The Role of Universities and HEIs in the Vulnerability Agenda

Description

This book re-assesses the societal and pastoral roles of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in order to consider the function that they have in engaging, or responding, to the Vulnerability Agenda. HEIs are increasingly focused on the inclusion of socially deprived individuals on programmes; but also disability assessments; mental health concerns; learning support plans and readiness for employment. Particularly in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, universities are being profoundly affected and transformed as steps are taken to modify existing approaches to teaching and learning. Universities have always had an implicit ‘duty of care’ for their stakeholders, but COVID-19 has brought into sharp focus the need for a more explicit demonstration that University leaders have the social awareness to recognize the importance of protecting and safeguarding the vulnerable in society. Arguing that HEIs have a significant role to play as a central ‘anchor’ agency in the safeguarding of vulnerable individuals, this book fills in gaps in theoretical, empirical and policy/practice understandings. It explores the changing civic and societal (pastoral) role that HEIs have developed in response to the increasingly important policy area surrounding vulnerability. Acknowledgements Contents About the Authors Chapter 1: Introduction References Chapter 2: Vulnerability: A Complex and Contradictory Concept for ‘public good’ References Chapter 3: The Changing Role of Universities in Society: Key Influences References Chapter 4: The Role of the University in the Vulnerability Agenda References Chapter 5: Mechanisms for Addressing Vulnerability: Giving Voice to the Vulnerable? References Chapter 6: Two North-East of England Case Studies—Northumbria and Teesside References Chapter 7: Conclusion: Future Role of Universities in Vulnerability References Index