Queen Mary driving change for young adult carers in higher education
We are delighted to confirm that Queen Mary has achieved the coveted Carers Federation Quality Standard in Care Support for Higher Education accreditation.
This achievement is part of our commitment to Driving Change in Higher Education – a project spearheaded by the Carers Federation and Learning and Work Institute to support successful access and transition to HE for young adult carers, and to improve the support they receive.
Special thanks to Louise Holloway (Welfare Adviser) and Jill Belnikoff (Co-Head of the Advice and Counselling Service) who led the submission as the Carers Leads for Queen Mary. It’s a fantastic achievement that recognises the support we currently offer all students with caring responsibilities as well as new initiatives we are implementing to significantly enhance the student journey for student carers.
The Quality Standard also enables us to continue our work of raising awareness of advice and support that is available at Queen Mary, so carers can feel confident asking for what they need, whenever they need it.
Chris Shelley, Director of Student Experience, said: “In line with our overarching strategic objective to be the most ‘inclusive university of its kind, anywhere’, Queen Mary is pleased to be involved in Driving Change in Higher Education with Learning and Work Institute and Carers Federation. We look forward to developing and embedding an organisational approach to supporting young adult carers in the Queen Mary student community as well as young people who might aspire to a university education but who face barriers resulting from their caring responsibilities.”
Overall observations in the Assessment Report reflected the ongoing work across the University to continually improve awareness and build on the support offered to our students with caring responsibilities. The report noted:
Queen Mary University of London has clearly demonstrated its commitment to student carers, ensuring they are recognised at senior level and across university teams. The Carers Leads have developed a more formalised process of support for student carers and are working to embed this across all levels of the university.
It was clear throughout the assessment that the Carers Leads take a responsive and pro-active approach to identifying issues and finding solutions. They have been creative and reflective in developing new initiatives and seem constantly to be looking at ways for improvement or further developments. Careful consideration was evidently given to all areas and stages of developments to make sure the provision for carers is as accessible and inclusive as possible.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
Find out more about how Queen Mary supports students who are carers to achieve their potential and succeed at university.