Co-designed with students, the community cohesion framework will bring together principles and practical guidance to strengthen belonging and inclusion within education settings and the wider communities they serve.
The project is led by the University of Salford in partnership with the Department for Education (DfE) and the National Union of Students (NUS).
IHE will contribute to this work as a member of the expert advisory group, which brings together leaders and representatives from across higher education, further education, student organisations, faith groups and civil society. Membership of the group includes representatives from the Office for Students (OfS), Universities UK, GuildHE, Advance HE, the Association of Colleges (AoC), the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA), and Student Minds.
As IHE's representative, Membership Engagement Manager Angela Halston will bring the perspectives and experiences of independent higher education providers to the group's discussions, ensuring these are reflected in the development of the framework and accompanying toolkit.
Commenting on her appointment to the group, Angela Halston said:
"IHE members have a strong track record of inclusive practice, and I'm proud to represent their voices in this important work. It's essential that frameworks are flexible enough to support the diversity of today's higher education sector, as highlighted in our joint blog on applying the Union of Jewish Students (UJS) guidance in different institutional settings. I'm looking forward to helping ensure the framework is both inclusive and practical for providers of all types and sizes, so that every student can benefit from communities built on respect, understanding and meaningful engagement."
The initiative responds to growing concerns about social division and aims to promote belonging, empathy, respectful disagreement and civic participation among students. Following development and testing across five regions of England, the framework will be made available to support institutions across the sector.
IHE looks forward to contributing to this important work, working alongside partners to help develop practical, evidence-based guidance that strengthens community cohesion across higher and further education.