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  1. ‘Delivering the Healthcare Workforce of the Future’: University Alliance publishes proposals to help tackle the NHS workforce crisis

    January 31, 2023

    University Alliance, an association of universities which collectively trains 30% of nurses in England, has today (31 January) published a briefing on ‘Delivering the Healthcare Workforce of the Future’. It comes at a time when the NHS is facing a workforce crisis, with over 130,000 vacancies in England and over 46,000 vacant nursing posts – a record high. A key challenge is the need to train more nurses more quickly to the same very high standar…

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    NHS Workforce

  2. University Alliance launches new Places, Partnerships, Nations & Regional Innovation Network 

    April 9, 2026

    University Alliance today (Thursday 9 April) launches its new Places, Partnerships, Nations & Regional Innovation Network. This new network brings together senior leaders from across the University Alliance membership to accelerate collaboration, strengthen regional impact, and shape the national policy landscape around place‑based growth.  The Network will serve as a powerful platform for Alliance universities – institutions recognised for their…

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  3. ‘The levy will make the financial position of post-92 institutions more precarious’ – UA’s response to the International Student Levy technical consultation 

    February 23, 2026

    University Alliance has published its response to the DfE’s call for views on the technical detail of the International Student Levy. Read UA’s full response Summary  The International Student Levy is the flat fee that the government has proposed applying to all international students studying in the UK.  We are deeply concerned that, as the government’s impact assessment of the levy acknowledges, post-92 universities will be less likely to be ab…

    Read more of: ‘The levy will make the financial position of post-92 institutions more precarious’ – UA’s response to the International Student Levy technical consultation 

  4. ‘International students are being undervalued by the government’ – UA responds to the UK International Education Strategy

    January 20, 2026

    The government’s new UK International Education Strategy was announced today, setting a new £40 billion target for increasing education exports by 2030. In response, University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said:  “University Alliance welcomes the publication of the new UK International Education Strategy and supports its ambition to strengthen the UK’s global standing and deliver £40 billion in education exports by 2030. However, it was disappoint…

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  5. University Alliance responds to OfS consultation on the future approach to quality regulation

    December 11, 2025

    University Alliance has responded to the Office for Students’ consultation on the future approach to quality regulation. UA welcomes the opportunity to respond to the Office for Students (OfS) consultation on the future approach to quality regulation. As teaching-intensive institutions, Alliance universities are proud of their long history of teaching excellence. They are committed to delivering high quality, inclusive, and professionally oriente…

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  6. University Alliance responds to Autumn budget measures impacting skills and higher education

    November 26, 2025

    University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson has responded to the government’s latest budget measures impacting skills and higher education:  “Today, the government announced a budget to secure the economy: with public services and investment at its heart.” On the Growth and Skills Levy “We welcome the government’s commitment to support young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). Making apprenticeship training completely fre…

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  7. University Alliance responds to the Post-16 Education and Skills white paper

    October 21, 2025

    Responding to the Post-16 Education and Skills white paper, University Alliance CEO Vanessa Wilson said: “Having long called for a joined-up vision and strategy for the future of post-16 education and skills, we welcome the government’s white paper. It sets a helpful trajectory for further and higher education, with a much-needed focus on the value of high-level skills.  Whilst there are many policies in the paper which will empower universities …

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  8. University Alliance’s submission to the Autumn budget 2025

    October 16, 2025

    University Alliance have made their submission to the Autumn budget, which will be announced in November this year. Read UA’s full submission The submission highlights how professional and technical universities are a crucial component of the education skills system and have a vital role to play in kickstarting economic growth and other key government priorities. To enable universities to achieve their full potential in contributing to the UK’s c…

    Read more of: University Alliance’s submission to the Autumn budget 2025

  9. University Alliance responds to UCAS figures on Level 3 results day

    August 14, 2025

    Vanessa Wilson, CEO of University Alliance said: “Good luck to everyone receiving their level 3 results today! It can be a day of many emotions – but students should feel assured that teachers, schools and universities are on hand for support, whatever their results. With an acceptance rate increase this year, the majority of which at firm choices, I’m confident that today will be a day of celebration for students across the country.   UCAS and u…

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  10. New YouGov poll shows more than 8 in 10 support student loan forgiveness, grants or bursaries for students training to work in the NHS

    August 13, 2025

    New public polling on UK higher education, commissioned by University Alliance and conducted by YouGov, has revealed that the public back increased financial support for students training to enter vital professions, including the NHS, teaching, social work and policing. It has found: 84% of parents and grandparents are in favour of their loved ones attending university 75% support financial incentives for students training to be teachers 63% supp…

    Read more of: New YouGov poll shows more than 8 in 10 support student loan forgiveness, grants or bursaries for students training to work in the NHS
    YouGov and University Alliance