With rapidly changing expectations about the role of knowledge creation in society, as well as the significant financial uncertainty faced by the sector, the NCCPE are inviting people to join us in imagining new futures for the higher education sector in the UK. 
 
Over the next 18 months we will be working to consider all aspects of the system – from the funding it receives; the ways universities organise themselves; the people and communities involved; the practices people are involved in; and shifts in wider society that impact the work of the higher education sector. 
 
Together we will imagine futures for the sector where knowledge is built openly and inclusively; re-imagine the role and position of universities in knowledge production; and explore the actions needed to realise these futures. 
 

You will have the opportunity to feed your perspective and experiences directly into the process and will be part of a collective movement for change.  

This is a wonderful opportunity to act as an advocate for change and to deepen your understanding of the higher education system from multiple perspectives. We will share stories from the process, some of the background theory and provide opportunities for you to meet with people beyond your existing professional networks.  

To what degree and how you get involved is flexible. We are keen that this suits your preferences and availability. What we will ask of our Catalyst Group members is that you commit to learning alongside other participants, sharing your insights and expertise, and taking relevant actions in your own area of work.   

Some of the online consultation events will focus on specific themes whilst others will take a wider view of the future vision that has emerged from the first stage of the process. We hope that you will want to attend one or two of these events.  
 
If you can act as a convenor of a group whose perspectives would be important to include, we would be keen to support you to do this.  We will be inviting catalysts to let us know if they would like to convene a group to contribute to the Three Horizon process.

In stage 3 of the process, we will work together to develop tools and guidance to support the kinds of change that we collectively feel are important for the future. There will be opportunities to lead or support an area of this work as we move from conception to final design of tools and material on a range of topics/areas for action.  

What these topics or tools will be is not yet known. We will keep you updated of the progress of Three Horizons and any consultation opportunities via email.  

Change work is not necessarily comfortable. We are keen that Catalysts approach this work with an open mindset, prepared to be challenged and to challenge. Yet, this challenge needs to be constructive and respectful. We therefore ask that in any Engaged Futures related activity you work to practice the following values and behaviours:  

• Listen with curiosity to the thoughts of others. Do not interrupt. Take turns to share.  
   
• Use language that is accessible, avoid using insider language and acronyms if you can. Be ready to explain a term that is not understood by someone else in the group. 
   
• Be prepared to challenge and be challenged in your thinking. 
   
• Challenge ideas in a constructive way and do not negate someone else’s lived experience.  
   
• Follow through on commitments or communicate to us if you are unable to fulfil something that you previously committed to.  
   
• Ask for support should you need it, either from other catalysts or from NCCPE.  
   

The NCCPE is committed to working openly and inclusively. Our principles will be at the heart of how we develop this work.