News Archives - Edge Hill University https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/topic/news/ Mon, 09 Mar 2026 02:42:46 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/logo-shield-suffragette.png News Archives - Edge Hill University https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/topic/news/ 32 32 The world doesn’t wait. And nor do we. https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/03/brand-update/ Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:20:00 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=314060 The world doesn’t wait. And nor do we. Find out why we've evolved and what it means for you.

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Why we’ve evolved. And what it means for you.

Where it all started

Edge Hill’s story begins with courage.

Back when opportunities for women were limited, Edge Hill opened its doors as the first non-denominational teacher training college for women. We believed education should change lives. And that everyone deserved the chance to shape their future.

That determination to break barriers and stand up for progress has always been part of who we are. From our suffragette roots to today’s people‑centred, future‑focused university, Edge Hill has never been afraid to do things differently.

Fast-forward to today

We’re rooted in the heart of the North West but connected to opportunities far beyond it. We support students to build real skills, real confidence, real networks and real careers. We’re tackling modern challenges through research and teaching that make a difference locally, nationally and globally.

So, why have we rebranded?

Aerial drone shot of the Edge Hill Ormskirk campus at sun set.

Because Edge Hill has evolved and we want to show that. This isn’t a reinvention, it’s a progression.

This isn’t change for the sake of it. It’s a refresh that helps us communicate our purpose, stand out and build on the values that have shaped us from day one.

A brand designed for impact

Our refreshed brand positions us as a university that is outward‑looking, connected and ambitious. It reflects our commitment to research that shapes society, teaching that equips students for their futures and partnerships that deliver meaningful impact.

Our brand is designed to represent Edge Hill wherever we go, while keeping us deeply rooted in the communities we serve.

A logo that honours our past, built for the future

Formal crest and simplified shield

Our evolved logo builds on the legacy of Edge Hill’s historic crest. The suns remain – a symbol of enlightenment, education and the power of knowledge to illuminate new paths.

Although we’re moving forward, our historic crest will always remain an important part of our tradition and is now reserved for the most important ceremonial occasions – like your graduation.

The shield is now refined, clearer and confident. The diagonal sash across the shield is a nod to our suffragette story. A symbol of activism, progress and the courage to stand for change.

Typography with shared heritage

Old school roots, modern attitude. Our new typeface might look fresh, but it has history. Caslon Doric was one of the first Sans Serif fonts and was created in the 19th century, very close to the time Edge Hill was founded.

Back then, it challenged tradition. It was pioneering, modern, functional and progressive. Sound familiar?

Using Caslon Doric quietly connects our past with our future. It’s bold, clear and confident. Perfect for a university that’s always moving forward while remaining grounded in where it came from.

Colour inspired by progress and place

You’ll notice a mix of radiant and grounded colours in our refreshed palette. They come from two key inspirations:

Brand colour palette wheel

Our suffragette heritage

Some colours nod to the activism and progress that shaped our early story. A reminder that courage and equality have always been at the heart of Edge Hill. Our Edge Hill colours of purple and green have been reimagined for a modern context, bringing energy, flexibility and confidence to the brand.

The North West landscape

Think green spaces, open skies over Ormskirk, warm sunrises and a campus full of life. These colours reflect the place we call home, giving the brand a sense of warmth, vibrancy and momentum.

Bringing it all together

Edge Hill has always been a university shaped by people with the bravery to move forward. Our refreshed brand isn’t about changing who we are, it’s about expressing it more clearly.

It celebrates our heritage, represents our students and communities today, and sets us up confidently for the future.

Most importantly, it’s the foundation of our commitment to put people first, to break down barriers and to turn potential into possibility – and possibility into impact.

Because at Edge Hill, we don’t just imagine what’s possible. We make it happen.

Win a piece of Edge Hill history

Fancy getting your hands on a piece of Edge Hill history? Join us on Thursday 5 March in the Students’ Union between 11am–1pm and give our wheel a spin.

We’ve got a limited run of brand‑new merch up for grabs, so you could be one of the very first to get your hands on our new look. And even if luck isn’t on your side, don’t worry. You won’t leave empty‑handed. You’ll still be able to pick up a special archive piece to take home.

New branding. Exclusive goodies. And a celebration of Edge Hill’s next chapter. Everyone’s a winner, come and be part of it.

A mock up of a purple tote bag, with the words, "We're here to change the future" on the side.
An outdoor sign with the message, "Research that gets people talking".
A mock up of a large, landscape poster on a wall, with the message, "Here's where it happens".

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‘Your background doesn’t define your potential’ https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/your-background-doesnt-define-your-potential-anns-25-year-edge-hill-journey-began-with-life-changing-fast/ Fri, 27 Feb 2026 15:56:43 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=314867 Long-serving staff member Ann Kennedy’s inspiring Edge Hill journey began with the Fastrack course she now helps others access.

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She now works as a senior member of the University’s Access Programmes Team supporting people who, like herself, might not think they are qualified for higher education. 

But Ann’s journey into higher education was far from straightforward. As a teenager, she struggled to maintain focus at school and left with poor GCSE grades. Like many young people at the time, she joined a Youth Training Scheme, similar to today’s apprenticeships, first studying child and vulnerable adult care before moving into retail. 

In 2000, at the age of 29 and with two young children, Ann left retail with dreams of a new challenge with long-term prospects. Fastrack proved to be the ideal opportunity as a mature student.  

“I was searching for something more meaningful, a role with challenge, purpose and longterm prospects. I knew I had to change my future, I needed to go to university. 

“Enrolling on Fastrack was one of the hardest but best things I have ever done.  

“I never imagined that a free, short-term programme would lead to a fulfilling career in higher education, a degree, a postgraduate qualification and a leadership role within a university.” 

After completing Fastrack, Ann, from St Helens, went on to graduate in English with Creative Writing and has since achieved a PGCE in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. 

A dyspraxia diagnosis did not prevent Ann from pursuing and achieving her career goals. While working at Edge Hill, she was awarded a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy and became a member of the University’s Board of Governors. 

She added: “Edge Hill gave me an opportunity that changed my life and I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved. 

“Now I get to help others in the same position I was in realise that their background doesn’t define their potential.” 

Edge Hill University’s Fastrack programme offers adults aged 21 and over the chance to access higher education, even if they don’t currently hold the qualifications required. 

The free full-time course begins with a oneweek induction, followed by six weeks of oncampus study designed to develop academic skills, subject knowledge and most importantly, confidence to succeed University level education.  

Find out more at the Fastrack Information Evening on Wednesday 4 March at 5:30pm.

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From Fastrack to fulfilling career supporting vulnerable children https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/from-fastrack-to-fulfilling-career-supporting-vulnerable-children/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 18:01:42 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=314631 Edge Hill alumna Lorna Harvey pursued her “natural calling” to help vulnerable children reach their full potential thanks to the University’s Fastrack programme. 

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Lorna, from Southport, has always been passionate about supporting people who haven’t had the easiest start in life and, aged 40, she longed to put that passion into action with a new career. 

She felt “stuck” because she didn’t have the right qualifications to apply for a degree but once she heard about Edge Hill’s free Fastrack course, designed to prepare people like Lorna for higher education, a plan started to take shape. 

Lorna successfully completed the programme and went on to study an undergraduate degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy, progressing to complete an MSc Psychology (Conversion). 

She now works as a senior psychotherapist at Wilderness Way in Penrith, a provider of residential care for children who have experienced trauma, exploitation or crisis, and credits Fastrack with transforming her future. 

“I’ve always been drawn to work that allows me to make a difference in the lives of people who may not have had the easiest start,” she said. 

“Supporting children felt like a natural calling. Children show incredible resilience, and when someone believes in them – even just one consistent adult – it can completely shift the direction of their lives. 

“Without the Fastrack programme, I wouldn’t have been able to build the career I have now, because I’d never have known my own capabilities. 

“The course made me realise I had the capacity for learning and it built my confidence hugely. The lecturers were so supportive and knowledgeable. 

“If you’re thinking about changing your career but feel unsure, Fastrack is the perfect place to begin. I know how overwhelming it can feel when you’ve been out of education for a long time, or when life hasn’t taken a straightforward path – but that doesn’t limit what you’re capable of.” 

During Lorna’s studies at Edge Hill, she developed her theoretical understanding and practical skills, which prepared her for a rewarding role in child mental health. 

“I support our clinical team to deliver highquality, evidencebased therapeutic care for vulnerable children. 

“Every day is different and we’re all there to make a difference. Even the smallest wins can mean the world.” 

Edge Hill University’s Fastrack programme offers adults aged 21 and over the chance to access higher education, even if they don’t currently hold the qualifications required. 

The free full-time course begins with a oneweek induction, followed by six weeks of oncampus study designed to develop academic skills, subject knowledge and most importantly, confidence to succeed University level education.  

Find out more at the Fastrack Information Evening on Wednesday 4 March at 5:30pm.

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Edge Hill University inspires young minds through Lancashire Cyber Education Week https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/edge-hill-university-inspires-young-minds-through-lancashire-cyber-education-week/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:46:00 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=314590 Edge Hill University welcomed young people from across the county to celebrate Lancashire Cyber Partnership’s third annual Cyber Education Week.

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College and sixth-form pupils visited education providers including Edge Hill to take part in cyber‑themed quizzes, code‑breaking tasks, cybercrime prevention workshops and virtual escape room challenges.

More than 10,000 young people came together to discover more about the county’s fast-growing cyber ecosystem, with venues like Edge Hill showcasing the valuable cyber skills required for industries including aerospace, manufacturing and engineering.

Visitors to the Ormskirk campus met with the University’s staff and students from the Department of Computer Science to explore routes to academic study and heard from professionals in cyber-related roles.

And Edge Hill students took part in a ‘Capture the Flag’ competition against other university and HE students and apprentices, completing a number of real-world tasks across a variety of technologies.

Professor Amr Ahmed, Head of Department for Computer Science, said: “We were delighted to welcome so many bright young minds from across the county to discuss the wonderful opportunities available in the world of cyber.”

The event showcased the expertise of participating students and the practical application of their skills across computer and engineering sciences.

Dr Muhammad Usman, programme leader for BSc (Hons) Cyber Security, said: “We are proud that our students secured first and third place in the Capture the Flag event, a testament to the hard work of both our staff and students.

“It is also encouraging to see a significant rise in participation from local sixth forms and colleges, reflecting a growing enthusiasm for using cyber security skills to serve and protect our digital community.”

Lancashire Cyber Partnership’s vision for the county, and the wider North West Cyber Corridor, is to be one of the world’s leading destinations for cyber businesses, support agencies, careers, training and research, with Lancashire now the proud home of the National Cyber Force Headquarters.

A spokesperson for the Partnership said: “Education Week plays an important role in the Lancashire Cyber Partnership’s long-term goal of creating a talent pipeline for the many cyber-focussed roles UK businesses will require in the future.

“We are proud that many schools, colleges and universities in the county actively took part in the week. Unlocking the next generation’s ability to take advantage of cyber and tech-based jobs in Lancashire is imperative.”

Find out more about courses available in the Department of Computer Science at Edge Hill University.

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Edge Hill University backs St Helens women’s rugby Super League ambitions https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/edge-hill-university-backs-st-helens-womens-rugby-super-league-ambitions/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:24:38 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=314712 Edge Hill University has been working with St Helens Women’s RFC as they prepare for the 2026 Betfred Women’s Super League season.

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The Saints have partnered with Edge Hill to regularly access world-class facilities for training and recovery, providing the First Team and age-development squads with a high-performance training base often not available to non-professional teams.

The squad has also benefitted from access to the University’s elite support services – including sports science insights and musculoskeletal assessments to combat injury and allow safer rehabilitation – which help the players reach their full potential.

Derek Hardman, joint head coach with Craig Richards, believes the partnership has had a positive impact on players and staff.

He said: “We’re really blessed to have such a great facility on our doorstep and we’re really grateful to Edge Hill for supporting us.

“The facilities are second to none and as a group and a squad, with the nature of what we are looking for, this is perfect.”

Jodie Cunningham, club captain and head of women’s pathways and performance, praised the “fantastic” facilities available for the first-team and academy sides to utilise.

Speaking at a recent visit to the Ormskirk campus, she said: “Edge Hill have been so supportive of our women’s section and our pathway for our academy teams and under 16s, so it’s just great to get out on the field here, ready for the season ahead. 

“It’s such a good sports university and having professional teams like ourselves here just proves how good the facilities are and how passionate Edge Hill is about encouraging young girls to take part in sport.

“We’ve got girls from the team who study here so being able to see that relationship and how fantastic the University is, is brilliant.”

Edge Hill students Alyx Bridge, Caitlin Barrow, Amy Taylor and Lily Byrne are all members of the ‘Red V’ squad and are all combining rugby with their academic studies.

Back row player Alyx, who studies BSc (Hons) Sports Therapy, said: “Having access to Edge Hill’s pitches means we’ve been able to play 13-a-side and under 19s on grass pitches, even though we train at night.”

Caitlan, who is studying towards a BSc (Hons) Educational Psychology degree, said: “There is such a wide range of facilities, like the video room, so we can share opinions, see different strategies and how we can utilise each other’s skills, putting it into practice on the field.”

Half Back Amy, a PGCE Secondary Teacher Training student, added: “Edge Hill staff are all very supportive of our study and playing rugby alongside, it’s really helpful to have the University behind you.”

Edge Hill’s Department of Sport and Physical Activity provides a variety of pathways to meaningful careers in sport, from teaching in schools to coaching elite athletes, sports development to sports therapy. Academic opportunities are backed up by outstanding facilities including the Sport Centre, a 25-metre swimming pool, competition-standard athletics track, sports halls, and grass and 3G pitches, which are all available for public use.

Andrew Hampson, sports services manager, said: “We work very closely with St Helens, and it’s brilliant to see this partnership continue to grow, particularly with several Edge Hill students proudly representing the club as players.

“Having an elite women’s rugby team regularly training at our Sport Centre not only highlights the standard of our facilities but also reinforces the clear pathways available within the women’s game.

“Our Grounds Maintenance team also do an exceptional job in keeping the grass pitches at an elite level, ensuring the players train on surfaces that meet the highest performance standards.

“By bringing elite sport into Edge Hill, we hope to inspire the next generation of female athletes and demonstrate what is possible in a truly world-class sporting environment.”

If your club is looking to enhance athlete performance, reduce injury risk and explore sports science support, contact edgehillsportadmin@edgehill.ac.uk.

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An update from the Board of Governors https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/an-update-from-the-board-of-governors/ Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:22:11 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=314680 The Board of Governors can confirm that Professor Michael Young has stepped down as Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University with immediate effect due to personal circumstances.

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On behalf of the Board, we thank Professor Young for his hard work and services during his time at Edge Hill University and we wish him well in his future endeavours.  

Chief Operating Officer Lynn Hill, and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Knowledge Exchange and Dean of Faculty of Arts and Sciences Professor George Talbot, will together oversee the Vice-Chancellor’s responsibilities. The Board of Governors are incredibly grateful to them for providing this collaborative leadership.  

Lynn and George will be supported by Chief Governance Officer Dr Jo Wright and the established Senior Leadership Team, while the Board of Governors plan to recruit a new Vice-Chancellor.  

It is business as usual at Edge Hill and all staff are being fully supported to proceed with their work. All teaching, assessments and support services will continue uninterrupted to provide the best possible student experience.

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News in Brief – Monday 16 February https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/news-in-brief-monday-16-february/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:15:34 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=313679 Stay up to date with the latest news from Edge Hill. From ground-breaking research to student achievements, community initiatives to academic expertise, this roundup condenses the highlights shaping our university community.

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Edge Hill University secures funding to help UK addiction charity

women wearing denim jacket with hands crossed over and can slightly see other persons hands on their lap wearing all black.

Edge Hill University has been awarded an Accelerated Knowledge Transfer Partnership, funded by UK Research and Innovation through Innovate UK, to help national addiction charity UK SMART Recovery enrich their services. 

A team of researchers and psychologists will work with the charity’s stakeholders, participants and peers to find new ways to further improve how they can support people living with addiction. 

Professor Rebecca Monk said: “We know addictions affect the lives of millions of people worldwide, and in the UK the charity sector plays a pivotal role in supporting those affected. 

“We are looking to examine how UK SMART Recovery can complement the great work they already do. We hope to expand the support offered by the charity and thereby improve the lives of people with substance use disorders as well as those impacted indirectly.” 

Dr Charlie Orton, CEO of UK SMART Recovery, added: “Around 5,000 people a week attend our peer-to-peer support meetings but we’re looking into expanding our provision to include more intensive recovery interventions.  

“We’re delighted to be working with Edge Hill University, home to recognised experts in addiction research. Their team will be evaluating an innovative National Lottery-funded project by Equus Ferrus CIC which, for the first time, has integrated our evidence-based recovery tools into a model utilising equine therapy.” 

Equus Ferus CIC is an equine therapy centre in Pembrokeshire South Wales which works to improve people’s wellbeing through interaction with horses. This creates a transformational somatic learning experience for participants.

Reader in Plant Sciences, Dr Sven Batke, has authored a new UK-wide report on Greenhouse Intelligence

Developed by The Greenhouse Innovation Consortium (GIC), UK growers, industry partners, researchers and public-sector stakeholders, the report examines the UK greenhouse growing sector, and its performance under the current economic conditions.

The independent report highlights the importance of the UK’s greenhouse sector, which provides a balanced viewpoint.

The GIC is an independent, grower-engaging platform which supports evidence-based decision making emphasising a plant-based approach on issues including energy transition, food security, planning and capital investment.

Upon the release of the report, Batke said: “The UK greenhouse sector is highly productive and strategically important, but it is operating with very little headroom.

“Many businesses have grown in scale, but not in resilience. High energy exposure, labour constraints and long-term debt mean that even well-established growers remain vulnerable to shocks.

“It is operationally successful but structurally fragile, delivering high output under conditions that are increasingly misaligned with its risk profile.

“With aligned policy, investment and procurement, greenhouse growing can evolve into a resilient component of national food and infrastructure systems. Without such alignment, it will remain a case of scale without security: productive, but perpetually exposed.

“Without intervention, the sector is likely to experience further consolidation, delayed capital renewal, and heightened exposure. Ageing infrastructure will become progressively less efficient.”

Read more about the report by clicking here.

Botany professor awarded highest honour by British Ecological Society

Paul is wearing a blue stripy polo shirt, wearing glasses and looking straight at the camera.

Edge Hill University’s Professor of Botany Paul Ashton has been appointed as a Fellow of the British Ecological Society.

This is a significant award and reflects Paul’s contribution to the subject with four decades of research, his work as secretary of the Ecological Genetics Group for many years and his continued commitment to teaching the subject and supporting students.

He becomes one of just 23 ecologists awarded the title of Fellow of the British Ecological Society, the highest award the Society bestows.

Paul has dedicated over 30 years of his career to Edge Hill University, where he teaches undergraduate and postgraduate modules including field botany, ecological genetics, plant diversity, biodiversity and conservation.

His research has primarily covered the areas of ecological genetics, conservation management – working with a variety of stakeholders including Natural England, National Trust and The Wildlife Trusts – and plant ecology.

Dr Anne Oxbrough, Head of Department for Biology, said: “We are thrilled to see Paul receive this recognition. It is a fantastic achievement and reflects his contribution to the subject, the Society and Edge Hill over many years.

“He has been a leading ecologist at Edge Hill University for over 30 years, significantly contributing to the establishment and success of the curriculum in ecology – particularly to our undergraduate BSc Ecology and Conservation and MSc Conservation Management programmes – and there are a multitude of graduates who’ve benefitted from his expertise and passion for research and teaching.”

Find out more about studying in the field of biology at Edge Hill University.

Early years education expert presents ground breaking Play Matters report to Parliament 

Head of Early Years Education Dr Karen Boardman represented Edge Hill University in the House of Commons to discuss play-based approaches for babies and children up to eight years old. 

She presented Play Matters, a free guide to champion the power of play in early childhood, to an All-Party Parliamentary Group on Play, with editor Dr Aaron Bradbury from Nottingham Trent University. 

Dr Boardman said: “It was an honour to present to Parliament, especially on a project we are so passionate about. 

“Play Matters challenges traditional perceptions of play in education, emphasising how critical play is in a child’s development.” 

Launched in May 2025, Play Matters was the first project to be hosted within Edge Hill’s International Research Centre for Early Years Education (ICEYE). 

Dr Boardman was invited to present by charity Play England – which advocates for all children and young people to have freedom to play at home, at school, in parks and public spaces – alongside national and international professionals in education, psychology and health. 

Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Dean of Education, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our Head of Early Years Education to support policy makers with this important initiative and to align the great work of ‘Play Matters’ with the strategy of Play England. 

“Karen discussed ‘play in early years settings and schools’ to support the petition to make learning through play statutory in Key Stage One.” 

Read the Play Matters report here. 

Dr Karen Boardman

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Business School Professor wins major funding award to evaluate service transformation within Welsh ambulance trust https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/02/business-school-professor-wins-major-funding-award-to-evaluate-service-transformation-within-welsh-ambulance-trust/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 13:58:54 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=313124 Edge Hill University has secured major research funding to evaluate the clinical transformation model of the Welsh Ambulance Services University NHS Trust (WAST). 

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Paresh Wankhade, Professor of Leadership and Management in the Business School, has been awarded almost £350,000 by WAST, with potential scope for additional funding in the future.

The evaluation, in partnership with Swansea University, is designed to assess individual areas of work, such as patient care, staffing, digital tools and service planning, and how those areas interact and impact each other.

An image of Paresh Wankhade

Professor Wankhade will also explore how work and activity is shared across WAST, asses where highest demand is experienced and determine whether there is duplication or overlap between different service areas. 

“This award represents a significant prospect for Edge Hill’s Business School,” he said. “Not only in terms of research impact but also in offering exciting opportunities to build and leverage on the School’s research strengths. 

“It puts us on the map for future evaluation opportunities from individual NHS ambulance trusts and independent evaluations or inquiries around the ambulance reform agenda. 

“NHS Wales will benefit from a credible, independent and balanced evaluation of WAST’s transformation programme.”

The project is supported by Professor Axel Kaehne from Edge Hill’s Evaluation and Policy Analysis Unit and will run over the next three years. 

Liam Williams, Executive Director of Quality and Nursing at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said: “Following a robust procurement process we are pleased to announce Edge Hill University and Swansea University as our partners for this evaluation. 

“Securing high quality services for the population of Wales not only requires continuous quality improvement, on occasion it requires us to re-examine the underpinning model and evidence to ensure that it remains appropriate for a changing healthcare landscape. 

“The changes we have made are expected to secure the most effective approach to urgent and emergency care for the people of Wales and, having authoritative partners to evaluate the work we are doing is critical to securing public and clinical confidence.”

Find out more about how Edge Hill University’s research and Business School are having real-world impact.

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News In Brief – Monday 2 February https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/01/news-in-brief-monday-2-february/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:20:24 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=310485 Stay up to date with the latest news from Edge Hill. From ground-breaking research to student achievements, community initiatives to academic expertise, this roundup condenses the highlights shaping our University community.

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Edge Hill University expert delivers talk on AI at global language conference in Beijing 

Professor Mark Schofield, Dean of Teaching and Learning Development at Edge Hill University, has delivered a high-profile keynote address on the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence at the World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing. 

The conference, which attracted 3,000 delegates including senior members of the Chinese Government, the Ministry of Education (China’s) and international academic leaders, focused on the evolving impact of AI on global language education. 

Professor Schofield’s keynote speech, titled The Application of Artificial Intelligence in Chinese Language Teaching: Creating ‘Cognitive Space’ for Busy Teachers tackled a critical challenge: how technology can support educators rather than replace them. 

His speech was highlighted by China’s national press for its practical approach and focus on enhancing the student experience. 

Reflecting on the event, Professor Schofield said: “This was a great opportunity to represent Edge Hill University and to showcase aspects of our work with AI in teaching and learning to a global audience of vice chancellors, government officials and academics.  

Professor Schofield is a regular contributor to this global dialogue, having been invited to deliver keynotes at the conference several times over the last decade. His previous work has focused on quality assurance, online learning and teaching excellence across global Confucius Institutes. 

This year, his “stand out” speech and engaging delivery style led to a feature interview with China Daily, one of the world’s largest English-language news outlets. 

Find out more about Edge Hill’s Centre for Learning and Teaching

Centre for Sports Law Research supports major European project to strengthen athlete rights 

The Centre of Sports Law Research at Edge Hill University is proud to be working with Athletes for Good Governance and Rights in Europe (AGREE) and the project’s first major report.  

AGREE aims to improve understanding of social dialogue in sport, support the use of collective bargaining and develop European minimum standards for athlete employment and welfare. 

Professor Jay Cullen, Head of School of Law and Criminal Justice, said: “This is an excellent example of research making a real difference.  

“The AGREE project shows how legal scholarship can help shape fairer, more sustainable systems in sport, and we are delighted that colleagues from the School of Law and Criminal Justice are playing such a central role in work that supports athlete rights and good governance at a European level.” 

The project’s first report, on Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) in European Sport was written by Edge Hill’s Dr Andrea Cattaneo, Senior Lecturer in Law, and has just been published.  

Dr Cattaneo provides a detailed analysis of how athlete employment is regulated across five countries – Finland, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the UK – and how collective agreements shape working conditions. He also demonstrates that negotiated agreements can strengthen governance by providing a structured, legally sound framework aligned with EU labour and competition law. 

AGREE’s next steps include job-shadowing exchanges between players’ unions, the development of European minimum standards for athlete rights, and the preparation of practical guidance to support collective bargaining in sport. A final report will be published in 2027. 

The Centre’s involvement reflects the team’s recognised expertise in sports law and their longstanding contribution to European debates on athlete rights and governance.   

Read the full report here: Athletes for Good Governance and Rights in Europe – CBA REPORT 

Edge Hill University hosts Annual Primary Care Conference 2026  

The Medical School was pleased to welcome medical students, academics and professionals for the ‘Primary Care Future: Shaping the Undergraduate Experience’ conference. 

The one-day conference provided a day full of networking, keynote talks and interactive workshops, with speakers including Professor Hugh Alberti, Head of Primary Care Teaching at Newcastle University, and Professor Andy Knox MBE, GP partner and Interim Medical Director of Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB. 

Tina Finney, Senior Lecturer in General Practice said:

“Hosting the Annual Primary Care Conference provides a vital platform for us to align undergraduate medical education with the evolving needs of the NHS.

“By bringing together visionary leaders like Professor Hugh Alberti and Professor Andy Knox MBE, we are ensuring that our students are not only prepared for the challenges of primary care but are actively equipped to lead and innovate within the community care workforce of the future.”

The event explored how undergraduate primary care teaching can support NHS long-term strategy by helping to shape the future of the primary care workforce and strengthen community care. 

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Edge Hill University and Alder Hey announce partnership to transform children’s health https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2026/01/edge-hill-university-and-alder-hey-announce-partnership-to-transform-childrens-health/ Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:57:20 +0000 https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/?p=310068 Edge Hill University is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, aimed at transforming the health and wellbeing outcomes for children and young people across the North West.

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By bridging the gap between clinical excellence, academic research and community insight, this five-year partnership will allow both institutions to work more creatively and collaboratively.

The partnership formalises years of successful cooperation through research projects, student placements and shared academic expertise, moving toward enhanced training, research, and service delivery.

George Talbot from Edge Hill and Adam Bateman from Alder hey, both looking at the camera, shaking hands wearing blue suits and a tie

Professor George Talbot, Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Knowledge Exchange) said: “As a university, our greatest strength lies in our community and partnership working, and we share with Alder Hey a commitment to our local communities. Our new joint mission is to create knowledge that changes lives, right across the North West.

“We look forward to working ever more closely with Alder Hey on connected and complementary areas of expertise, so as to position the region at the forefront of workforce development, in alignment with the Government’s emerging 10-year Health Plan.

“As a university partner we aim to offer something which enhances Alder Hey’s mission, whether it be through our network of school connections, our expertise on using sport and the arts to improve people’s lives or our plans for delivering continuing professional development education.”

Initially, the partnership will focus on two critical areas at the intersection of health and education:

  • Virtual wards, exploring innovative ways to deliver hospital-level care in the home environment.
  • Mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention in education and the wider community, supporting children and young people’s mental wellbeing in health and school settings.

Edge Hill and Alder Hey will also co-create a comprehensive suite of professional development opportunities, curate resources across both institutions and establish regular collaborative forums to inform future workforce strategies.

The partnership aims to look beyond traditional clinical boundaries, utilising Edge Hill’s expertise in sport and the arts to improve staff resilience as well as patient wellbeing.

Dr Katherine Birch, Director of Alder Hey Academy, said: “At Alder Hey, everything we do is driven by a simple but powerful ambition: to give children and young people the best possible start in life, not only through outstanding clinical care, but by contributing to the wider conditions that help them thrive. Education, opportunity, innovation and community are central to that mission, as they are to Edge Hill’s.

“Both organisations are deeply rooted in this region and proud of the role we play within it. We share a belief that institutions like ours have responsibilities that go beyond our walls: to develop talent, to support social mobility, to contribute to the local economy and to create opportunities together that will shape the futures of generations to come.”

Dr Katherine Birch and Dr Helen O'Keeffe standing and addressing people in a classroom

Edge Hill’s Dr Helen O’Keeffe, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Education, and Colin Johnson, Interim Dean of Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, added: “By combining clinical, academic and community insights, we aim to enhance training, research and service delivery.

“Together, we will co-develop innovative approaches that strengthen the skills of those working with children and young people, support integrated practice and contribute to shaping a happier, healthier, more inclusive future for the next generation.”

Find out more about Edge Hill University’s partnerships, which include education and healthcare providers, charities and community organisations.

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