Measuring What Matters – Harnessing Data to Transform Student Engagement

Simac IDS Ltd is pleased to host a free, in-person conference focused on data-driven student engagement and the evolving strategies shaping student success across higher education.

This free event is open to higher education professionals and academics working in areas such as student engagement, analytics, learning and teaching, planning, timetabling and student support. Designed for both those new to the field and experienced practitioners, the conference provides a valuable opportunity to share insights, explore emerging practice and engage in meaningful discussion with peers from across the sector.

With student engagement continuing to be a key institutional priority, the conference brings together academic and professional perspectives to examine how data, evidence, and operational practice can be used to support retention, wellbeing and success. Attendees will hear from sector experts and UK universities, sharing real-world experience and practical approaches that can be applied within their own institutions.

The conference will take place in person only to encourage open discussion, networking, and collaboration. Sessions will not be recorded or live-streamed, creating a space for candid conversation and shared learning throughout the day.

The conference starts at 10am, with registration opening and welcome refreshments available from 9.30am.

Info: Tom Lowe has researched and innovated in student engagement across higher education for over twelve years, focusing on student voice, retention, employability, and student–staff partnership. He works at the University of Westminster as Assistant Head of School (Student Experience) in Finance and Accounting, where he leads on student experience, outcomes, and belonging. Tom is also Chair of RAISE, a network bringing together stakeholders across higher education to research, innovate, and share best practice in student engagement.

Tom authored three books with Routledge: A Handbook for Student Engagement in Higher Education: Theory into Practice (2020), Advancing Student Engagement in Higher Education: Reflection, Critique and Challenge (2023), and Student Belonging in Higher Education: Perspectives and Practice (2025). He has also supported over 40 institutions in consultancy and advisory roles, with recent research focusing on student attendance post Covid-19.

Info: The Swinging Pendulum and the Audacious Response: Using Data and Voice to Enable Equitable Student Success

Ayoola is the Lead Student Achievement Officer at the University of Lancashire, where he leads institution‑wide work on student transition, success, and belonging, with a particular focus on equity and inclusion. Prior to joining Lancashire, he led the design and delivery of widening participation initiatives at the University of Manchester, including its flagship Black Leadership Programme.

Ayoola also served as Education Officer at the University of Portsmouth Students' Union from 2021-2022, where he contributed to national research on student engagement through peer-supported learning. His practice is grounded in service design and student partnership, with a focus on driving cultural change and creating inclusive environments that enable students to realise their potential and thrive.

Info: Andy completed his PhD in Archaeology at the University of Liverpool and joined Durham University in 2014. After several years in academic roles across four UK institutions, he moved into Professional Services at Durham, focusing on using data to improve the student experience. He has led cross-university projects on module evaluation and attendance monitoring and is now Deputy Head of Student Information Service Development. Outside work, he enjoys playing D&D.

Measuring student engagement is a growing priority across higher education, offering insight into student experience, perceived value, and institutional support. Early indicators of low engagement can act as important warning signs, highlighting pressure points before issues escalate or appear in national surveys. Using a recent systems change at the University as a case study, this session explores where early warning flags can be identified and how data and system integrations can support more proactive engagement monitoring

Info: Keynote: Student engagement, priorities and the ideal student: cultural and psychological influences on student engagement

Sunday Blake is Policy Manager for Education and Parliamentary Engagement at GuildHE, where she leads work on higher education policy, regulatory reform, and engagement with Parliament and sector stakeholders. Her work spans student engagement, access and participation, admissions, skills and lifelong learning, and learning and teaching innovation.

Previously an Associate Editor at Wonkhe, Sunday wrote extensively on higher education policy and student experience, with a focus on freedom of speech, data analytics, and sexual misconduct. She has published research on belonging and inclusion in higher education and regularly works with universities, policymakers, and regulators to explore how student priorities and engagement are evolving.

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