UWE Bristol pledges to develop Student Futures Manifesto

The University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) is one of 22 leading universities to pledge to develop a Student Futures Manifesto – joint action between a university and its students to tackle the problems caused by the pandemic.

Developing a Student Futures Manifesto is the key recommendation from the UPP Foundation’s Student Futures Commission. The manifesto will be a blueprint for how universities and students work together to improve the student experience.

As part of the manifesto, UWE Bristol will co-produce and publish a series of actions within the six themes the final report of the Student Futures Commission identified for successful student futures:

1. Support for students before they reach university
2. An induction into university life for each year of study
3. Support for mental health and wellbeing
4. A clear outline of the teaching students will receive and the necessary tools to access it
5. Activities inside and outside the curriculum that builds skills, networks and communities
6. A clear pathway towards graduate outcomes

The manifesto will be a public statement of the commitments UWE Bristol is making, and showcase the positive initiatives being undertaken. It will be co-produced with students and led by a member of the university’s senior leadership who reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor.

Commenting on UWE Bristol and the 22 universities which have already made the pledge, Chair of the UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission, Mary Curnock Cook CBE said:

“A Student Futures Manifesto, co-created and co-owned by students and their university, will be a powerful expression of intent about what students need to support successful lives and careers. They will help to rebuild the full student experience through a partnership between universities and their students. It is a testament to UWE Bristol and the wider HE sector’s commitment to successful student futures that 22 universities have already taken on this challenge.”

Jo Midgley, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (student experience) at UWE Bristol, said:

“The six themes identified really chime with UWE Bristol. This exciting opportunity comes at a great time in our work to drive forward our ambitious Strategy 2030. I am looking forward to working with our students to take that next step. I know that they will generate real energy, understanding why this is so important for them and our university community and will work collaboratively to co-create a meaningful and impactful Student Futures Manifesto.”

Richard Brabner, Director of the UPP Foundation – the charity which established the Commission said:

“The UPP Foundation established the Student Futures Commission to support the sector in light of the disruption everyone has faced during the pandemic. We wanted the Commission to be supportive, constructive and challenging. Student Futures Manifestos are exactly this – a positive call to action to put student needs first.

“We are delighted UWE Bristol has made this pledge and expect many more universities to do so in the months ahead.”