This blog has been written by Anna Zvagule, Head of Communications at London Higher.
As the rain poured down on Liverpool, the buzz inside the Labour Party Conference 2024 was palpable, particularly in discussions surrounding higher education. The conference halls were filled with familiar faces and new contacts, all eager to explore what a Labour government could mean for the future of UK universities. However, I’m not sure that we have come out of it with many answers…
Reimagining university funding
Against a backdrop where university fees & funding are the hot topic on the agenda, the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) event featuring thought-provoking discussions on new models for university funding was a highlight. Professors Sasha Roseneil and Jane Norman, representing the universities of Sussex and Nottingham respectively, addressed the financial challenges both institutions and students face. They emphasized how the sector could contribute to the government’s missions, such as promoting economic growth and tackling inequality. Professor Tim Leunig from LSE/Public First presented a cost-neutral approach to reforming student fees and loans, underscoring the ongoing debate about sustainable financing in higher education, with lots of questions and views from the floor on which direction to go in. Albeit no solution has to date come out on top…and with the UUK Blueprint still not out for public consumption there are varying opinions across the sector.
Moving into more positive territory, a King’s College Policy Institute event with Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, tackled how best to work together with the sector. Discussions focused on championing universities, addressing inequalities and making higher education more accessible to diverse groups, and tackling challenges faced by the sector. Hopefully, this new collaborative approach signals a potential shift in the sector’s relationship with the Government, and as we return to our day jobs, the challenge now is to turn these discussions into actionable strategies that will shape the future of UK higher education.
Skills and lifelong learning
The Labour Party is placing a significant emphasis on lifelong learning, widening access, and participation. Through sessions hosted by organisations like Right2Learn, the Conference explored how education should be accessible at all stages of life, not just for the traditional 18-24 age bracket. It was encouraging to hear the acknowledgment that lifelong learning is essential for building an adaptable, future-ready workforce.
The value of the creative industries
The conference was not solely focused on traditional policy discussions. Creative industries and their contribution to both the economy and cultural life were brought to life through various events in the Creative Industries tent, including a stunning performance by Brad Kella and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA)’s very own Martin Prendegast, plus an engaging conversation between Sir Chris Bryant and actor Adrian Lester.
Following this, it was encouraging to hear Sir Keir Starmer specifically highlight the importance of the creative subjects in his inaugural Conference speech as Prime Minister on Tuesday. With the growing influence of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects, Labour’s focus on the creative industries may offer a more balanced approach to university course offerings, recognising both the economic and social impact of the arts and humanities.
Looking ahead
While the new government’s five missions framed many discussions on the Conference fringe, there were a few whispers of caution about aligning too closely with the Labour Party (not least captured by HEPI Director Nick Hillman in his own Conference blog). This is indeed something to bear in mind, especially given the buoyant mood at the Liberal Democrat conference the previous week. (You can read my colleague Dr Richard Boffey’s rundown of it on our blog). With the Conservative Conference still to come, engagement with all parties will be key as we build advocates for our sector across the political divides.
The rain in Liverpool may have dampened our clothes, but hopefully not our spirits. As Labour prepare their future plans for higher education, the sector is eagerly waiting for more definitive policies to be unveiled in the 2024 budget or the 2025 spending review. Until then, the discussions held during the conference will undoubtedly give us food for thought as we commence the new academic year.
We must now stand ready to face the challenges ahead. It is not going to be an easy road, but with a clearer picture of what a Labour government might mean for our universities and students, we are hopefully better placed to continue our engagement.
