From 13-19 June 2011 GuildHE will be supporting Universities Week, a campaign to highlight how universities and higher education institutions benefit everyone, including those who have not been to university. It will see higher education institutions around the country take part in a variety of local, regional and national activities designed to demonstrate the value universities bring to their communities, the value they bring to local businesses and how the research currently underway will benefit UK society in 20 years’ time.

Andy Westwood, GuildHE CEO, said:

“Universities Week is a great way of highlighting the essential role of the UK’s higher education institutions for the economy and for society as a whole. The campaign is not just about the work of Universities, it’s also about the contribution of small and specialist institutions – the University Colleges, specialist HE providers and colleges that make a considerable contribution to the UK’s higher education provision.

“There will be opportunities to hear about the varied and innovative partnerships between institutions and their local communities and businesses. This is demonstrated by GuildHE’s range of members, who are noted for their high level vocational courses and strong links with industry, in delivering products and professionals in areas including health, teaching, agriculture and the creative industries.”

Universities Week 2011 follows a successful pilot in 2010, which saw 110 universities, 30 major organisations and 35 celebrities taking part in showcasing the work of the higher education sector.

For more information and comment, please contact:

Andy Westwood
Tel: 020 7387 7711
Mobile: 07970007142
Email: andy.westwood@guildhe.ac.uk

Notes to editors
1. GuildHE is a recognised higher education representative body. Its 32 members are among the most dynamic and fastest-growing institutions in the sector. For a list of GuildHE institutions, please visit: https://www.guildhe.ac.uk/en/members-list/

2. Universities Week is taking place from 13-19 June 2011, and aims to increase public awareness of the wide and varied role of the UK’s universities. Full details of the Universities Week campaign can be found at: https://www.universitiesweek.org.uk

3. GuildHE is supporting Universities Week, alongside UUK, UCAS, HEFCE, RCUK and the University Alliance.