International education beyond the echo chamber - working with industry and the region
At this IC Global Café we’ll explore how UK higher education institutions can expand beyond traditional approaches to international education. The session will focus on working in partnership with regional and industry stakeholders to enhance educational offerings, align with local workforce needs, and drive economic growth. Our expert panel will share insights on developing meaningful collaborations that benefit institutions, students, and communities.
Date: Tuesday 15 October 2024
Time: 11am (UK time)
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Our guest speakers
Jo Purves, Pro Vice Chancellor Academic Development, University of Salford
Jo joined the University of Salford in April 2017, initially looking after the international profile of the University through recruitment, transnational education and global opportunities for our students and developing collaborative UK partnerships with FE colleges and employers, particularly in the delivery of apprenticeships. In August 2020 Jo became Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Development and became Chair of the Academic Development and Number Planning Committee which approves the development and evolution of the University’s academic portfolio. She led the successful bid for the Greater Manchester Institute of Technology with Further Education and employer partners. The GMIoT has been formed to address the regional skills gap and provide additional educational and economic opportunities for under-represented communities in Salford and Greater Manchester, including re-skilling and up-skilling in new and sustainable technologies.
Prior to arriving at Salford, Jo was Vice-President Global Engagement at the University of Sheffield, having held international roles at Northumbria and Durham universities previously, but her professional career started in television, working in the newsroom of the Middle East Broadcasting Company (MBC). Jo is currently a member of the Greater Manchester Civic University Board, the Greater Manchester International Trade Delivery Group, the Purpose Coalition Group and the GMIoT Steering Group. Jo has been Chair of the Universities UK Middle East and North Africa Steering Group, Chair of Trustees of the education charity Northern Consortium, and is a reviewer for UUK/UKRI international researcher mobility grants.
María González, Principal, International Relations, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
María is Principal for International Relations at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (UK), the metropolitan authority of the city region of Manchester. She is responsible for international policy, city-region diplomacy as well as engagement with the FCDO network and the foreign diplomatic missions in the UK. María has over 20 years experience in working in European and international policy, and has delivered complex projects and bilateral partnerships with regional and local governments across the globe, particularly in South Asia, East Asia, Europe and North America.
The GMCA International team led the refresh of the Greater Manchester International Strategy launched in spring 2022 and is responsible for the coordination of its delivery.
Dr. Suzanna Tomassi, Higher Education Specialist, Department for Business & Trade (DBT)
Suzanna is a UK based Higher Education (HE) Specialist who has worked across countries, continents and all seniority levels, from junior university staff to rectors and ministers. With 20+ years experience in HE, she spent 18+ years in business development, working with academic partners in the UK and abroad at the top UK Transnational Education (TNE) providers. Her experience covers risk management, commercial, academic and quality assurance across all aspects of internationalisation, from collaborative provision to global experiences and online international learning.
In addition to PhD, MBA and two Masters Degrees, she is senior fellow of AdvanceHE and a qualified Coach, with both, academic and professional credentials. Suzanna has published on HE and has presented on internationalisation and partnerships in the UK and abroad at many high profile events, including large conferences, webinars and workshops.
Following her 2-year secondment, Suzanna now works in the UK Department for Business and Trade, where she supports the delivery of the International Education Strategy. She liaises with UK and overseas governments to promote the UK HE sector in legislation, trade talks and various other negotiations. Suzanna also supports developments of TNE/HE specific frameworks and guidelines overseas, and identifies TNE opportunities for UK HE providers abroad and international providers looking to collaborate with institutions in the UK.
As a student Suzanna had an opportunity to experience first-hand internationalisation and study abroad. This triggered her life-long passion about the HE sector.