Widening Participation

The Community of Expertise: Widening Participation (CommExp: WP) was set up, with the support of CELT in March 2021, to provide a forum for all USW staff who see widening participation as being a key focus of their work.

Despite many years of widening participation and widening access policy (see HEFCW Widening Access and Inclusion Programme) and an increase in numbers attending university, the proportion of students from non-traditional backgrounds has not altered (see widening participation statistics in the UK). It is also essential to note there are stages to any widening access provision: starting with attracting and enrolling students, followed by retention and attainment throughout the course of study, and culminating with a good degree outcome and job prospects. All of these areas need to be considered as part of widening participation.

This Community brings together academic and professional services USW staff to share experiences, ideas, good practice and foster collaboration. It aims to create better understanding of the issues faced by non-traditional students and celebrate success stories.

Please feel free to join this community if widening participation is central to your approach at USW. Come and share your experiences with others and collaborate on new projects and ideas.

Community members can share content and collaborate using the dedicated, private CommExp: WP SharePoint site (new or prospective Community members can follow the link to request access to this site). 

If you're a USW colleague or student involved in work to widen participation, join us!