Inspiring Choices Joins Regional Partners to Shape the Future of Collaborative Outreach
On 23 September, representatives from Inspiring Choices joined colleagues from across East and North Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and the Humber at the University of Hull to discuss how regional partnerships can work together to strengthen access to higher education and improve opportunities for young people. The meeting brought together senior leaders from the three existing Uni Connect partnerships that will play an important role in the transition to the new Regional Access Partnerships (RAPs).
Representing Inspiring Choices were Rt Revd Paul Ferguson and Louisa Dobson, who met with colleagues from the Humber Outreach Programme (HOP) and LiNCHigher to explore how the sector can build on the successes of Uni Connect and continue to support learners facing equality of opportunity risks.
The discussions centred on a shared ambition to ensure that the expertise, evidence, partnerships and collaborative approaches developed through Uni Connect are retained and strengthened as RAPs are established. Participants explored future governance arrangements, regional coordination, long-term sustainability and opportunities for collaboration across neighbouring partnerships.
A key outcome of the meeting was a commitment to explore a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the partnerships and develop a collective programme of work. Proposed priorities include the creation of a shared Theory of Change and Impact Framework, a regional access and participation insight report, joint evaluation activity, strengthened evidence-sharing arrangements and the development of collaborative projects that support learners across the wider region.
For Inspiring Choices, the meeting reinforced the importance of partnership working in addressing equality of opportunity risks and ensuring that young people can access the information, experiences and support they need to make informed decisions about their futures. By working collaboratively with neighbouring partnerships, Inspiring Choices aims to help shape a sustainable and evidence-led approach to widening participation across the region.
As the transition to Regional Access Partnerships progresses, Inspiring Choices remains committed to working with schools, colleges, higher education providers and regional partners to ensure that collaboration, evidence-informed practice and equality of opportunity remain at the heart of outreach activity.
Back to all news stories
