Talking Transformation

Episode 12 of Talking Transformation brings together Professor Harriet Dunbar-Morris and Dr Helen Murphy to explore the evolving purpose of lifelong learning in higher education.  The conversation spans terminology – with Harriet proposing "lifelong scholar" as a term that respects adult learners' multiple identities. Curriculum co-design – where both advocate genuine partnership with learner...

In this episode of Talking Transformation , host Charles Knight speaks with Kerry-Jane Packman, chief executive of Learning on Screen, about the charity's new research report, Teach Beyond Text . Drawing on responses from more than 1,100 post-16 students, the report finds that over 80% say film and television make learning more engaging. Kerry-Jane argues this reflects how naturally students alrea...

In part two of our discussion of lifelong learning, Fiona Lennoxsmith speaks with Professor Ang Davies, the University of Manchester's academic lead for lifelong learning.  Ang describes how Manchester is rethinking its provision across three strands: civic and social responsibility, personal upskilling and employer-responsive programmes. Initiatives include a Bank of England-backed economics...

Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) Dean of Students Lay Yeo speaks to Advance HE's Fiona Lennoxsmith about lifelong learning in higher education.  SUSS serves students aged 18 to 80, with 80% enrolled as working adults. Its model combines flexible, modular study, evening and weekend timetabling, hybrid learning, micro-credentials and stackable qualifications. The university also s...

Episode 8 of Talking Transformation features Kane Murdoch, Head of Complaints, Appeals and Misconduct at Macquarie University, Sydney. They discuss academic integrity in higher education, moving beyond reactive approaches to student misconduct towards data-driven, proactive strategies. Kane emphasises that academic integrity isn't solely a student issue but relates fundamentally to assessment secu...

In this episode, host Charles Knight is joined by Laura Milne, Head of Digital Education at the University of Chester to discuss the ever increasing role of technology in higher education teaching and learning. They cover artificial intelligence, virtual learning environments and their pros and cons, as well as the role technology plays in making higher education as accessible as possible for as m...

In this episode of Talking Transformation, Professor Sarah Williams discusses her experience at Buckinghamshire New University when under scrutiny from the Office for Students. She discusses the importance of transparent communication with regulators, describing openness and humility as essential for constructive engagement. Reflecting on institutional culture, she advocates for sector-wide transp...

This episode features host Dr Elliott Spaeth from Advance HE discussing compassionate pedagogy with Dr Claire Killingback (University of Hull) and Rosie Jones (Teesside University).  They explore what compassion means in higher education: recognising student distress, responding proactively, supporting wellbeing, and seeing students as whole people. The conversation addresses pushback against...

This episode of Talking Transformation explores future-facing curricula in higher education, featuring Advance HE's Professor Mark O'Hara with Professor Beverly Hawkins from the University of Exeter, Dr Samantha Burvill of Swansea University and Associate Professor Chris McInerney from the University of Limerick.  They discuss preparing students for rapidly changing work environments through...

Dr Christopher D. Lewis is Associate Dean (Education) and Associate Professor (Educational Leadership) at Buckinghamshire New Universityand Hayley Burns, Deputy Dean for the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science at the University of South Wales explore strategic leadership development within higher education. Both reflect on their journeys through Advance HE’s Strategic Leadership Programm...

In this episode, host Charles Knight is joined by new Advance HE CEO, Alistair Jarvis and incoming Dean of Birmingham City University Business School, Leanne de Main to explore leadership and transformation in higher education as we navigate this time of rapid change. Alistair discusses a number of challenges affecting higher education institutions including funding pressures, geopolitical uncerta...

In the first episode of the new series, host Charles Knight, Director, Leadership, Governance & Management at Advance HE is joined by Fiona Lennoxsmith, Head of Leadership, Governance & Management, James Dunphy, former Director, Educational Excellence and David Bass, Director of EDI to discuss the work going on in their areas of expertise over the next few months. They discuss the relevanc...