Following 18 months of collaborative work across the University’s faculties, professional services and the Students’ Union team, Edge Hill has become one of only a small number of UK universities to receive this prestigious accreditation.
The award highlights the institution’s success in developing a whole-university approach to identifying, supporting, and empowering student carers throughout their higher education journey.
These coordinated efforts mean that students with caring responsibilities will experience more joined-up support, better access to resources, and a learning environment responsive to their needs, helping them to thrive at Edge Hill and beyond.
Professor Neil Morris, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Success at Edge Hill University, said:
“At Edge Hill University, we are committed to providing a consistently excellent university experience for every student. Achieving the Driving Change in Higher Education accreditation is a significant recognition of the work undertaken across the University to ensure that students with caring responsibilities feel supported, valued and able to succeed.
“I am particularly proud of the collaborative approach that brought together colleagues from across our faculties, professional services and Students’ Union to strengthen our support offer. This accreditation reflects our commitment to removing barriers to success and creating an inclusive environment in which all students can thrive.”
The Driving Change in Higher Education initiative is a three-year project led by the Learning and Work Institute in partnership with the Carers Federation, supported by the National Lottery Community Fund. It works with universities across England to break down barriers faced by young adult carers and embed consistent, compassionate and equitable support across institutional systems.
Through achieving this accreditation, Edge Hill has developed approaches to enhance staff confidence in recognising and responding to student carers, fostered close collaboration across academic, wellbeing and professional services and embedded evidence-based approaches to reduce barriers to participation and success.
Naomi Sykes from the Carers Federation added:
“Edge Hill University’s Self-Report demonstrates a strong strategic commitment to supporting students with caring responsibilities.
“This commitment is underpinned by well-established support pathways and strengthened by ongoing work to improve information, communication and collaboration between academic and student support services.
“The university has strong foundations for creating an inclusive environment in which students from all backgrounds and circumstances can participate fully in university life, embedded through its Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Widening Access & Student Support strategies.”
This work reflects the ongoing commitment of Edge Hill University’s Widening Access and Student Success team to remove barriers to higher education and success, supporting under-represented student groups to access, participate in and benefit from an inclusive university experience. To contact the team, please email [email protected].
Find out more about Driving Change in Higher Education: Driving Change in Higher Education – Learning and Work Institute
Find out more about Students with Caring Responsibilities.
September 29, 2026
