Dr Kate Wicklow is the Policy Director (Insight, Access & Student Experience) and is responsible for developing and evidencing GuildHE’s policy work in collaboration with the Executive Board and CEO/DCEO in line with our strategy. Kate also has specific policy expertise in regulation and funding, data and planning, access and participation, admissions, student support and equality and diversity. Kate co-ordinates GuildHE’s networks for these policy areas, advocates for members on these issues to the wider sector, and undertakes research to support GuildHE projects and policy work. Kate also leads on our creative education policies and provides the secretariat to the United Kingdom Art and Design Institutions Association (ukadia).

Kate is an experienced reviewer for QAA, having undertaken over 30 reviews of the full variety of providers in the HE sector. She is also a Director for the Northern College of Acupuncture. Kate’s recent PhD thesis looked at marketisation, value for money and how first in family students experience higher education.

Outside of work she enjoys fitness and wellness activities, rock music and walking her dog in the Hertfordshire countryside.