13 Virtual Brochure – February 2024 C) Student Outcomes Student outcomes risks appear on the majority of the risk registers in our sample. 2023 saw a large jump in the average risk scores for student outcome risks, both in terms of the inherent and mitigated scores. While some of the risk factors are similar to previous years, for example students’ financial concerns and mental health, we note new and specific concerns about around student retention at a number of institutions (potentially linked to the fallout from educational disruption during the pandemic) and growing concerns about graduate employment prospects. Mitigation activities include: - early identification of students who may struggle in order to offer enhanced support - closer monitoring of student engagement patterns, retention rates and investigation of underlying factors - expansion of hardship funding - whole-university strategies to build confidence and employability skills through a students’ programme of study - offering placements to all students and improving placement opportunities. Risk commentary The higher likelihood and impact scores for inherent and mitigated risks, as well as higher average rankings suggests that the challenge of student outcomes is an increasing risk and an area where confidence in the effectiveness of mitigation activities has declined since 2022. While the issues reported are unlikely to place institutions at risk of falling below regulatory thresholds, they are of concern in relation to realising institutional missions for student success and increasingly to some institutions, a risk in terms of lost tuition fee income and in terms of league table positioning. It is notable that over the same period that the average rankings for student experience risks have improved substantially, optimism driven in part by improving National Student Survey results. This finding sits at odds with the increasing risks to outcomes at some institutions and may point to a bifurcation in satisfaction and outcomes between those students able to make the most of the opportunities on offer, and those who struggle from the outset. The development of new Access and Participation Plans provides an opportunity for governing bodies and committees to scrutinise and challenge activities in this area.
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