HEPI Annual Conference Highlights Urgent Need for Universities to Bridge Divides with Populist Voters
The Higher Education Policy Institute's 2026 annual conference, held on 11 June in London, brought together university leaders, policymakers and researchers to confront a pressing challenge: how higher education institutions can maintain relevance and trust in an era of rising populist sentiment. Central to discussions was the call for universities to actively engage with supporters of Reform UK, rather than viewing them solely through an academic lens or dismissing their concerns.
Delegates heard from experts including Sophie Stowers of the think tank More in Common, who emphasised that universities must shift their mindset. Research shared at the event, drawing on work with University College London, showed that while UK universities have largely avoided the sharp decline in public trust seen in some other countries, complacency risks eroding that position. The message was clear: proactive dialogue with voters sceptical of elite institutions is essential for long-term sustainability.
Context of Reform UK's Growing Influence on Higher Education Policy
Reform UK has emerged as a significant force in UK politics, polling strongly in the lead-up to the next general election. Its platform includes targeted proposals for the higher education sector, such as scrapping interest on student loans, introducing two-year undergraduate degrees, capping undergraduate places and reducing funding for institutions perceived to undermine free speech. These positions reflect broader voter frustrations with perceived elitism, high costs and questions over value for money in university education.
Focus group research conducted by Public First in university towns has revealed nuanced views among potential Reform supporters. Many express support for practical, vocational alternatives to traditional degrees while questioning whether universities adequately prepare graduates for the workforce or address regional economic needs. This voter base often prioritises reducing net migration and delivering tangible benefits from public spending, creating tension with aspects of current higher education funding models.
The HEPI Report 'Preparing for Populism' and Its Core Recommendations
A key reference point for conference discussions was the HEPI Debate Paper 44, 'Preparing for Populism', published in March 2026 by Edward Venning and Professor Diana Beech. The report argues that the sector's primary challenge is not solely financial but one of legitimacy and public trust. It urges universities to engage unashamedly across the political spectrum, including with parties like Reform UK that express scepticism towards aspects of higher education.
Recommendations include using university research to inform policy development in areas of populist concern, such as skills shortages and regional development. The authors stress that engagement does not equate to endorsement but represents a necessary adaptation to a changing political landscape where Reform UK is expected to wield greater influence.
Student Attitudes and Campus Free Speech Dynamics
HEPI polling data presented at the conference underscored divisions within the student body. A survey of full-time undergraduates found that 35 per cent supported banning Reform UK from speaking at campus events, the highest figure recorded in a decade-long series of questions on political groups. In contrast, the Green Party received far more favourable responses.
This finding highlights a perceived inconsistency: students often affirm support for free speech in principle while showing reluctance towards certain viewpoints in practice. Conference panellists noted incidents such as attempts to disrupt events at institutions like Bangor University, warning that such dynamics provide opportunities for populist narratives to gain traction by portraying universities as intolerant of dissenting voices.
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Challenges Facing UK Universities in a Populist Era
Public attitudes research indicates thin patience with universities amid broader disillusionment with institutions. Concerns range from graduate outcomes and debt levels to questions about institutional priorities and cultural issues. The report and conference discussions highlighted risks if universities appear insular or focused primarily on certain ideological alignments.
Financial pressures compound these issues, with ongoing debates around teaching grants, tuition fees and research funding. However, speakers argued that rebuilding trust requires more than fiscal solutions; it demands genuine outreach to communities and voters who feel disconnected from higher education's benefits.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Engagement Strategies
University administrators at the event shared practical approaches. Some institutions are exploring partnerships with local employers to emphasise vocational pathways and regional impact. Others are reviewing speaker invitation policies to ensure balanced representation of political perspectives.
Researchers emphasised the value of evidence-based dialogue. By inviting Reform UK voices into constructive conversations on shared priorities like skills training and economic growth, universities could demonstrate responsiveness without compromising academic independence.
Potential Impacts on University Operations and Policy
Greater engagement could influence areas such as admissions, curriculum design and public affairs strategies. For instance, expanding access to shorter, skills-focused programmes aligns with some Reform proposals while addressing employer needs. Enhanced focus on free speech protections may also help mitigate reputational risks.
Failure to adapt risks further polarisation, with potential consequences for funding decisions, student recruitment and institutional autonomy in a future political environment where Reform UK holds more sway.
Case Studies and Emerging Best Practices
Examples from institutions navigating similar divides were discussed. Universities in areas with strong Reform support have begun community outreach programmes highlighting local economic contributions. Collaborative research initiatives addressing migration, housing and skills have also shown promise in building bridges.
These efforts underscore that proactive steps, such as transparent communication about graduate employment rates and value-for-money initiatives, can help counter narratives of detachment.
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Future Outlook for Higher Education in the UK
As the next general election approaches, the conference consensus pointed to a need for strategic adaptation. Universities that invest in broad-based engagement stand to strengthen their position as national assets serving all communities. This includes embracing uncomfortable conversations about populism's underlying drivers without adopting its proposed solutions wholesale.
The sector's ability to demonstrate relevance across political lines will be critical for navigating demographic shifts, technological changes and geopolitical pressures highlighted in the conference theme.
Actionable Insights for University Leaders
Leaders were encouraged to audit current engagement practices, diversify advisory groups to include a wider range of perspectives and develop metrics for measuring public trust beyond traditional surveys. Investing in research translation that speaks directly to voter concerns was also recommended.
By prioritising dialogue and demonstrating tangible contributions to national priorities, universities can position themselves as resilient institutions in a dynamic political environment.
