Action on Access

Edge Hill has successfully tendered to lead a national co-ordination team to widen access to higher education.

Action on Access, appointed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), will be based at Edge Hill?s Ormskirk Campus from January 2006 until December 2008. It will be led by Rhiannon Evans, Director of Students and External Relations and co-directed by John Storan, Director of Continuum at the University of East London.

For the last six years the Action on Access team has been led by the University of Bradford. This new phase will continue to support the development, promotion and enhancement of social inclusion in higher education, with a new focus on ensuring that disability issues are integrated into widening participation mainstream and partnership initiatives.

John Cater, Chief Executive at Edge Hill ? which has recently been granted taught degree awarding powers ? said: "I am especially pleased that Edge Hill has won the contract and been asked to lead the Action on Access team, which has excelled at supporting widening participation initiatives for the last six years. Our reputation for excellence in supporting people who would not traditionally enter higher education was a significant factor in securing the bid to lead this national programme."

The central team of seven, based at Edge Hill, will provide a first point of contact in relation to disability and widening participation issues and will provide a range of publications, conferences and dissemination events to promote good practice.

A wider team of 15-20 consultants based in universities and organisations across England will support institutions, practitioners and Aimhigher partnerships.

Rhiannon Evans said: "Research shows that the higher education divide between children from different socio-economic groups is still deep and persistent, but that cross sector initiatives such as Aimhigher are beginning to make a difference. Action on Access is committed to supporting universities, colleges and partnerships in redressing the balance by working closely with practitioners involved in widening participation."