The Importance of Disability Inclusive Language and the STAART Principles of Disability (SPoD)

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Event overview

This free, online STAART workshop is open to anyone post-16 with an interest in disability; neurodivergence; mental health conditions; long-term health conditions and/or university/college.   The workshop will discuss the importance of disability inclusive language and re/introduce the STAART Principles of Disability (SPoD).  It will discuss why language is vital for inclusion and belonging and the potential impact of negative terminology; and briefly discuss existing models of disability and why STAART, at the University of Greenwich, created the SPoD. Utilising Mentimeter software will enable attendees to participate in activities and to request a copy of the bespoke report once the workshop has finished.  Attendees can ask questions via the Q&A function (all comments are vetted before they are authorised). The chat facility is deactivated to prevent inappropriate and/or unrelated questions. This workshop is timed to conclude Disability Pride Month Disability Pride Month | Disability charity Scope UK You can book your free place here: https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/greenwich/inclusive-language  

‘REF 2029 sector survey on final policy developments

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Event overview

To support engagement with the sector survey on final policy developments, the REF team will host a webinar on Friday, 31 July 2026, 11am to 12pm.  This session will provide an overview of the topics included in the survey and an opportunity to ask questions to the REF 2029 team. There is no need to register for the webinar. Just go to this page on the day and there will be a link to join the event.  

Authentic Student Engagement in Contemporary Higher Education: RAISE Annual Conference

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Event overview

This two-day hybrid conference will focus on the theme of ‘Authentic Student Engagement in Contemporary Higher Education’ – 200+ delegates and 80+ presentations.  RAISE’s flagship event bringing together students, professional services and academics from across the world to share best practice, research findings and network with peers. Conference sub-themes are below: responding to GenAI (including playful and purposeful learning) Embedding Employability into Assessment and the Curriculum Ensuring Education remains People Focused: Balancing Attendance with Inclusivity Partnering with Students as Co-Creators of a Future Higher Education Evolving Roles and Third-Space Practices for Authentic Engagement. A Call for Papers for submissions for the following session formats: Presentations of Practice Campfire Conversations (in person only Storytelling Posters:Interactive Workshop (in-person only Podcast    

NERUPI convention 2026: Confronting Educational Inequality in Turbulent Times

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Event overview

Please note this event is for Members only. You should check here – your institution is likely a NERUPI member. The purpose of higher education is under scrutiny as never before.  The value it represents is in question with other routes being championed as more relevant and posing less financial risk.  There is an imminent danger that the progress made in increasing HE access and participation, along with the social mobility it underpins, will be undermined.  Young people from working class backgrounds, and other already underrepresented groups are likely to be disproportionately affected while their more privileged peers continue to take up higher education opportunities and progress into professional careers.  This could have serious consequences for both individuals and whole regions of the UK. The NERUPI Convention 2026 will start the day with Professor Sam Friedman, LSE and Dr Pere Ayling, University of Suffolk, considering some of the underlying causes of educational inequality, class, identity and the reproduction of privilege. The afternoon will hear from Higher Education Access and Participation Task and Finish Group, meeting between November 2025 and January 2027 to create practical, evidence-based proposals to help more students from disadvantaged backgrounds and under-served areas access higher education (level 4 and above) and progress on to positive destinations.  Delegates will have the opportunity to discuss the emerging proposals and feed back their, thoughts, opinions and suggestions to Professor Chris Millward, Interim Director for Fair Access, and Participation, OfS and other members of the Task and Finish Group. Due to the number of places available, at present, only two participants per organisation can book. The first call for papers is open, enabling a space for NERUPI members to share their work in presentation workshops, so if you have an interesting initiative relating to access, participation or progression you should contact the organisers.  Call for Papers (Practice Examples): to submit a paper for the convention please complete a submission form before the 17th July.