Student Voice Surveys are the University’s approach to course and module evaluation. Providing you with the opportunity to provide feedback on your academic experience.

Coming soon: Monday 16 – Sunday 29 March

Your feedback is really important to us as it lets us know what we’re doing well, but more importantly, how we can improve things for you. To complete your course evaluation, look out for your invitation on email or Blackboard. You can also enter to win one of five £50 vouchers when you complete the survey.

Module evaluations will be shared with you by your tutor in session. The surveys only take a few minutes to complete, and your responses are completely anonymous.

Thanks for taking the time to complete the surveys and for making a difference.

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Deliverers

Practical evaluation support to help you evidence and improve your impact 

The Hub for Evaluation of Applied Education and Innovation works with schools, colleges, early years settings, local authorities, charities and education organisations to help you understand, evidence and improve the impact of your work. 
 

We offer accessible, research informed evaluation support, ranging from data analysis and survey design to bespoke programme evaluations, all tailored to the realities of busy education settings. 

How we work with schools and education partners 

As part of Edge Hill University’s Faculty of Education, the Hub is embedded within a large and diverse education partnership network spanning early years, schools, colleges, local authorities and third sector organisations. 

This means we understand the real world contexts you are working in — and design evaluation approaches that are: 

• sensitive to workload and capacity 
• proportionate and realistic 
• aligned with your setting, priorities and pupils or learners 
• grounded in sector-leading research and practice 
  

We work with you, not to you, building evaluation approaches that support learning, improvement and confidence. 

Services for schools, colleges and education practitioners 

Our aim is to help you feel more confident, better informed, and better equipped to evidence and improve your work through the following services we offer.

Ready to explore how the Hub could support your setting? 

Whether you are just beginning to think about evaluation or already have a clear project in mind, the Hub can help you take the next step in a way that works for you. 

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Wobble Week Monday 2 – Friday 6 March 2026

Get ready for Wobble Week

*BREWsday is a series of informal tea and chat sessions being ran in collaboration with some of our academic departments. Check the Student Life Portal. The first 10 students who come along can grab a free BREWsday voucher.

Want more from Wobble Week? Well, throughout the entire week you can also enjoy:

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Professor Jacqueline Leigh Interim Associate Dean Student Experience said: “At Edge Hill, we pride ourselves on a culture of support and excellence, where staff go above and beyond to prepare our students for the frontline of care.

“Our students never fail to inspire us with their resilience and hard work. Being shortlisted for the Student Nursing Times Awards is a well-deserved recognition of their dedication to the nursing and midwifery profession and the patients they serve.”

The full list of nominations is as follows: 

• Nurse education provider of the year (pre-registration): Edge Hill University’s School of Nursing and Midwifery has been recognised for nurturing the whole person, inspiring every student to achieve their full potential.

• Student nursing associate of the year: Jonathan Richardson -Edge Hill University and Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.

• Best student experience: The University’s Nursing and Midwifery Student Voice strategy uses creative ways to encourage student feedback in a variety of ways including poetry and QR Code evaluation, which help to create a culture and sense of belongingness for students.  

• Student placement of the year – community: For embedding social care placements into the nursing curriculum.

• Teaching innovation of the year – curriculum: A transformative educational initiative designed to empower student nurses with the courage and confidence to raise concerns in practice.

Edge Hill has also been nominated for four awards for our partnerships: 

• Partnership of the year: Edge Hill University and Sefton Training Hub hosted by Cheshire and Merseyside Training Hub: Co-producing future care, an innovative higher education institution and primary care partnership empowering student nursing associates.
• Partnership of the year: Edge Hill University and Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, for building the future children’s nursing workforce: a strategic university-clinical partnership model.  
• Partnership of the year: Edge Hill University, Cheshire and Mersey Training Hub & Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust (community division): Footprints to Care, for advancing community partnerships for student nurse education in primary care.  
• Partnership of the year: Edge Hill University and Act for Action CIC – for increasing inclusivity within nursing standardised participants. 

Colin Johnson, Interim Dean of Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, added: “While being shortlisted for a single award at the Student Nursing Times Awards is a significant honour, to be shortlisted nine times is a truly phenomenal achievement.

“I am immensely proud of all our staff and students as well as the teams driving our three shortlisted partnership schemes. Their dedication is not only a credit to Edge Hill, but a testament to the talent and passion within our wider nursing and midwifery community.”

Winners will be announced at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London, on 24 April 2026. 

Edge Hill University’s Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine is one of the largest providers of health, social care and medicine education in the North West of England and home to its Medical School. 

Find out more about undergraduate and postgraduate nursing courses at Edge Hill University. 

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Clinical Lectureships

NIHR Clinical Lectureships (CLs) are tailored training posts, which incorporate academic and clinical training.

About the CL

• This award supports doctors in establishing themselves as independent researchers and future leaders. It normally lasts 4 years or until completion of clinical training (CCT) is achieved*
• As a Clinical Lecturer, you will spend 50% of your time in specialist clinical training and 50% in research/academic training. The Clinical Lectureship represents the second major phase of the Integrated Academic Training (IAT) pathway, following an Academic Clinical Fellowship (ACF), and requires a relevant PhD or MD
• A CL is ideal if you have demonstrated strong doctoral research achievements and show clear potential for continued development as a clinical academic in research, educational research, or both

*GP appointments will start post-CCT and last typically for 4 years

This role brings excellent opportunities to link directly with experienced professors, researchers and academics within EHU and access administrative support and guidance via the ICAT office.

CLs are expected to contribute to the EHU research environment and academic activity during their time with us. It is expected that CLs will produce high quality research outputs affiliated to EHU. Also, CLs will be expected to provide feedback on their experience during the programme via internal surveys and feedback meetings.

 Who can apply for a CL post at Edge Hill University

To be eligible for a Clinical Lectureship you must:

• be in higher medical speciality training
• have completed a research doctorate (PhD) or equivalent in a relevant subject area and must be at a minimum level of ST3
• show outstanding potential for continuing a career in academic medicine

You can apply to this scheme if:

• you are a Specialist Registrar or Specialty Registrar
• you are a General Practitioner, and you have completed your clinical training 

Edge Hill University has one Clinical Lectureship post to be advertised in 2026, and a second post will be advertised in 2027. 

More information on the recruitment process and timeline to follow in due course.

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The Little Things tells the stories of children, families and staff at Derian House Children’s Hospice, capturing the warmth, compassion and humanity at the heart of the organisation. The project began as a short documentary idea and evolved into a feature-length film, driven by a desire to challenge misconceptions and open up conversations around hospice care.

The film began when close friend and collaborator Paul Woodward approached Thomas with the idea of creating a short documentary as a personal thank you to the hospice, which had supported Paul’s son, Kalel, before his passing in 2019.

Thomas said: “At first, I was apprehensive about directing a project with such emotional subject matter, but once I spent time at the hospice, my preconceptions faded away. I realised my own uneasiness was the connection I needed – to help audiences understand an environment many people are fortunate enough never to rely on.”

The production process was demanding, with Thomas balancing night shift work alongside long filming days, but he remained committed to doing justice to the stories entrusted to him. The team worked closely with contributors to ensure each interview was handled with sensitivity and care, allowing audiences to connect directly with those sharing their experiences.

Following completion, The Little Things was acquired by Santa Monica-based distributor Buffalo 8, securing a 10-year worldwide distribution deal. For Thomas, the scale of the release has been both surreal and rewarding.

Thomas said: “Knowing the film can reach audiences around the world through platforms like Prime Video is incredibly special. If it helps start conversations about the importance of children’s hospice care, then all the hard work has been worth it.”

The documentary has received strong feedback from critics and audiences alike, with particularly meaningful responses coming from the families involved, who have praised the film for handling their stories with honesty and compassion.

Thomas and Old Swan Films have also completed a new project, Time to Go, a satirical feminist thriller due to enter the film festival circuit in 2026. The production marked a full-circle moment, with Edge Hill students gaining on-set experience and filming taking place on campus.

Alongside this Thomas actively supports young talent sharing his experience with the next generation as a Film Tutor at Showbiz Performing Arts Academy in Ormskirk.

Thomas who studied BA (Hons) Film Studies with Film Production, credits his time at Edge Hill with helping to build the confidence and practical skills that underpin his career today, from access to professional equipment to valuable industry placements.

Edge Hill University is proud to celebrate Thomas’s achievements and to see his work making an impact on audiences around the world.

The Little Things is available now on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi.

Find out more about studying Film Studies at Edge Hill University.

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The Charter summarises the responsibilities we have to each other and what they mean in practice. We will all work together to create:

• An educationally rewarding experience
• A welcoming, community experience
• A positive experience in a supportive environment
• An enhanced experience that extends beyond study

To make this happen it’s important that we listen to each other’s views and seek to act upon feedback, in doing this we ensure there is a mutual approach to making Edge Hill an outstanding place to learn, live and work.

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Sport and exercise science student Zoe Harvey won a scholarship for inspiring others to get physically and mentally fit.

She was recognised for boosting the number of women participating in the free active sessions she coordinates as part of Edge Hill’s Campus Sport programme. 

The twice-a-week, women-only sessions are in support of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, which aims to tackle the gender activity gap.

Edge Hill won landmark recognition for its commitment to democratic engagement, becoming the first gold status Voter Registration Champion, presented by Citizens UK. 

The top honour acknowledged the University’s successful efforts in promoting civic participation culminating in the engagement of over 5,000 people, including students and community organisations, in the run-up to the General Election. 

Student midwife Athalia Ross organised the donation of baby baskets to help new parents after being inspired by a hospital work placement.

Athalia set up a branch of Early Essentials UK to provide basics like nappies, clothes and toiletries for families including refugees and asylum seekers after working with the Fern Midwifery Team in Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (WWL).

Edge Hill historian Dr Bob Nicholson landed a top role in a Sky History series on Jack the Ripper. 

He shared his expertise on Victorian popular culture to explore how the media played a huge role in the truth and myth of the notorious serial killer.

A new era began when Professor Michael Young was appointed as the new Vice-Chancellor. 

Professor Young said he was “absolutely delighted” to be leading a “university deeply committed to inclusive education with a relentless drive for excellence in teaching and research, on a truly stunning campus.”

Mum and daughter duo Stephanie and Mia Kennedy celebrated an extra special achievement as they graduated on the same day from the same course. 

52-year-old teaching assistant Stephanie attended an Edge Hill open day with her excited daughter Mia and was so inspired by the child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing course that she decided to apply herself, eventually achieving first class honours. 

The historic first graduating cohort of medical students embodied the University’s pioneering approach to widening access to medical training.

The class of 2025 fulfilled an ambition set when Edge Hill opened its Medical School in 2019: to ensure more patients are cared for by doctors who understand their needs and life experiences, their community’s challenges and the barriers to good health. 

80 per cent of this trailblazing cohort were from backgrounds often under-represented in medicine – for example, they are the first in their family to go to university, they are from low-income families or they are from communities with high levels of deprivation – and many of them opted to take their skills back to the communities they grew up in.

2025 was a rewarding year for our dedication to providing an exceptional student experience.

The University achieved remarkable results in the 2025 National Student Survey (NSS), ranking second in the UK for learning resources and fifth in the UK for ‘student voice’, a crucial measure of how effectively students are engaged and listened to. 

Edge Hill was also named ‘university of the year for student experience’ in the Daily Mail University Guide 2026, reflecting the exceptional feedback students shared in the NSS.

Our new Life Sciences building was officially opened by the UK Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith.

This was a significant milestone in our commitment to advancing scientific education, research and innovation across the North West. The £17.4m facility features advanced labs for biomedical, biochemistry and plant sciences, supporting research and skills for new bioscience professionals.

Edge Hill lecturer Lee Thompson and alumnus Jack McLoughlin created drama Special Measures for iconic Channel 5 series.

The pair were commissioned by the channel for its rebooted anthology ‘Play for Today’ and the play focused on the extreme pressure of an Ofsted inspection on a struggling secondary school and placed the teacher experience in the spotlight. 

The year came to a festive finale with the University’s Christmas Carol Concert in Ormskirk Parish Church.

The magical event, which featured performances from choirs, schools and a brass band, brought together students, staff, local residents and the wider University community. 

Professor Michael Young, Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University, said: 

“Edge Hill is at its best when staff, students and our neighbours come together, and events like this help keep us firmly rooted in our local community.”

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The Education Liaison & Events team are delighted to invite you to our annual Teachers’ & Careers Advisers’ Conference. Now in its 18th year, this free, one-day event, organised by the Events Team at Edge Hill University, will provide updates on the changing HE landscape and offer the chance to share experiences and good practice with colleagues who deliver post-16 information, advice, and guidance across a wide range of school and college settings.

This conference is designed for all teachers and careers advisers working in post-16 education. Professionals and practitioners from the HE sector will be available throughout the plenary and workshop sessions to equip you with up-to-date, essential information to support your practice.

New for 2026: A dedicated focus on subject area sessions, giving delegates the opportunity to explore discipline-specific guidance and insights directly with subject tutors.

In addition to keynote speeches, plenary sessions, and a complimentary networking lunch, delegates will be able to select workshops of interest and engage with subject tutors and support services across the University. The programme will combine subject-focused sessions with broader policy updates and CPD workshops, ensuring a balance of practical guidance and sector-wide context. Sessions will be delivered by Edge Hill University staff alongside external specialists, each bringing expertise from their field.

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But that rarity is exactly why we must not become complacent. Food security (the reliable availability, access and affordability of food) should be recognised as a major national concern. That means placing it firmly on the UK’s national risk register.

The national risk register is the UK government’s openly available list of the most serious risks that could affect the country in the short to medium term. These risks range from flooding and heatwaves to threats such as cyberattacks and energy shortages.

Being listed on the register does not mean the event is likely to happen tomorrow (but it could). It means the government has assessed it as significant enough, based on impact and probability, to require planning and mitigation measures.

Think of the national risk register as the country’s official “what could really go wrong?” list. If a threat is on the register, policymakers, emergency planners and critical industries take it seriously and plan accordingly. If it is not, the risk can drift into the background (even when it should not).

For all its importance, food security occupies a limited and somewhat indirect presence in the risk register. It only appears within broader categories such as supply-chain disruption, fuel shortages and animal disease. It’s not mentioned as a clearly defined risk in its own right.

Placing food security on the national risk register as its own defined category would send a clear signal that safeguarding stable, affordable food is a national priority – on par with energy, health and security. My team’s recent white paper for the government highlights this urgency.

Our modern food system is more complex, interconnected and vulnerable than many people realise. The UK imports around half of its food.

Some categories, such as fruit and vegetables, depend on imports for as much as 80–95% of supply. We rely on long, intricate supply chains involving overseas farming conditions, global shipping routes, international labour markets and constantly changing energy prices. When any of these are disrupted, our food system feels the shock.

In 2023, extremely bad weather in Spain and Morocco reduced crop yields, leaving UK supermarkets rationing tomatoes and peppers. The war in Ukraine has caused spikes in grain and sunflower oil prices. And the COVID pandemic and subsequent labour shortages have exposed how reliant farming and food distribution are on migrant workers.

An uncomfortable truth lies behind each of these disruptions: we are more dependent on global systems than the public think. Those systems are under pressure from climate change, geopolitical instability and resource competition.

Food systems also operate with tight margins. Fresh produce is harvested, shipped and sold quickly. Livestock feed supply needs to be constant. Fertiliser production depends heavily on natural gas for providing both the hydrogen feedstock and the energy required to make ammonia, the key ingredient in most nitrogen fertilisers. All of these dependencies create points of vulnerability. When several of those break at once, shortages can cascade.

For many households, even small disturbances lead to real consequences: higher prices, reduced choice and increased stress about meeting weekly food bills. Families on tight budgets feel these effects most sharply.

While we are nowhere near the wartime rationing experienced by earlier generations, food banks across the UK are already serving record numbers, and food-price inflation has recently reached levels not seen in decades. Food insecurity is not a hypothetical risk for millions, it is a reality.

Lessons from the past

Historically, Britain has faced food insecurity before. During the second world war, German U-boats targeted supply ships, leading to rationing that lasted until 1954. Earlier still, crop failures and poor harvests in the 19th century caused widespread hardship. Today we benefit from refrigeration, global trade, advanced agriculture and data-driven logistics, but those advantages can create an illusion of invulnerability that our supply chains are robust.

Food security, even in the UK, is more fragile than it might seem. Our shelves look full until suddenly they do not. A combination of climate-driven harvest failures, rising energy prices and trade disruptions could create national shortages or unaffordable prices much more quickly than many people may expect.

Including food security on the national risk register would prompt government departments to plan coordinated responses. It would drive investment in resilient agriculture, storage and domestic production while encouraging diversification of food imports to avoid overreliance on just a few regions.

Better risk planning would also support households through better safety nets and targeted interventions such as emergency rations and direct support to vulnerable households. Raising public awareness that food security is a shared national responsibility does not suggest panic – it means preparation.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Find out more about studying biosciences at Edge Hill University.

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