Episode 18: The University for Service - Outstanding HE for the Public Sector

Episode 18,   Mar 26, 09:10 PM


Our innovative creator in the latest edition of the My Imaginary University podcast is sector stalwart and HE consultant at large, Aaron Porter. Aaron's bold university idea is to create an institution dedicated to serving the public sector and educating prospective public service professionals  from nurses to teachers to fast stream civil servants. With campuses based in former department stores in both Blackpool and Belfast the university has struck a novel student funding deal with government in return for its strong public service ethos. Student selection is via a potential-judging personality test and the student experience is very much focused on representation rather than nightclubs. The university also runs an academy for aspiring MPs and councillors and guest lectures from Nadine Dorries have proved to be surprisingly popular. 

As Chief Executive, Aaron is happy to delegate extensively but is always keen to turn up to graduation. Governance across the Irish Sea is surprisingly straightforward, bans have been banned by government order and the university's anthem is very much not one for the kids.