Introduction

The success of the National HE STEM Programme will critically depend upon active engagement with a wide range of stakeholders from across the STEM community. The national focus of the programme, its aim of developing and embedding sustainable models with a long-term impact, and the breadth of its activity – from Widening Participation (WP) and increasing demand to employer engagement and higher-level skills – will require sustained collaboration with a range of different partners across the employer, access, HE and discipline sectors.

The need for partnership was particularly evident at the outset of the Development Phase, as the scope and focus of its activity were explored and agreed. A national consultation process was undertaken to ensure that all stakeholder groups are given the opportunity to contribute actively to the development of the programme, and through it to the future shape of HE STEM activity in England.

National Consultation

The national consultation ran from the 26th January to the 26th February 2009, and took the following forms:

• A written consultation (with facility for online submission). - Please click here to read more about the online consultation
• A series of four national, and regional meetings, held throughout February - Regional meetings were held in Birmingham, London, Bristol and Bradford attracting a total of around 280 stakeholders
• Structured discussions with a range of employers and employment sectors.

To view an example of the timetable for the consultation events, please click on the document links below. Or to view photos from the regional consultation events, please click here.

consultation document (pdf)

consultation document (doc)