iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 16h

📢 We're hiring a Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager Join UA to play a leading role in shaping HE policy, delivering political engagement, and raising the profile of the UK's professional and technical universities. Hybrid, London | c.£43,000 | Permanent Apply today: bit.ly/4rHSlrt

We are hiring a Senior Public Affairs and Policy Manager

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

“Workforce development is itself a form of excellence.” Brilliantly put by Professor David Mba in HEPI 👇 We need a broader definition of excellence in higher education, one that values employer partnerships, professional education and regional workforce development, alongside research intensity.

000

Reposted by University Alliance

University of Hertfordshire @herts.ac.uk · 28/09/2026

From high-quality teaching and learning from experienced clinicians, to gaining hands-on clinical experience and exploring research, students at Hertfordshire Medical School are supported to develop the skills and confidence they need for a career in medicine. Learn more: bit.ly/4z2qN2N

012

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

🎓 Real-world learning. Employer connections. Career-ready graduates. That’s why students choose Alliance universities. 📽️ Hear directly from recent graduates below 👇 Read University Alliance's Strategy 2035: First for Students, First for Employers: bit.ly/4hgLwtH

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Our Deputy Director of Policy Ellie Russell in @timeshighered.bsky.social this morning urging the government to 'avoid setting up a false dichotomy between technical education and universities.” 👇

A quote reading: “Constant policy and funding churn has left employers unsure what qualifications and routes are worth investing in,” said Ellie Russell, the University Alliance’s deputy director of policy.
“The government must avoid setting up a false dichotomy between technical education and universities.”

Referencing Burnham’s recent pledge to “value the hard hat as much as the graduate cap”, Russell added: “In professional and technical universities…many students will be no stranger to a hard hat or a pair of scrubs during their studies and most will work directly with employers before they earn their graduation cap – that distinction is constantly being eroded and reimagined.”

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Today we are launching University Alliance's new strategy for 2035 - First for Students, First for Employers - which sets out our vision for professional and technical universities to drive high-level skills, employer partnerships and economic growth. 🔗Read our new strategy here: bit.ly/3SpE0mF

bit.ly

University Alliance Strategy 2035: First for Students, First for Employers

100

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Recognised for decades of exceptional leadership in governance and student support, Lifetime Achievement Award nominee Sharon Harrison Barker at the university of Hertfordshire has guided institutions and colleagues with integrity, compassion and resilience.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Recognised for his transformative leadership, shaping Coventry University into a distinctive university group in the sector, Professor John Latham CBE of Coventry University is shortlisted for the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's #AllianceAwards2026

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Professor Hanifa Shah OBE of @mybcu.bsky.social University is today's Lifetime Achievement Award nominee #AllianceAwards2026 Recognised for over 30 years of leadership pioneering STEAM education, advancing research excellence, and championing diversity in STEM.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Announcing University Alliance's new Board leadership team: Professor Roderick Watkins DL (Anglia Ruskin University) has been appointed Chair, Professor Kathryn Mitchell CBE DL (University of Derby) is Deputy Chair, and Prof Mairi Watson (Glasgow Caledonian University) is Treasurer. bit.ly/461uhWD

unialliance.ac.uk

University Alliance Announces New Board Leadership Team

Professor Roderick Watkins has been appointed University Alliance Chair, Professor Kathryn Mitchell named Deputy Chair and Professor Mairi Watson elected Treasurer

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Paul Butler of the University of Greenwich is our next Lifetime Achievement Award shortlisted nominee, recognised for more than 30 years of leadership in digital transformation Watch UA Chair and Greenwich VC Professor Jane Harrington pay tribute to Paul 👇

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

Professor Alan Winfield of UWE Bristol is nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award for his pioneering contributions to robotics, robot ethics, and the responsible development of AI over a distinguished career. #AllianceAwards #LifetimeAchievementAward #AI #Robotics #UWEBristol

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Our next #AllianceAwards26 Lifetime Achievement Award nominee: Prof Paul Croney, VC and Chief Executive of @teessideuni.bsky.social Recognised for more than 40 years of championing student success, widening participation and the transformative power of higher education.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Lifetime Achievement Award nominee Professor William Schabas (Middlesex University) is recognised for 45+ years of impact in international law, human rights and higher education. #AllianceAwards2026

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award: Professor Socrates Karidis (@covunilondon) has spent more than 30 years shaping HE: from transforming Coventry University London into a high-performing campus to championing the value of international students. #AllianceAwards2026

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Congratulations to Professor Michael Sweet (University of Derby), shortlisted for the #AllianceAwards2026 Research Communications Award for highlighting coral science to global audiences. 🪸🌍

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Congratulations to Dr Rachel Moseley (@bournemouthuni.bsky.social) shortlisted for the #AllianceAwards2026 Research Communications Award - for raising awareness of suicide prevention among autistic people. Learn more in her video below👇

063

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 18/08/2026

Congrats Polly Wyatt, shortlisted for the Research Communications Award at the #AllianceAwards2026. Her campaign on research into visually impaired swimmers reached millions and helped drive lasting impact beyond academia. A fantastic example of research comms making a difference.👏

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Congratulations to Prof Iakovos Tzankais on being shortlisted for the Research Communications Award at #AllianceAwards2026. He's helped audiences understand his research on the challenges of PFAS "forever chemicals" and the solutions he's developing to tackle them 👏

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Alliance unis are leaders in professional and technical HE, offering hands-on degrees, employer partnerships and practical learning that helps students develop the skills employers need. 📞 Call one all our members' clearing hotlines today: www.unialliance.ac.uk/2026/08/13/g...

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Congrats Dr Julie Armoogum of @uwebristolofficial.bsky.social, shortlisted for the Industry Partnerships Award. As co-founder of the #ACCEND programme, Julie has helped create national standards for cancer workforce education, improving career pathways, skills and patient care across the NHS.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

The Teesside Aviation Skills Academy is shortlisted for the Industry Partnerships Award. Set up by Teesside University, working with Teesside International Airport and Tees Valley Combined Authority, the Academy tackles skills shortages through immersive learning in a live airport setting.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Congrats to Coventry University's Prof Marcos Kauffman on being shortlisted for the Industry Partnerships Award. Through his leadership, he's helped support 39 SMEs, attract £129.6m in co-investment, strengthen regional supply chains and accelerate clean transport innovation in the West Midlands.

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

The final nominee in our DTA Alumni Award shortlist is Shehani Pigera. From award-winning science communication to impactful digital health research and student leadership at @teessideuni.bsky.social, Shehani continues to make a positive difference through research, engagement and inclusivity 👇

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Maria Turda, shortlisted for the DTA Alumni Award. A former DTA3 COFUND Fellow and now a Research Associate at @manchester.ac.uk, Maria's research and community leadership have helped shape conversations on trafficking, exploitation, and social justice in the UK and beyond.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Dr. Kumar Shantanu Prasad was shortlisted for the DTA Alumni Award at the Alliance Awards 2026. He was nominated for his commitment to knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary research and connecting academic research with real-world application 👇

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Jake Milner has been shortlisted for the DTA Alumni Award for supporting both researcher development and the wider PhD community. Jake represented the DTA during a speech at a parliamentary event, trained doctoral researchers & cultivated a positive research culture at @teessideuni.bsky.social.

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

“Before introducing new charges or restructuring the fee model, the OfS should demonstrate greater transparency, efficiency and accountability for how those fees are spent." UA Director of Policy Susanna Kalitowski quoted in THE today 👇

Text from Times Higher Education reading:

“Our view is that any changes to the Office for Students’ fee model must start with a more fundamental question about value for money,” said Susanna Kalitowski, director of policy at University Alliance.
She noted that the regulator has grown significantly in recent years, “with staff costs alone exceeding the income it raises through registration fees”.
The OfS spent £42 million on staff salaries in 2025-26, up from £25 million in 2020-21.
“At a time when they are facing considerable financial pressures, our universities are within their rights to ask whether the regulator’s growth has really been matched by better outcomes for students or providers,” Kalitowski said.

001

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

Shortlisted for the Heroes Award (sponsored by Duolingo English Test): the Black Women Research Collective at the University of Hertfordshire. The initiative is supporting confidence, collaboration and progression for Black women across the institution. 🎥

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Shortlisted for the Heroes Award sponsored by Duolingo English Test, UWE Bristol’s EDI Team has helped embed anti-racism across the institution. Their work is contributing to improved student outcomes, stronger leadership accountability and lasting cultural change.🎥

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 24/07/2026

Meet the Advancing Gender Equity for Working Women in Wales team 👋 From the University of South Wales, they have developed Wales’s first evidence-based framework for advancing women’s leadership. They're up for the Research and Innovation Impact Award #AllianceAwards2026 Watch them explain more 🎥

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

The W-ICAD team at the University of Westminster has been shortlisted for the Research & Innovation Impact Award at the #AllianceAwards2026 for their innovative approach to co-created audio description. Watch their video below👇

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The Leeds Sustainability Institute team at Leeds Beckett University is helping improve housing outcomes through research into retrofit, mould, low-carbon technologies and sustainable homes. Congrats on being shortlisted for the Regional Impact Award #AllianceAwards2026

032

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Congratulations to ARU Peterborough on being shortlisted for the Regional Impact Award at the #AllianceAwards2026. ARU Peterborough is helping drive skills, opportunity and economic growth through programmes that support learners, businesses and employers across the region. 🎥👇

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

For empowering women in STEM and helping communities embrace sustainability, @uwebristolofficial.bsky.social's Dr Laura Fogg-Rogers has been nominated for the Regional Impact Award! Congratulations Laura! #AllianceAwards2026.

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Dr Ghada El Khoury has brought together Kingston University, Kingston Council and local migrant communities to address inequalities facing vulnerable migrants. Congratulations on being shortlisted for the Regional Impact Award at the #AllianceAwards2026! Watch Ghada's video below 🎥👇

010

Reposted by University Alliance

Wonkhe @wonkhe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

NEW on Wonkhe: Despite their undeniable benefits, take-up of professional doctorates appears to have hit a plateau. Vanessa Wilson has thoughts on how to make them more central to the landscape buff.ly/UlwnQhT

001

Reposted by University Alliance

Chris Havergal @chrishavergal.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Declining student enrolments could force several UK and Irish universities to close their professional doctorate programmes, warn @ukcge.bsky.social and @unialliance.bsky.social www.timeshighereducation.com/news/profess... via @jgro-the.bsky.social

timeshighereducation.com

002

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

📢 New report from the UK Council for Graduate Education and UA finds #ProfessionalDoctorates remain widespread across the UK and Ireland, but growth has plateaued amid funding and recognition challenges👩‍🎓 🔗Read the report here: bit.ly/4wrEZAS #HigherEducation #Research

100

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Shortlisted for the Professional Services Excellence Award, sponsored by Peridot Partners, UWE Bristol’s Marketing team has reimagined the how prospective students engage with the university, replacing a traditional digital prospectus with a single virtual tour.

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Shortlisted for the Professional Services Excellence Award, sponsored by Peridot Partners , @angliaruskin.bsky.social's Enterprise Academy is helping students turn ideas into ventures. Strong outcomes, growing engagement and clear economic impact🎥

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Shortlisted for a Teaching Innovation Award, Professor Bhavik Patel’s work at the @uniofbrighton.bsky.social is improving access to laboratory learning. Inclusive assessment design is supporting more students to succeed and is now being adopted internationally🎥

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

UA Director of Policy Susanna Kalitowski has commented in @timeshighered.bsky.social about the government’s proposed introduction of minimum entry requirements Read the full article: bit.ly/4vMy0Td

Text from a THE article quoting Susanna Kalitowski, which reads: '“This is really the wrong time, I think, for this kind of policy to be announced, given the aim for the Lifelong Learning Entitlement to upskill and reskill learners who might not have accessed higher education in the past,” added Kalitowski.
“We really believe that universities are the best place to determine who can study,” she continued. “And if there are poor pockets of quality, then they should be dealt with by the regulator. That’s the whole purpose of the regulator.”'

001

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

Shortlisted for a Teaching Innovation Award at this year’s Alliance Awards, @angliaruskin.bsky.social's Elevate brings learning into a live setting. 300+ students, 35 teams, real ventures, and funds raised for local causes, supported by Entrepreneurs in Residence🎥

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Our final Student Leadership & Enterprise nominee at the #AllianceAwards: Sanaa Kazi. As VP of Activities at University of West London's SU, Sanaa identified a gap in the student experience to create a real-world business competition for students.👏 Watch Sanaa’s video below👇

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

Ahead of the #AllianceAwards 2026, we’re celebrating Student Leadership & Enterprise nominees✨ Shivali Srivastav (@mybcu.bsky.social) stands out for her leadership, having launched 'Shivali’s Life Lens', a platform which helps upskill and develop prospective international students👏

000

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Today's Student Leadership and Enterprise Award nominee is Isaac Nsubuga (from University of West London). Isaac is founder of XAir Technologies: an AI-powered platform helping pilots train and plan with confidence ✈️ #AllianceAwards2026 Watch Isaac’s story below:

010

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

The Committee of University Chairs (CUC) has published its revised Code of Higher Education Governance. Read Vanessa Wilson's response below 👇

A quote from Vanessa Wilson CEO of University Alliance reading: “University Alliance welcomes the refreshed, relevant and rooted-in-reality CUC Higher Education Code of Governance. At a time of increasing complexity, financial pressure and public scrutiny, strong, transparent and accountable governance has never been more important.

We particularly welcome the Code’s continued principles-based approach and its recognition of absolute institutional diversity and autonomy. We commend its strengthened focus on risk, resilience and board effectiveness. The code will help ensure universities remain well-led and responsive to a rapidly changing environment.”

100

University Alliance @unialliance.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

“We are concerned that the proposed C6 condition introduces a new regulatory power that goes way beyond existing consumer protection law, with the OfS effectively setting its own...test of ‘fairness’.” Vanessa Wilson, UA CEO quoted in THE👇

000