs - reticence about getting involved

4. Post bidding: employer engagement strategy 1.Sector research - involvement of SSCs and Bionow 2.Steering group and advisory group 3.Questionnaire plus interviews 4.Web based discussion forum 5.Visits and telephone interviews

5. What worked? 1.Going out (rather than inviting in) 2.Individuals with vested interests and/or those who had previous experience to suggest that it would be worth their while 3.Agencies (SSCs and Bionow) able to represent SMEs

6. Conclusion Time is money for SMEs so will only engage if - a priority and can see clear return on investment - engagement methods suit them (not us) Key role for SSCs Challenges for HEIs (without HLSP funding)

7. HEIs don’t have time to involve SMEs in curriculum development – true or false?