The aim of this series is to ground and contextualise discussions of widening participation, which can often be spoken of in largely abstract terms, in considerations of the local and micro practices of WP by focusing on two large and complex cities (Sheffield and London) and on Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland which face different challenges in relation to WP and to the idea of the ‘local’.

On dialogue: dialogue represents a central element of our network, and may also be at the heart of transformative learning processes. Dialogue can take many forms: it may lie at the core of our formation as human beings, in relation to significant others, as well as in our transformations, at various stages of our lives. It can be dialogue within, perhaps between different aspects of ourselves, and of our identities, in processes of self-negotiation/renegotiation.