University ‘deeply rooted in community’ encourages people from all walks of life

Julie Halford, Degree Apprenticeship: Senior Project Leader and Business Development at the University of Roehampton, talks to Sarah Dale about social mobility and how she inspires others into higher education.

Julie Halford’s passion for education and encouraging more people, who may have never considered university previously, to enrol, shines through.

“I am an ex-teacher and have been in education for 25 years. At Roehampton, we want wider participation and social mobility; we want to encourage more students into university who would not normally go.

“I want to inspire people of all ages and from all backgrounds that they can change their career path. I’ve done it. I’m a firm believer in ‘you have to see it to be it’. You need people in your life who can praise you and encourage you and provide an opportunity.”

Under her remit of business development and leading the BD team, Julie and her business development team work with employers, FE colleges and schools to cocreate industry-informed courses, promote apprenticeships and support progression from FE to HE. The university offers short courses, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aligned with LSIPs (Local Skills Improvement Plans) and the London Growth Plan, ensuring its provision directly addresses regional, national and borough-level skills gaps and supports inclusive economic growth. The university is expanding its apprenticeship and short course offer, taking programmes online, hybrid and hi-flex, with Project-Based Learning (PBL) and interdisciplnary learning being its USP.

“We are also working closely with Wandsworth-based employers and schools to support seamless progression from FE to HE and ensure our learners are equipped with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce and contribute to the borough’s long-term growth,” explains Julie.

“Our plans include more co-delivery with employers, embedding real-world projects into our curriculum, and creating accessible pathways for residents to gain qualifications, improve their employability, and achieve upward mobility. We’re committed to making education a driver of opportunity and inclusion in Wandsworth.”

One of the key challenges is ensuring the curriculum evolves in line with industry demands and supports progression from FE to HE, particularly for underrepresented groups. Staying agile and resilient is key to growth and longevity.

“Personally, I stay resilient by staying connected to our mission and maintaining strong networks across education and industry,” she says.

“As an organisation, we remain resilient by being adaptable, listening to our partners, and continuously innovating to meet the changing needs of learners and employers.

“We also stay resilient by being deeply rooted in our community. The University of Roehampton is here for local people, whether they are looking to start a new career, retrain or progress into higher education. That community connection is a source of strength and purpose.”

The university joined Wandsworth Chamber of Commerce to strengthen engagement with local employers and contribute to the borough’s economic and social development.

“Wandsworth is a vibrant and diverse community, and the Chamber provides a vital platform for collaboration, helping us ensure our educational offer is responsive to the needs of local businesses and aligned with broader regional strategies like the London Growth Plan,” says Julie.

“Being a Patron has opened doors to meaningful partnerships with Wandsworthbased employers, schools and community organisations. Through Chamber events and networking, we have co-designed employer-led courses and apprenticeships that reflect current industry needs. These collaborations help us stay agile and ensure our learners are equipped with the skills businesses are actively seeking.

“We work directly with employers to identify skills gaps and respond with tailored training solutions, including upskilling and reskilling programmes. This ensures the local workforce is qualified, competitive and ready to access new job opportunities. Our focus is not just on employment, but on social mobility, helping individuals progress in their careers and improve their life chances through education.

“The Chamber is a fantastic resource for building relationships, sharing ideas, and influencing local skills strategies. Whether you are a small business or a large institution, there’s real value in contributing to the collective voice of Wandsworth’s business community and aligning with regional initiatives like LSIPs and the London Growth Plan. The more you engage, the more opportunities you will uncover, especially when it comes to shaping the future workforce and supporting community development.”