Mike Nicholson from the University of Bath discusses key issues around social mobility and access to higher education. Politicians emphasize that higher education must address barriers to social mobility and monitor the impact of interventions through partnerships, tracking student outcomes, and securing external funding rather than just focusing on inputs. Nicholson questions whether more government direction is needed and whether institutions focus on marketing over meaningful outreach. He advocates for action over words, integration instead of working in silos, and proof rather than anecdotes to truly improve social mobility and access.

1. W h a t n e x t f o r s o c i a l m o b i l i t y a n d a c c e s s ?
Mike Nicholson
University of Bath
London, UK | February 2017

2. Strong emphasis from politicians that this is a
significant societal issue that higher education
bears responsibility to solve.
Focus on the whole student journey and
outcomes, rather than on inputs
Requirements to monitor, track and evidence
the impact of interventions
1 Partnerships are encouraged, particularly to
secure external funding
More direction from Government?
Marketing vs Outreach
2
3
4
5
6
Action not words
Integration not silos
Proof not anecdote
Key drivers

3. Questions?
Mike Nicholson – m.nicholson@bath.ac.uk