Session 36: Shaping futures - collaborative outreach to support the local region

Abstract

Shaping Futures is part of the Uni Connect programme funded by the Office for Students. Over the last 7 years LJMU has been a key partner to Shaping Futures. The programme aims to inform and inspire learners and their key stakeholders, supporting them to make informed choices about their future. It works collaboratively with 12 local providers of Higher Education to try to reduce the attainment and progression gaps between the most and least disadvantaged within the Liverpool City Region. It also offers specific support to groups currently underrepresented in HE via its communities of practice. In so doing, it supports all of its partners in addressing risks to equality of opportunity and helps to eliminate gaps in access to higher education.

The session will provide an overview of Shaping Futures’ remit, the scope of its activity across the city region and the vital role LJMU has played in its success to date. Delegates will gain an understanding of the importance of collaborative outreach and what this might look like in the future. They will hear about LJMU’s involvement in the project so far and how it contributes to the university meeting its access aims, including those outlined in its Access and Participation Plan. It will also demonstrate how Shaping Futures evaluates its impact and contributes to the Office for Students stated aim of building an evidence base round ‘what works’ in higher education outreach. In addition, delegates will learn how they could potentially get involved in the future.

The session links to 2 of the aims underpinning LJMUs strategy 2030. It helps meet one of the KPIs for Education and Student Experience – Access and Participation. By working closely with schools and colleges in the local region, the project also demonstrates social impact, a KPI linked to Place and Partnerships

Shaping futures - collaborative outreach to support the local region PowerPoint.  Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.