The COVID-19 pandemic may result in sustained changes in the ways that users and carers contribute to educational activities in the Faculty , but change is also being driven by other influences , including University initiatives that started before the pandemic and the wider societal shift towards greater inclusivity . The
Keele Deal | Health initiative launched in 2019 , for example , is about Keele health and social care partner organisations , patients , service users and carers working together to address a series of local and regional health challenges . More widely , greater and more meaningful public involvement and engagement in higher education accompanies other approaches to increase inclusivity and reduce inequality , such as increasing diversity , widening participation and decolonising higher education in the UK .
The pandemic has led to widespread and rapid adoption of video-based technology , such as Microsoft Teams , which is now routinely used at Keele University and throughout the NHS . As such , continued or greater use of Microsoft Teams ( or other platforms ) is likely where users and carers are happy and comfortable to do so . This will reduce the need for travel and may make user and carer involvement and engagement more accessible and inclusive for many users and carers , as well as for students . This is likely to continue to apply to teaching sessions , student admissions and strategic involvement in programme , module and placement design . Possible options may include a hybrid approach to meetings , combining both physically present attendance and online access to meetings .
However , we will need to be mindful of being over-reliant on technology as this may inadvertently reduce inclusivity , especially with individuals and communities who are digitally excluded ( a phenomenon highlighted during the pandemic ). Therefore , we recommend that work is collectively undertaken to understand the ( positive and negative ) implications of continued or greater use of video conferencing with respect to inclusivity and accessibility .
6