What is Widening Access?
Widening Access (also known as Widening Participation) is a strategic priority for the University of Strathclyde, the Higher Education sector as a whole and the Scottish and UK governments.
The term refers to the removal of barriers for groups of students who are under-represented in Higher Education (HE). Such groups can include (but are not limited to) students:
- Who attended a school which traditionally sends a low proportion of pupils directly to university
- Living in the 40% most disadvantaged neighbourhoods, as identified by the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD)
- Who have spent time in local authority care
- Who are returning to education later in life (mature students)
- Who are estranged from their families (studying without family support)
- Who have caring responsibilities
Research and various studies suggest that individuals who fall into one or more of the above categories are statistically less likely to attend university. The University of Strathclyde works directly with groups of prospective students in schools, colleges and other settings to address this disparity. We aim to support students from the above groups and help them realise their full potential. We are also active in a number of other initiatives such as the Children's University and FOCUS West - for information on these and more, see our Getting Ready section.
The University is also deeply committed to Widening Access outreach work, and public and community engagement, delivering transformation impact to our local, national and global communities. You can read more about some of the activities which we offer at stages throughout the learner journey in our compendium:
Widening Access and Community Engagement at Strathclyde 2019
The Team
E: wideningaccess@strath.ac.uk
Our team consists of:
Amanda Baldwin, Head of Access, Equality and Inclusion
Amanda leads the Access, Equality and Inclusion Service and works with staff across the University and sector to drive the equality, inclusion and widening access agenda forward and support the University's commitment to attracting and retaining students from the widest range of backgrounds.
E: amanda.baldwin@strath.ac.uk
Al Blackshaw, Widening Access Manager (Outreach & Partnerships)
Al is the FOCUS West Programme Lead for Strathclyde with overall responsibility for the University's delivery of our strand of the SFC-funded National Schools Programme. Al is also the team's lead for monitoring, reviewing and refreshing the University's approach to the use of contextual admissions; as well as being the lead contact for any data queries.
E: a.blackshaw@strath.ac.uk
Debbie Duncan, Senior Widening Access Support Officer
Debbie focuses on transition support for incoming students from some widening access backgrounds, as well as support for current students from designated cohorts. She is the first point of contact for any applicants who are care experienced; works to support applicants/students from Armed Forces Families; and manages the Universities Digital Inclusion schemes.
E: d.duncan@strath.ac.uk
Louise Martin, Senior Widening Access Support Officer
Louise focuses on support for current students from widening access backgrounds, particularly those who have spent time in care. She is also our Named Officer for Student Carers, providing support, guidance and advocacy for our students with caring responsibilities and for those estranged from their families.
E: louise.martin.100@strath.ac.uk
Louise Meenan, Widening Access Administrator
Louise is the administrator for the team's work, particularly outreach activities including the FOCUS West and Accelerate programmes.
E: louise.meenan@strath.ac.uk
Iain Mitchell, Widening Access Manager (Student & Community Engagement)
Iain oversees a range of widening access and community outreach programmes, including the Young Strathclyder programme, for primary and secondary pupils, and the Social Responsibility Pathway which engages 3rd year Business School students with community projects.
Neil Shaw, Widening Access Outreach Officer
Neil supports work across the Young Strathclyder programme, both Primary and Secondary, adding greater depth and quality and assisting with delivery and development of resources.
Josh Whitelaw, Widening Access Outreach Coordinator
Josh is a Coordinator for FOCUS West. He has responsibility for project managing FOCUS West events delivered to S3 and S4 pupils across the West of Scotland. Josh organises outreach projects and has responsibility for developing materials and activities for the projects.
E: joshua.whitelaw@strath.ac.uk
Angie Kay, Widening Access Outreach Officer
Angie designs and and delivers the S4 element of our FOCUS West programme, Study Skills events and the Strathclyde Summer Experience for care-experienced young people. Angie is option lead for various strands of the MDP3 Social Responsibility module and is involved with the recruitment and development of mentoring staff.
Angie is on maternity leave until March 2026.
Yasmin Hanif, Widening Access Outreach Officer
Yasmin's responsibilities include design and delivery of the S4 element of our FOCUS West programme, Study Skills events and the Strathclyde Summer Experience for care-experienced young people.
Megan Banks, Widening Access Support Officer
Megan provides support for current students from widening access backgrounds, and is the named contact for applicants and current students from Refugee and Asylum seeker backgrounds, and those from GTRSB communities. Megan also delivers the Primary outreach programme for Young Strathclyder and is involved in the Accelerate programme.
Rachel Bell, Young Strathclyder Outreach Officer
Rachel supports delivery of the Young Strathclyder programme, across both primary and secondary stages. Rachel also assists with the coordination and delivery of the Young Strathclyder Accelerate programme, supporting challenge leaders and mentors.