National Estates in Education Conference 2024 Achieving Safer and Sustainable Learning Environments

Security is undeniably a top consideration for parents and prospective students when choosing a university. However, the concept of security has evolved and now encompasses a multifaceted approach beyond building access control and onsite patrols.

Simultaneously, the quality and efficiency of higher education campuses and estates have come under scrutiny in recent years. In September 2020, the Government launched a £1.5 billion Further Education Transformation Fund dedicated to enhancing estates and preventing deterioration. However, in a setback that came to light in September 2023, fifteen universities faced partial or complete closure due to structural issues stemming from the use of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), a cheaper, lightweight alternative to standard concrete susceptible to structural failure when exposed to moisture.

The Institute of Government & Public Policy’s National Estates in Education Conference has been designed to tackle pressing issues and complexities in estate management within educational institutions. The conference aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among participants to create healthy educational environments that are safer, more sustainable, and operationally efficient.

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