IHE Annual Conference 2024 - the UK’s flagship event for the independent higher education sector November 2024 | London

Held as the country reflects on the Labour Government's first few months in office, IHE's Annual Conference covered key areas of policy and regulation, the student experience, and opportunities for growth for independent providers.

ASIC attended on behalf of our UK institutions to stay up-to-date with sector insights and opportunities with the following key considerations for our members:

UK Government priorities for a diverse and innovative education sector

In her pre-recorded ministerial speech, The Rt Hon Baroness Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills at the Department for Education underlined the vital role of independent institutions in delivering diverse and innovative higher education across the UK. The Minister outlined the Government’s five key priorities for sector reform to benefit providers, students, and the nation and called on providers to be ambitious in improving student outcomes, generating greater civic and economic impact and developing robust action to ensure opportunities for all.

UKVI regulation, the evolving visa landscape, and international student recruitment

UKVI gave their insights into the current student statistics and advice regarding what they assess when evaluating concerns and potential breaches. Expanded discussion during the event concerned changes and shifts in the visa landscape and insight into developing successful international recruitment cycles. ASIC UK institutions will receive more information early next year.

Improving adult education and training across the UK

A key area of opportunity for our UK institutions lies in expanding the provision of adult education. Patrick Curry, Director of Higher Education Oversight, Department for Education discussed the publication of Get Britain Working White Paper (Nov 2024) and outlined the government's proposals to help adults get into education and upskill those sidelined in current models.

Other valuable insights came from Philippa Pickford, Director of Regulation at the Office for Students, and Professor Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government International Education Champion, along with many more sessions throughout the day covering:

• Sector regulation, policy, and the visa landscape
• The UK Government's agenda for economic growth
• The future of the student experience
• Equality of opportunity and improving outcomes
• Global strategies for local development and building industry partnerships
• Civic and community impact
• Graduate capabilities
• Student data, analytics, and AI to inform decision-making and change
• Governance and sector sustainability

You can learn more about IHE Membership here.