Gill Carter, SELLLN's Lifelong Learning Coordinator based at London South Bank University, interviewed Alun Hughes, Director for Home Recruitment and Admissions from the Faculty of Business.

Alun Hughes is passionate about widening participation. He believes taster sessions at the university and visits to schools and colleges are of great benefit to prospective students, as it ameliorates fears about applying to university and can help smooth the transition from school or college for the students.

As Alun says;

“Students at schools and colleges need to see a friendly face and  build relationships - it is great for the students who then progress on to LSBU to see me around the University, it gives them a real sense of continuity.”

Alun feels that it is important to build trust with colleagues in Further Education colleges and schools. Outreach work is important in promoting partnerships with these colleagues, and enabling staff to understand the content of a wide range of courses at college, school and university. The opportunity to discuss the academic differences in courses at Level Three and Four is of great benefit to those staff preparing students to progress and achieve at university.

Progression Agreements are another great tool for widening participation, Alun believes. The agreements that he has worked on with SELLLN, for example, specify supporting activities that the university will provide for the students from colleges and schools. These are a great incentive for school and college students and help them to feel part of the university community.

As Alun says;

“These Progression Agreements and Accords provide an assurance for applicants from non-traditional backgrounds to be assured of a place at LSBU if they meet the agreed entry requirements.”

Alun is also delighted when as a result of these agreements he is able to say to these students, who may be the first in their family to apply to university, “Yes, we will take you!”