House of Lords Annual Lunch, 18 May 2023

Over 70 members, their partners and friends enjoyed the 2023 Annual luncheon at the Cholmondeley Room, House of Lords in London. We assembled on the sun terrace on the edge of the Thames to catch-up and enjoy the stunning views of the South Bank, the London Eye and St Thomas’ Hospital. Soon we were called to luncheon with a welcome to members and guests from the President, Professor Roger Watson. The sumptuous lunch included a goat’s cheese starter a poached salmon main followed by lovely, sweet dessert of tart, sorbet and berries.

Roger Watson thanked Baroness Perry of Southwark, NCUP patron and welcomed the speaker Mr Nick Hillman. The topic was “Betwixt Covid and the next general election: A view of UK, Higher education today from the perspective of a think tank” Nick touched on student fees, the role of graduate tax and learning from significant variation in funding models across UK. He gave examples that illustrated the need for moderation and better understanding of policy impact. He noted the need for review of higher and further education pathways to better serve the needs of the national economy.

George Kernohan gave the response on behalf of NCUP using a brief theoretical perspective on how Hodges Health Career Model can help to address the complexity of multi-level, inter professional analysis that frames complexity in four quadrants: essentially the hard science, psychology of the issues, roles of social science and political – organisational perspectives.

There followed a short but lively question and answer session, with various opinions expressed. We look forward to next year with anticipation.

George Kernohan is currently Vice-President of NCUP