Improving Graduate Employability: Responding to the Needs of Students and Employers

Confirmed Speakers:

• Alix Green, Principal Advisor, The Wilson Review
• Trudy Norris-Grey, Member, Editorial Board, The Wilson Review
• Paul Hazell, Policy Adviser, Skills Policy Team, HEFCE
• Dr Jayne Mitchell, Director of Research, Development and Partnerships, QAA
• Jenny Owen, Director, LSE Careers
• Louise Briggs, Head of Careers, Alumni and Employer Relations, Lancaster University Management School
• Paul Blackmoore, Head of Employability & Graduate Development, University of Exeter (chair)

The Context & Issues:

In the face of rising tuition fees and competition for student numbers, universities are striving to improve and demonstrate their employability track records. These efforts are set to be helped by the forthcoming publication of the Wilson Review, which will recommend ways in which HEIs can establish industry links and prepare students for work. Capitalising on the proposals and effectively implementing reforms to information on HE will be crucial in meeting the demands of students and employers.

Key issues to be addressed at this Policy & Practice Briefing will include:

• Taking the Wilson Review forward: improving university-industry collaboration
• Getting 'KIS ready': ensuring the effective implementation of the Key Information Set
• Higher education achievement reports: will they improve students’ employability?
• The Quality Code 'information about HE' consultation: assessing the outcomes
• Responding to demand: what kind of skills are employers looking for?
• Internships: how should universities react to a divisive issue?
• Impact measures: a sound basis for evaluating and structuring careers services?

Objectives and Outcomes:

The morning ‘Current & Future Policy’ session will give you the chance to discuss the detail and implications of the Wilson Review, in addition to receiving updates on reforms to information on HE. This will help to improve your understanding of support for the graduate employability agenda.

The afternoon ‘Policy into Practice’ session will allow you to examine specific examples of current efforts to improve graduate employability. Presentations will offer practical tips on improving working practices for you to take back to your organisation.

Who Should Attend?

Delegates will be drawn from a wide range of stakeholders, including: universities, colleges, employers, central government departments and agencies and charities.