Driving Change in Higher Education

 News 

Bath Spa University joins Driving Change in HE to support student carers

Wednesday, 26 November, 2025

Bath Spa University has become one of the participating institutions in the Driving Change in Higher Education initiative – a national project led by the Learning and Work Institute and Carers Federation, with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund. The project supports universities to improve how they identify, recognise, and support young adult carers (aged 16–24) so they can access and thrive in higher education. 

Over the next 12-18 months, the University will work with Driving Change to review its current approach to supporting student carers, develop a tailored action plan, and embed the Quality Standard in Carer Support (QSCS) framework across the University. The project also includes awareness-raising, staff training, and support towards accreditation as a ‘carer-friendly' university. 

Melissa Mulhall, Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Planning at BSU, said: 

“Bath Spa University is proud to be part of Driving Change in Higher Education led by Learning and Work Institute and Carer Federation. Young adult carers often juggle their studies with the responsibilities of looking after family members, and we know that can create barriers to accessing and thriving in further education. We’re committed to developing a whole-university approach that recognises and supports carers. Our goal is simple: to ensure young adult carers know they have a place at BSU and the support to succeed here.” 

Young adult carers provide unpaid care to family members and often face significant barriers to accessing and completing higher education. Research reported by UCAS shows that many do not feel understood or supported by universities: 63% report receiving no tailored support when applying, and 69% are unaware of any help available once enrolled. Driving Change aims to ensure that caring responsibilities never limit a student’s ability to access education, participate fully in university life, or reach their potential. 

 Joel Staley, Deputy Head of Student Wellbeing at BSU said: 

“Our involvement in Driving Change directly supports the priorities set out in our Access and Participation Plan (APP), with commitments towards building inclusive, accessible and healthy learning experiences and ensuring equality of opportunity for all students. The APP specifically highlights tailored wellbeing support and transition activities for care-experienced, estranged, and young adult carer students, recognising that flexible, person-centred support can make a real difference to continuation and success. 

“This collaboration represents another step in our whole-university approach to inclusion, helping us to reduce barriers, improve belonging, and make BSU a place where all students – including those with caring responsibilities – can thrive.” 

Find out more about how BSU supports student wellbeing.