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’. The seminars will use WP and access-related research to draw attention to how WP practices at a local level shape and influence choice-making, access, progression and success and how, in turn, these inform issues of in/justice and in/equality.

The series will bring researchers and other academics together with practitioners from HE, FE, schools and local authorities departments to explore, amongst other areas:

• how ‘local’ is conceptualised and researched and how this shapes thinking and practice
• how connections are made across cities and regions and the strategies adopted to try and connect the local with the national
• the micro practices of WP and how these shape and are shaped by macro (national) and the meso (institutional) policies and practice
• what lessons can be learned for researching WP across cities or regions

This is a joint seminar series between the Society for Research into Higher Education, delivered as part of the Access and Widening Participation Network (conveners: Penny-Jane Burke and Jacqueline Stevenson) and the Universities Association for Lifelong Learning Widening Participation and Access Network (convener Annette Hayton).  Support is also being given by Sheffield Hallam University and the University of Sheffield.

The meaning and complexity of the ‘local’

This session will explore how landscape of higher education has changed post-Dearing and the implication for access and participation in a new and changing climate of 'micro-landscapes'. The presenters will ask critical questions about who has access to what, and where, with a particular focus on the micro-landscape of London  and explore the micro practices of WP and how these shape and are shaped by macro and the meso policies and practice.

Seminar 1: January 22nd, The meaning and complexity of the ‘local’, SRHE, London

This session will explore how landscape of higher education has changed post-Dearing and the implication for access and participation in a new and changing climate of 'micro-landscapes'. The presenters will ask critical questions about who has access to what, and where, with a particular focus on the micro-landscape of London  and explore the micro practices of WP and how these shape and are shaped by macro and the meso policies and practice.

Note: Unless otherwise stated SRHE events are free to members, there is a charge of £60 for non-members