Social barriers into higher/education
The School of Social Sciences (UWE Bristol) welcomes you to join us for a panel discussion
Key Information:
- Date and time
- Fri 24 March 2023
17:00 - 19:00 - Location
- Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Further info
- Contact
- Craig Johnston c.johnston@uwe.ac.uk
- Cost
- Free
- Attendance
- Booking required

Description
The discussion panel brings together academics, practitioners, advocates and researchers from across a range of educational, community based and public sector settings.
It is open to everyone, including those who are interested in social differences and social themes relating to race, poverty, health inequalities, pathways of the working-class people to and through higher education, leaving a legacy in local neighbourhoods, and envisioning a positive future for widening participation.
We welcome anyone with lived experience of the themes and want to get more informed on issues related to the social barriers to higher education.
Programme
17:00 – Welcome
- Professor Peter Clegg – Head of the School of Social Sciences, UWE Bristol
Introduction and Scene Setting
- Dr Craig Johnston – Senior Lecturer at UWE Bristol, Co-Founder/Deputy Chair Alliance of Working-Class Academics
- Dr Alex Blower – Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and the Students' Union at UWE.
17:20 - Panel discussion
- Professor Arathi Sriprakash – Professor of Education, University of Bristol
- Dr Lawrence Hoo – Poet, Educator and founder of CARGO Classroom (Charting African Resilience Generating Opportunities)
- Aisha Thomas – Educational activist and Director at Representation Matters
- Professor Richard Waller – Professor of Education and Social Justice, UWE Bristol
- Sangeetha Wynter – Training and Inclusion Manager, Babbasa.com
- Malcolm Richards – Senior Lecturer in Education, UWE Bristol.
This panel discussion will contribute to understandings of the barriers to higher/education in and across professional fields by bringing together a diverse delegation of academics, and sector representatives. Together, we will seek to better understand the underlying issues affecting professionals and to address any concerns regarding social mobility, race, disability and poverty from a cross-sector, interdisciplinary perspective.
18:20 – Open to the public Q&A session
18:35 – Drinks and social networking session for all
19:00 – Finish
Related events

Wed 22 October 2025, 10:00
How studying at UWE Bristol will be different for new international students
Online
A friendly session for international students to learn about the classes, assessments and teacher-student dynamic at UWE Bristol.

Wed 22 October 2025, 11:00
Africa Research Showcase
Hybrid
Academics and key stakeholders come together to discuss important social and economic issues in Africa.

Wed 22 October 2025, 12:00
Drop-in sessions for neurodivergence and mental health study support
Library Level 2, Frenchay Campus
Specialist Practitioners are available in the library to answer your questions or support you with any issues impacting your studies.

Wed 22 October 2025, 12:00
Global Café: Decoding cultural intelligence
2P4, Global Lounge, P block, Frenchay Campus
Join to tackle real-life study challenges, and gain a valuable skill recognised by employers worldwide.

Wed 22 October 2025, 13:00
Improve your English language
4D26, Frenchay Library, Frenchay Campus
A relaxed session for students whose first language isn’t English to meet others, practise speaking and listening, and get tips for using English daily.

Wed 22 October 2025, 18:00
Thriving While Leading: Global Majority voices from health and care
Hybrid
Join us at this BDAS event to celebrate leadership, identity and lived experience in the health and care sectors.

Thu 23 October 2025, 10:00
Free bicycle security marking
Car Park 15, Frenchay Campus
A free bike marking security event run by the UWE Bristol Police team. Please bring your bike!

Thu 23 October 2025, 11:00
Introduction to using generative AI at UWE Bristol
Online
This session provides an overview of how to use generative AI effectively at UWE Bristol.

Thu 23 October 2025, 12:00
Common learning issues for international students
B Block, Bower Ashton Campus
A friendly session for international students to explore common learning and wellbeing issues and discover where to find support at UWE Bristol.

Thu 23 October 2025, 14:00
Common learning issues for international students
D Block, Frenchay Campus
A friendly session for international students to explore common learning and wellbeing issues and discover where to find support at UWE Bristol.

Thu 23 October 2025, 15:00
Guide Dogs visit
Outside OneZone by The Space, Frenchay Campus
Come meet the Guide Dogs – with Student Life.

Thu 23 October 2025, 16:00
Communicating with your lecturers
Online
A friendly session for students new to the UK or English to learn how lecturers communicate and how to write emails and arrange meetings confidently.