‘Hearts and Minds’ – Values-led Student Accommodation Partnerships

On Thursday 4 September, we hosted a session on values-led partnerships at Universities UK’s Annual Members Conference. Jenny Shaw, HE External Engagement Director, shares how themes of innovation and collaboration were not only key to our panel – but to the whole conference.

Host: Nick Hillman, Director of HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute)

Panellists:

• Joe Lister, CEO of Unite Students
• Professor Jane Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor Engagement and Place, Newcastle University
• Professor Andy Dainty, Pro Vice-Chancellor Education, Manchester Metropolitan University
• John Cater, Chair of the Unite Foundation
• Phil Bakstad, Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Liverpool John Moores University

This year has been one of the most challenging for the higher education sector, so when its leaders came together for their annual Universities UK Members’ Conference in Exeter last week, many of them were carrying the burdens of insoluble problems and difficult choices. Yet the mood was surprisingly upbeat, and imbued with all the creativity, collaboration and problem-solving that you would expect from a room full of Vice-Chancellors. 

Several themes arose on day one: embracing new forms of collaboration, distinctiveness of mission, and the importance of winning hearts as well as minds. These themes were reflected in our seminar on day two. Delegates had already been urged to think more radically about partnerships, and we were able to present two innovative examples – the UK’s first two student accommodation joint ventures.  

Distinctively, this is a partnership structure that allows the university to retain an ownership stake and control over rent setting. The legal framework and structure offer protections for both partners, but it’s the “heart” of relationships as well as the “mind” of process that makes it work. Joe Lister, Unite Students’ CEO, described it as “owning a building together” – when problems arise, you work collaboratively to solve them. The partnership with Newcastle University lasts for more than 100 years, promoting a custodian mindset of development and stewardship for future generations of students. 

Joint ventures also lend themselves to a high level of customisation, reflecting the distinctive mission and student body of each university.  

“Universities are all different, so why would they need the same accommodation?” 

The joint venture partnership with Manchester Metropolitan University responds to a socially diverse student body, of which half commute. The planned accommodation is based on a co-living concept, with clusters of flats around large open-plan kitchens and social spaces to help students to build social networks. Affordability will be an essential feature to meet student needs, with a percentage of rooms to be offered at below-market rents. The wider development includes retail, healthcare and social spaces, acting as a resource for the whole student body. 

However, it was the theme of ‘hearts as well as minds’ that came out most strongly, with an agreement across the panel that accommodation should actively further the university’s mission. Shared values were therefore considered as essential.  

“Real commitment to social and environmental justice – that’s one of the things that underpins the partnership.” 

This extends beyond principles: both joint ventures have already embedded joint projects on student belonging and inclusion, including local versions of the Living Black at University initiative and work on tackling socio-economic disadvantage. 

But the strongest opportunity for accommodation to make a social impact arguably lies among students who do not have a secure home. Care experienced and estranged students face significant and specific challenges during their time at university and the Unite Foundation, which Unite Students set up in 2012, supports them with transformative rent-free homes while they study. The Foundation’s new chair, John Cater, took the opportunity to celebrate the £15 million that has been invested in supporting over 800 students.  

All the panellists had their own commitments to care experienced and estranged students, who remain under-represented in higher education. Manchester Metropolitan University commits significant support to these students and is a long-term partner with the Unite Foundation.   

Liverpool John Moores University has used Unite Students accommodation for many years and was an early partner with the Unite Foundation. In 2014, they advocated for the inclusion of estranged students in the scholarship programme, securing ongoing support for estranged students across the UK through the Foundation. 

Newcastle University, alongside the other universities in the north-east, have signed up to the Care Leavers’ Covenant. They are now joined by Unite Students, the first private student accommodation provider to sign the covenant, with a commitment to a pilot that will waive the need for guarantors, and over 60 additional 1-year scholarships this academic year. 

Difficult times prompt us to take stock, focus on what is important and think more innovatively. These examples demonstrate the resilience and adaptability of higher education and its unwavering commitment to student opportunity and experience. At Unite Students we are committed to stand alongside the sector with both “heart” and “mind”, supporting distinctive missions and student needs.