hee news


Education Secretary creates new mental health taskforce


A NEW taskforce has been set up by Education Secretary Damian Hinds to support students to deal with the challenges that starting university can include to preserve their mental health. On University Mental Health Day in


March, Hinds announced that the new taskforce will look at how students moving from sixth-form or college to university can be better supported in their crucial first year, building on the work already underway across the sector to improve support for student mental health. It follows work by the Department for


Education to identify four key areas of risk that can affect the mental health of people going to university. These are: • Independent living – including things like managing finances, having realistic expectations of student life, as well as alcohol and drugs misuse.


• Independent learning – helping students to engage with their course, cope with their workload and develop their own learning style and skills.


• Healthy relationships – supporting students with the skills to make positive friendships and engage with diverse groups of people. Other risks can include abusive partners, relationship breakdowns and conflict with others.


• Wellbeing – including loneliness and vulnerability to isolation, social media pressures and ‘perfectionism’. Students may also not know how to access support for their wellbeing. Members of the new taskforce – which


will be known as the Education Transitions Network – will include leading sector groups such as UCAS, the National Union of Students, Student Minds, Universities UK, the Association of Colleges and the


Office for Students. The group will develop measures to


help people make a smooth transition into higher education and help students maintain good mental health. Education Secretary Damian Hinds said:


“Going to university should be a positive, life-changing experience. We need to make sure students have the support they need to thrive at university and help these really be the best days of their life.” Professor Steve West, Vice-Chancellor


of UWE Bristol, said: “Universities welcome the Secretary of State’s focus on student mental health. Across the UK, we are seeing an increase in the number of young adults disclosing mental illness and this is reflected at universities. Universities, colleges and schools all see mental health as a priority but we cannot address these challenges alone.”


CUBO sets out expanded vision for 2019


THE College and University Business Officers (CUBO), has announced ambitious plans for 2019, which include raising the bar on member value as well as increasing its profile within the HE’ sector, and beyond. The professional association which


represents senior managers of diverse commercial and campus services in Higher Education – including Catering, Accommodation, Conferencing, Retail, Sport, Nurseries and management of


Facilities – enjoys a membership base comprising around two thirds of institutions within HE. CUBO intends to grow this


membership and support the development of skills and talent within its ranks, whilst driving standards through sharing best practice and associated insights. Chief Executive, Jan Capper, said:


“2019 will be a pivotal year for CUBO, not only as we start to see the impact of


Brexit on elements such as recruiting skills to fill positions within university departments, but the growing concern over the continuing attraction of UK campuses to overseas students. “Never has it been so important for


universities to optimise their facilities, services and commercial standing, which brings us back to the importance of campus services. Our aim is to bring the value of these services right to the top of the HE agenda.”


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