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Hi Chris, and all I sense you’re right about the variety of models for WP work in the sector. WP operates separately from LD at UoP and is a much bigger operation in terms of staffing. Unlike WP, LD has not received any TQEF or related funding. We are not represented on the WP planning group – something I hope to remedy! WP is a department line managed through the Director of Marketing – which can, to some extent, be seen as an indicator of how its function is viewed. I am hoping to ensure LD is better represented in relevant WP initiatives here in future. I have copied below the information given on the internal UoP website. All the best for now John WIDENING PARTICIPATION Welcome to the Widening Participation Department The University of Plymouth is committed to equality of opportunity ensuring that all courses can be accessed by students from any background, and the Widening Participation department plays an integral role in achieving this aim. View the Widening Participation Strategic Plan 2004-2010. What is Widening Participation? Widening Participation is a set of activities designed to raise awareness, aspirations and support progression to and through Higher Education (HE) for individuals and groups who have the potential to benefit from HE but would not normally consider HE as a viable option. Widening Participation can also include flexible delivery of HE level programmes of study in order to make HE more accessible. Traditionally certain individuals and groups have been under represented in HE, namely if from: lower income backgrounds more mature age groups certain minority ethnic groups a certain gender if related to particular subject areas of study (e.g. women are under-represented in Science and Technology subjects; men are under-represented in Nursing) disabled groups. The Widening Participation department promotes and provides opportunities to participate and experience HE through a variety of activities. Information on Widening Participation Activities. Widening Participation Activities Widening Participation provides inspiration and knowledge through a variety of experiences such as: taster events, residential, summer schools, mentoring, advice and guidance, outreach work in target communities, talks and activities run by University students, and transition and bridging programmes. We work with a number of partners to deliver these activities. For example we work with: * target schools<file:///H:\WIDENING%20PARTICIPATION\Joint%20WPSPG%20&%20WPPLG%20Mtgs\2008-2009\UoP%20Target%20Schools%202008-2009.docx> (this includes the Compact and PSUAD initiatives) * community and voluntary groups * training providers * organisations that are key influencers such as youth groups, Connexions, Adult Guidance providers * parents * return to study groups. Activities vary according to the target group and are delivered by: * a central WP team<file:///H:\Helen%20M\WEB\Central%20WP%20Team.doc> * faculty staff * colleagues based in Further Education colleges who work on University of Plymouth HE level programmes. If you are interested in student positions within the Widening Participation department, please complete an application form<file:///H:\Helen%20M\Student%20Application%20Form.doc> and return to Widening Participation, University of Plymouth, Mayflower House, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA (to apply you must be a current, undergraduate University of Plymouth student). John Hilsdon Head of Learning Development Tel 01752 587750 From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Christine Keenan Sent: 22 October 2009 14:37 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Widening Participation Dear LDHEN network I am looking into the ways in which WP is integrated into some HEIs, and am finding it interesting that there seems to be little consistency over where WP "sits" within institutions. I'd be really interersted, and grateful, if you could let me know where the main function of WP rests within your institutions, and how it works in terms of reporting structures. Thanks very much. Best wishes Chris Christine Keenan FHEA Learning and Teaching Fellow School of Design, Engineering & Computing Bournemouth University Poole House Fern Barrow Poole Dorset BH12 5BB Tel: 01202 965307 BU - the UK's Number One New University The Guardian University Guide 2009 & 2010 This email is intended only for the person to whom it is addressed and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender and delete this email, which must not be copied, distributed or disclosed to any other person. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Bournemouth University or its subsidiary companies. Nor can any contract be formed on behalf of the University or its subsidiary companies via email.