Whilst recognising that our current students have already experienced so much change, it is also clear that the world of work is shifting ahead of them.  Recent surveys, such as the July 2021 Nexus/CBI report, suggest that “93% of firms plan to adopt hybrid working models and only 5% expect to work entirely from an office” and within recruitment, hybrid or stated location options are a clear trend in job adverts. We are being challenged to support this cohort as they make educational and professional transitions by providing support for their digital and mental health needs (take a look at ”Turbocharging the Future” report).

In listening to client/stakeholder needs, the EEUK membership inevitably draws from education, business, employability, and policy to understand those we work with as we seek to:

• understand the impact of the pandemic on our team/colleagues (Advance HE research)
• consider how to work with UN Sustainability goals in HE
• improve our approach and create ‘better entrepreneurship’ through self-assessment tools or resources
• develop our institutional approach through a wide range of  tools such as HEINNOVATE
• explore diversity beyond gender or reflect on the role of venture capitalists in supporting change
• understand how Social Enterprises contribute to the ‘levelling up’ agenda (full report here) or join the discussion through these events)
• understand employability using Advance HE’s new lit review
• keep up with graduate labour market changes through Dr Charlie Ball’s regular data summary
• share our QAA informed approach to competence development using the EEUK guide to EntreComp

We want to hear from you too! We want your concerns and issues as well as your successes (see EEUK impact case studies) as we issue a reminder to shout out to all your stakeholders (internal and external) about all that you do, as you work within your local communities building relationships and supporting students and businesses!  Get in touch with us  – we are listening.

Alison Price, Head of Policy and Professional Development, EEUK