Higher Education's Evolving Role in Employability and Growth | IPT
Chair: Darren Paffey MP, Member, Education Select Committee
Speaker: Professor Sasha Roseneil, Vice-Chancellor, University of Sussex
Speaker: Professor Steve Brammer, Dean of the School of Management, University of Bath
Dinner Discussion

Date:

Monday 13 July 2026

Venue:

Westminster Hall

Start Time:

19:00

End Time:

21:15

The higher education sector is a significant contributor to the UK economy with every £1 of public money invested, putting £14 back into the economy. The total economic impact of the sector is more than £265 billion, encompassing research, teaching and educational exports. However, universities are facing significant challenges in the form of financial pressures, reduced research investment and course closures. Furthermore, the world of work is rapidly evolving. Graduates need adaptable, future‑ready skills—and despite strong lifetime earnings, 5% of the 2021/22 cohort was unemployed 15 months after graduation, highlighting growing pressures on employability. Research shows that the economy will need 11 million more graduates by 2035 to improve productivity and drive growth. What needs to be done to support the future of higher education to deliver economic growth whilst also delivering skills for students that last a lifetime?

This event will:

  • Consider how universities can ensure that every student has the skills they need for a rapidly changing world of work.
  • Examine the current challenges facing UK universities.
  • Discuss how the higher education sector can be supported to help deliver the Government's growth ambitions.