Issue #49: November 2025
Progress: Pathways to Growth and Inclusion in HE
We begin with our feature on ‘Building Skills, Confidence, and Careers: Apprenticeships in HE’ by our wonderful Deputy Editor Emily Hargreaves, offering a powerful, first-hand account of how apprenticeships can build skills, confidence and long-term career pathways. It’s a reminder that accessible, embedded opportunities can open doors for those looking to deepen or reshape their professional practice as well as early career professionals.
Alongside this, we are proud to include a personal and courageous piece by Heather Ivatt on living with a chronic condition whilst working in professional services.As Disability History Month encourages us to challenge assumptions and amplify the voices of those living with disabilities and chronic conditions, this article speaks candidly about the reality of managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome while working in HE. Inclusion is built day-to-day in policies, yes, but also in empathy, flexibility and the willingness to co-create roles that work for people as they are.
We’re also sharing an article from AHEP Policy SIG Leads Martin Lowe and Liam Conway who respond to the recent Government White Paper on Post 16 Skills and Education.
Finally, we share an inspiring exploration of career crafting from Rob Baker and Charlotte Axon from Tailored Thinking. Instead of chasing the elusive “perfect job”, this piece invites us to consider how small, intentional shifts in tasks, relationships, skills, purpose or wellbeing an reshape our experience of work.
Across these articles, a shared theme emerges: careers in HE are not linear journeys but living, evolving practices. Whether navigating illness or exploring new development routes, this month’s pieces highlight the agency we do have, and the cultures that can support us to thrive. We hope this edition leaves you feeling informed, encouraged and connected during a month dedicated both to development and to amplifying the voices and experiences of disabled colleagues across our sector.
