About the Contributors

Dr. Brendan Bartram is Reader in Education at the University of Wolverhampton. His research and publications cover a wide range of issues which reflect the eclectic nature of Education Studies. Focussing primarily on comparative issues in Higher Education (HE), Brendan's research has explored university student mobility, support and motivation.

Dr. Andrew Brogan has a background in political theory and his research interests are rooted in critical pedagogy, anarchism and subversive classroom practices. Alongside and through his teaching, he continues to explore radical pedagogical approaches in HE as he works to bring theory and practice together to help inform personal and social change.

Dr. Kate Carruthers Thomas has worked in UK HE since 1990; in continuing education and widening participation until 2011, thereafter as an academic in the social sciences. She is currently Senior Research Fellow in Social Sciences at Birmingham City University, specialising in interdisciplinary enquiry into contemporary HE, inequalities and gender. Kate has presented her work widely in national and international fora and uses poetry and graphics as well as conventional methods to disseminate her research. Kate is also the lead for the Athena SWAN gender equality agenda at Birmingham City University.

Julian Crockford: Until recently, Julian managed the Widening Participation Research and Evaluation Unit at the University of Sheffield. He is now Chief Programmes Officer at Villiers Park Educational Trust. He is also halfway through writing up a professional doctorate on the evaluation of widening participation and inclusive learning and teaching activities.

Dr. Amanda French has worked in higher, further, adult education and the voluntary sector in the West Midlands for 30 years. She has worked in partnerships and taught across a wide range of settings and agencies including schools, community centres, voluntary and community groups, as well as colleges and universities. Amanda is currently Head of Professional Development, Research and Enterprise at Birmingham City University's School of Education and Social Work and is a Reader in Teaching and Learning. Her personal research interests include academic writing practices and development, HE policy, social justice in education and creative critical pedagogy and methodologies. She has published and presented on her work nationally and internationally.

Leanne Hunt studied Psychology at the University of Bradford, participated in the Peer Assisted Learning Scheme as a student and now works at the institution in Peer Support. First in the family to attend university and is currently studying a Masters in Careers Guidance at the University of Huddersfield.

Dr. Jenny Lawrence, M.Ed, PFHEA, AFSEDA studied Philosophy and Gender Studies at the University of Hull, her local university. The first in her family to go to university, she has devoted her academic career to making the academy accessible to staff and students from backgrounds underrepresented in HE.

Joanne Moore has undertaken a range of research and evaluation to support the take-up of learning and skills, retention and achievement. She is a Research Fellow at the Centre for Social Mobility, University of Exeter, and her most recent work has supported equity of access and success in HE.

Anna Mountford-Zimdars is a Professor in Education, Principal Fellow HEA, and has served as widening participation expert on two rounds of the national Teaching Excellence Panel and Director of the Centre for Social Mobility at the University of Exeter. She has published widely and contributes to policy debates.

Dr. John Sanders, Director of ARC Network (2011–2020), was Assistant Director of Aimhigher Greater Manchester (2006–2011) and a leading figure in the ‘Open College Network’ movement (1981–2006). He has also worked as an OU Associate Lecturer (1985–2019) and was a member of the QAA's Access Recognition and Licensing Committee (2012–2018).

Hollie Shaw studied Biochemistry and Human Biology at University Centre Scunthorpe and Sheffield Hallam University. She is currently completing a PhD in Microbiology at the University of Sheffield. She was the first in her family to attend university as a mature student.

Donovan Synmoie, SFHEA, started his academic career in Film Studies before progressing to Educational Development. He has worked to raise awareness of the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and student university experience and widen BAME participation in university work and study. His work is currently focussed on closing the awarding gap at the University of Greenwich.