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The Policy Connect network of groups produces an enormous amount of news, commentary, research and resources, in addition to the busy and varied events programmes that each group operates. On this page, we pick the best bits of news from across the network.

Do visit each group's own website for more news and information about about that group's activities. If you have any questions about any aspect of the Policy Connect network, don't hesitate to get in contact with us.

Staying ahead: are international students going down under?

Higher Education Commission sets out 12-point plan welcoming Ministers’ recent commitments to international students and reviewing visa restrictions

13th September 2018
Time for talking is over – urgent action is needed to prevent UK missing £30Bn a year target income as competitor countries outperform.
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APPG Assistive Technology - Virtual learning environments report

Report launches as new regulations will make blended learning accessible for all students

11th September 2018
A cross-party inquiry, published by Policy Connect and the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology shows that new public sector web accessibility regulations can transform blended learning to benefit all students – but government and the sector must work together to implement the regulations effectively.
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Spotlight on... women accessing careers in engineering

The Skills Commission is calling for the government to provide joint funding to a central organisation and develop clear oversight of ‘women in engineering’ initiatives.

28th August 2018
It argues that a central government hub is needed between BEIS, Department for Education and the Government Equalities Office to share learning, provide guidance for education practitioners, and importantly to ensure that government-funded initiatives are being properly evaluated to achieve maximum impact.
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Geoff Whitty CBE courtesy of the IOE

Higher Education Commission pays respect to founding member Geoff Whitty CBE

31st July 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce Geoff Whitty, a founding member of the Higher Education Commission, has passed away. Geoff was instrumental in establishing the Higher Education Commission and over the years provided Policy Connect staff with guidance and support.
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Tristram Hunt V&A Research Institute panel with APDIG

Policy Connect and the V&A hosts researchers to discuss how design influences practice-based research

25th July 2018
Policy Connect and the V&A's Research Institute (VARI) recently welcomed researchers to both Parliament and the V&A to explore the use of design and innovation when researchers are practically exploring their research bases.
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Future Gas Series part 2: producing low carbon gas

Cross-Party group of MPs: Build a Market for Hydrogen to Meet 2050 Climate Change Targets

11th July 2018
The cross party inquiry was co-chaired by James Heappey, Conservative MP for Wells; Alan Whitehead, Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change and MP for Southampton Test; and the Rt. Hon Alistair Carmichael, Liberal Democrat MP for Orkney and Shetland
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Bricks and Water report cover graphic

Homes at risk to floods and water shortages if housing and water planning rules are not urgently reformed

18th June 2018
A cross-party inquiry, published by Policy Connect and the Westminster Sustainable Business Forum on 19th June, warns that government needs to urgently implement a brand new ‘Bricks and Water’ Sustainability Code for all homes being built. As the government advances on its target to build 1.5 million new homes by 2022, properties are at risk flooding and water shortages.
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Zero Plastic Waste series banner

Policy Connect and UK Research & Innovation join forces to launch Zero Plastic Waste policy initiative

15th June 2018
This project will feature a series of parliamentary meetings examining how to achieve the vision of Zero Plastic Waste and how the UK can become the global leader on this issue.
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Work and Pensions Select Committee publishes Assistive Technology report

14th May 2018
The Work and Pensions Select Committee recently published its assistive technology report - with the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology cited seven times throughout the report, and several of its recommendations reflected in those of the committee
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Carbon monoxide alarms: tenants safe and secure in their homes

Select Committee backs APPCOG’s call for better tenant protection from carbon monoxide

25th April 2018
The House of Commons Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee have given their support for stricter regulation on landlord responsibilities for carbon monoxide alarm provision in the private rented sector.
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