Join us for this Centre for International Education (CIE) seminar on:

Development and Education: Challenges of Holding the UK Accountable in a Shifting Policy Landscape

with Hannah Frisch (Parliamentary and Policy Advocacy Officer (Education), Results UK)

Location: Jubilee 118/ Zoom Webinar 

This presentation will explore the UK's policy landscape for global education through the lens of UK civil society advocacy. The presentation will analyse the UK's investment in, approach to and work on global education as it comes to a potential crossroads under a new Labour Government. It will explore the fiscal and political context the new Government finds itself in, as well as the recent history of changes to Official Development Assistance (ODA), shifting Ministerial priorities, and hazy strategic focus that has impacted policy and programmes for education. It will highlight UK CSO efforts to hold the government accountable for its commitments to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (quality education) and equitable access to education for marginalised groups. Additionally, it will explore how advocacy groups have navigated policy challenges, such as cuts to ODA, the redirection of development funding to in-donor refugee costs, and changes to the UK's departmental structure with the merger of DFID and the FCO, as well as broader challenges such as the promotion of neoliberal approaches to education, narrow conceptions of gender and inclusion, and imbalanced power dynamics with partner governments. By discussing successes, setbacks, and future opportunities, this presentation aims to provide a deeper understanding of the domestic political landscape that has shaped the UK's support global education and insights into what advocates are asking the new UK Government to do better.

Please contact the Centre for International Education (cie@sussex.ac.uk) if you have any queries.