By John Gill, editor, THE,

If you subscribe to the idea that there’s no such thing as bad publicity, then the past few years have been golden for those who want higher education to have a higher profile.

From the prolonged agonies of the vice-chancellors’ pay story, to the focus of mainstream media on alleged freedom of speech abuses on campus, the very real crisis in student mental health, and the perennial claim by the “more means less” brigade that university is now a waste of time and money, the brickbats have come thick and fast.

Meanwhile, on social media there has been plenty of negativity too – around the pension dispute, for example, along with general angst about managerialism, workloads and Brexit.

It may be that this is just the age we live in – a time of great anxiety about where we are as a country, and where we are going.

But it is also undoubtedly the case that, in recent years, higher education has moved up the news agenda – a consequence of the tuition-fee era, growth in participation beyond the 50 per cent target, and the broader “culture wars” that have accompanied Brexit.

This has posed some serious challenges to universities, their leadership and – I am sure – those responsible for managing their communications and reputations.

But it also presents opportunities, foremost of which is the chance for universities to help us reimagine their place in a society that is desperate for leadership.

Despite the headlines, I strongly believe that the UK retains a deep understanding and respect for the value of its superb universities. They are one of the country’s undeniable strengths, a foundation on which a new “global Britain” could be built, and institutions that more of us than ever before have personally benefited from.

There is a moment to seize and it is with this in mind that THE has drawn up what I hope you will agree is a powerful programme for this year’s THE Live event, under our theme of “changing the story”.

Taking place in London on 27-28 November, THE Live will accompany the annual THE Awards both to celebrate the achievements of our universities and to bring together colleagues from across the UK to help develop strategies, build partnerships and spend time together thinking through how best to take the initiative.

We would love you to be part of that conversation and to join us at THE Live along with our 40+ speakers including Kevin Fong, Sarah Churchwell, Jess Wade, Baroness Alison Wolf, Lord David Willetts, Nicola Dandridge and many more.

Alongside the main programme, we will have fringe sessions specially curated for communications professionals, including the opportunity to meet and question THE’s news team about what journalists really want, a deep dive into the THE Teaching Rankings, and a brand masterclass with the 2019 president of the CIPR, Emma Leech.

To view our full programme and to find out more, follow this link.

Don’t miss out on our special discounted rate for CIPR members – simply use the code LIVE-CIPR at checkout to secure your two-day THE Live ticket for £99.00.

Photo by JodyHongFilms on Unsplash