Latest news and trends

Stay informed with the latest developments in the skills landscape by exploring our comprehensive collection of reports, whitepapers, events, and expert insights.

At The Open University, we are committed to delivering cutting-edge content that addresses the evolving needs of today’s workforce. By working with over 2,800 organisations across a diverse range of sectors, we help businesses navigate the complex challenges of skills development, talent management, and workforce transformation.

Our longstanding experience in work-based learning, combined with our academic rigor, allows us to offer practical solutions and strategies for employers seeking to upskill their teams and plan for a successful future. Whether you're looking to engage with our latest releases or participate in a collaborative project, we provide the resources, expertise, and thought leadership to drive organisational growth and foster continuous learning.

MK College, Santander, The Open University and City Council combine for big skills push

Milton Keynes College Group, Santander, The Open University and Milton Keynes City Council are joining forces to provide a host of training courses to help people in the city learn new skills.

1st October 2025

Mother of three unlocks new career in law through Uber-OU partnership

Anieka Ali has a lot to be proud of. She was one of the first undergraduate students to complete a degree with The Open University (OU) through a hugely successful partnership with Uber. Thanks to Uber funding, Anieka – who is married to an Uber driver – graduated with a first-class honours law degree in September 2024.

23rd September 2025

Growth vs green and inclusion goals: The balancing act for UK business leaders

New Open University online roundtable event shows how investing in workforce skills can break the trade-off and unlock fair, sustainable growth.

5th September 2025

Nursing partnership leads to shortlisting for prestigious national award

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust recently announced that its Clinical Education team has been shortlisted for the Nursing Times Workforce Team of the Year 2025 award. This recognition celebrates its pioneering work in widening participation and developing a unique nursing education offer in partnership with The Open University.

4th September 2025

Meeting new expectations in policing

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is the staff association representing 150,000 police officers and special constables. In a fast-evolving policing landscape, where public expectation and political scrutiny are intensifying, the role of police officers—and those who support them — has never been more demanding.

28th July 2025

Triple offer to SMEs for brighter future in global markets

The Business Export Exchange Programme (BEEP) is a first-of-its-kind collaboration between The Open University (OU) and TIN Ventures. It’s especially aimed at SMEs and those struggling to enter international markets – grappling with the complications of a post-Brexit world where tariffs and restrictions could appear to stifle the global ambition of new businesses.

18th July 2025

Young-people skills organisation partners with The Open University

Birmingham-based Young Leaders Club (YLC) is working with The Open University (OU) to help young people from underrepresented backgrounds reach for their goals through an exciting education collaboration.

23rd June 2025

Self-funded and flexible - why the OU's approach works in Torbay and South Devon

Torbay and South Devon is in a very beautiful part of country, making it an appealing place for people to live. However, its location also creates some challenges – the rural setting means there are transport issues and those seeking further education travel quite far to reach even the nearest universities. This situation has led to skills gaps and retention problems for local employers.

18th June 2025

Addressing the learning disability nursing shortage

There is a long history of a shortage of learning disability nurses, a problem that is compounded by a declining number of classroom-based university course places.

19th May 2025

How intrapreneurs can make a difference in sustainability

Intrapreneurs are critical to the drive for greater sustainability. “It's always been those that are willing to step out of line that are able to have impact,” said Josh Valman, an innovation adviser and CEO of engineering consultants RPDK.

12th May 2025
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