GuildHE offers a unique perspective on UK higher education. And we get diversity. We are one of three formal representative bodies in higher education, representing around 70 diverse institutions. Our members are small and large, rural and urban, practice-based and online, publicly and privately funded. Members are renowned for their practical, industry-relevant education, research and innovation - which meet critical skills needs for the 21st century, while making a significant contribution to regional growth, industry development and the national economy. The diversity of our membership enables us a unique and valuable perspective into the challenges and opportunities within, and for, the sector at any given time.
Who we are
What our members do
GuildHE members are principally focused on vocational and technical higher education. They include major providers of professional programmes in:
- education and community service
- healthcare
- agriculture, food and technology
- the built environment
- business and law
- creative arts
Our members offer diverse pathways into and through higher education. They are renowned for their practical, industry-relevant education, research and innovation which meet critical skills needs. They make significant contributions to their regions, industries and the national economy.
How we shape the sector
As one of 3 original and principal representative bodies for UK higher education (alongside Universities UK and the Association of Colleges), GuildHE is a company member of and appoints members to the boards of sector bodies including QAA, AdvanceHE, HESA, JISC and UCEA.
As a formal representative body, we work directly with government and regulators to make sure diverse voices shape the future.
Our vision for a 21st century GuildHE
GuildHE gets diversity. A 21st century GuildHE is the advocate of choice for dynamic, diverse and distinctive institutions focused on delivering vocational and technical higher education across the UK.
Our members provide cultural, social and economic value to their towns, cities and regions. They provide skills, practical research and innovation to drive industries and shape the world of work in the 21st century. Our community of institutions is outward-looking, supportive, and brave - they are unafraid to take risks because they know that trailblazing is leadership. GuildHE is a community of leaders.
We advocate for diversity because we know that having a wide range of institutional and programme types enables the widest range of students to succeed. We want students to have real choice across a diverse range of learning environments so that we can continue to open doors for new learners - widening access is 'business as usual'.
Diversity is the key to excellence and we will continue to advocate for funding and regulatory systems, as well as policy environments, that support the expansion of that diversity, especially in times of financial hardship. Protecting the diversity within our sector is not only key for student success, but it's crucial for our ongoing viability and global competitiveness as a sector, so we will never shy away from advocating for its protection.