The 2026 AccessHE conference will explore an integrated skills, talent and higher education access agenda for London. Widening participation in higher education and driving equitable economic growth are pursued as separate agendas, limiting their collective impact. Current approaches see universities working in isolation to meet Access and Participation Plan commitments, disconnected from local skills needs and career pathways that could drive regional prosperity.
An integrated approach is needed, one that connects higher education access directly to London's economic development priorities. Aligned with the Westminster government's Growth and Opportunity missions and the GLA's London Growth Plan, the event will explore how strategic regional coordination can transform widening participation into a powerful driver of inclusive growth.
To coincide with the conference we will be launching a research report. This report will map out HE-led widening participation initiatives in London that directly contribute to city-wide skills and growth priorities.
Forogh Rahmani is Director of Local London – one of the four borough sub-regional partnerships in London representing the nine north east and southeast London boroughs.
Michelle is the AccessHE Uni Connect Outreach Manager for North East London, and works with schools, HEIs, local authorities and charities to support learners from under-represented groups to make informed decisions about their post-secondary options.
Professor Christopher Millward
Chris Millward is Professor of Practice in Education Policy at the University of Birmingham where he is involved in research, teaching and public engagement on tertiary education worldwide.
Izzy leads the AccessHE Practitioner Programme and convenes AccessHE's two Action Forums - the Care Experienced and Estranged Students forum and the Student Ambassador forum.
In 2009, Professor Corner was awarded an OBE for services to fashion higher education and widening participation in arts education. In 2024, Professor Corner was awarded the Freedom of City of London for services to Higher Education.
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