Andrew’s background

Andrew’s work evidences a long commitment to, and experience in, access, widening participation and student success with all age groups.  He possesses a background in the national careers service; in leading Further Education Student Services; and in adult guidance services and networks.  All underpin his strong commitment to widening and deepening access and participation in education and training – particularly in higher education in its diverse forms.  His work is predicated on the breaking down of barriers to further and higher education which are still faced by many young and adult learners – in order that they may fully grasp their life chances, maximise their potential and realise their goals.

Ongoing commitment

Andrew Rawson is proud to be an active member of the Executive Group of the Forum for Access and Continuing Education (FACE) http://www.face.ac.uk/.  He serves also as a trustee and treasurer of FACE and is involved with the FACE Access and Participation Plan Special Interest Group.

He is an active member of the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) National Strategy Group www.nnecl.org and is a founder member of the Social Partnerships Network sharing common values related to lifelong learning and social mobility and a commitment to a more diverse higher education system.  (The SPN website can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/cicp/main/social-partnerships.)  Andrew is currently working closely with United Kingdom Advising and Tutoring (UKAT) – the professional association for practitioners and researchers interested in advancing the scholarship and practice of student advising and personal tutoring in higher education in the UK.  He advises UKAT on access, widening participation and student retention.