Kate Newby

I am a Principal Lecturer in Learning and Teaching (International Nursing), with a particular focus on student success, inclusive learning and supporting students to thrive throughout their higher education journey.

My work includes a strong focus on the experiences and success of home and international nursing students. I am particularly interested in student retention and progression, access and participation, widening participation, belonging and the development of inclusive approaches to learning, teaching and student support.

A key focus of mine is understanding the factors that influence student success and using evidence, data and student voice to inform meaningful improvements in educational practice. I have led and contributed to cross-institutional work around personal academic tutoring, student engagement, predictive analytics, transition and re-induction, leave of absence and return to study, and approaches to identifying and supporting students who may be at risk of disengagement or withdrawal.

My approach to education is underpinned by a commitment to equity, inclusion and belonging. I am particularly interested in how universities can recognise the diverse experiences, identities and circumstances students bring to higher education and create environments in which all students have equitable opportunities to participate, progress and succeed.

My commitment to equity and inclusion also extends to my work across the wider healthcare education sector. I am Vice Chair of the Council of Deans of Health Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Policy Group, contributing to sector-wide discussion, policy development and the sharing of good practice around equality, diversity and inclusion within healthcare higher education. Through this role, I work with colleagues from across UK universities to consider systemic inequalities and help inform more inclusive approaches to healthcare education, academic practice and the student experience.

I am a registered nurse and have worked in higher education since 2010, teaching across undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing professional development provision. My previous clinical experience includes working as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner and Community Matron, and I bring this clinical background to my work in nursing education.

Alongside my learning and teaching role, I am undertaking doctoral research exploring accessibility and inclusion in the assessment of clinical skills, with a particular focus on reasonable adjustments for disabled healthcare students.

I am a Senior Fellow of Advance HE and a UKAT Recognised Senior Advisor. My areas of professional and scholarly interest include student voice and partnership, inclusive curriculum and assessment, transition and belonging, academic advising, widening participation and evidence-informed approaches to improving student outcomes.