University of Chester hosts panel event at Labour Party Conference in Liverpool
How the new Labour government can work in partnership with higher education to deliver positive change was discussed in a panel featuring the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester.
The Fringe session entitled The Power of Three: The Role of Universities in Delivering Labour’s Key Missions, featured Professor Eunice Simmons in discussion with Sam Rushworth, MP for Bishop Auckland and Chaired by Nick Forbes CBE from the Purpose Coalition.
The panel explored how the government can work with universities to grow the economy and train the doctors, nurses and teachers the country needs to break down the barriers to opportunity.
Chester hosted the panel with the Purpose Coalition and chose the title to reflect Chester’s unique position compared to other universities of its size in having three major drivers for change: a Medical School; a School of Education and a Business School.
These three Schools can create significant social and economic improvement and prosperity through creating advances in health, teaching and by generating employment across the region and beyond. This places Chester in a strategically important position to engage extensively and effectively with these three professional areas to create the new teachers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and business leaders of the future. It also provides research opportunities and continuing professional development for those already working or studying in these areas.
As well as playing its role in kickstarting growth and building an NHS fit for the future, which are highlighted in the Labour missions, Chester is also a major player in breaking down barriers to opportunity through its Citizen Student Strategy which places building social capital at its heart and opening higher education to all.
The Purpose Coalition is made up of organisations who are committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity. Its cross-party work helps businesses and organisations to do more, share best practice and develop new solutions for improving the role they can play for their customers, colleagues and local communities.
Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor, said: “At Chester our purpose is to create meaningful opportunities for our students, staff and communities to grow and develop and make a positive difference to the world around us.
“I enjoyed discussing our approach at the Labour conference and how we can continue to break down barriers together. I am also delighted to have been presented with a Purpose Power List award for my focus on opportunities for all our students alongside my colleague Associate Professor Ruth Sutton who has also been named in the Purpose Power list for her leadership of our School of Law and Social Justice and her commitment to breaking down barriers.”