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 experience; 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.
Lauren White, Senior Widening Access Outreach Officer
Lauren oversees the S2 element of the Young Strathclyder programme while also working on various aspects of the Accelerate programme, including management of the Accelerate Tutoring programme.
Aileen Wilson, Senior Engagement and Outreach Officer
Aileen is the lead for the primary school element of the Young Strathclyder outreach and engagement programme and graduation celebration of achievement events.
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
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.