UKC-SUCI provides nationally recognised standards that reduce regulatory ambiguity, strengthen PSRB alignment, and support HEIs to embed SUCI sustainably and ethically.
To foster a national network that advocates for SUCI best practices and facilitates co-production in education.
Our strategic direction is focused on embedding SUCI within HEIs, ensuring that professional, statutory, and regulatory body (PSRB) standards are met and exceeded.
Professional Bodies such as the NMC, HCPC, GMC, and Social Work England all mandate involvement in Higher Education. UKC-SUCI offers clear operational guidance on what meaningful involvement looks like, how it should be governed, what minimum standards must apply, and how lived-experience contributors should be supported, resourced, and protected.
PSRBs that mandate SUCI
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UKC-SUCI would provide nationally recognised standards, reducing ambiguity and strengthening regulatory alignment across all health and social care programmes.
Current practice across HEIs shows wide inconsistency and systemic vulnerability. Without national standards, institutions face regulatory risk, tokenistic practice, and unequal treatment.
Fragmented SUCI activity with no central oversight across UK HEIs
Lack of training for academic staff on facilitating meaningful SUCI
Unequal treatment of lived-experience partners in terms of support and remuneration
Poor safeguarding and variable remuneration across institutions
Over-reliance on a small number of individuals creating institutional risk
Risks to quality reviews, inspections, and accreditation processes
The full Standards Framework is currently in development. Register your interest to receive it on launch and be notified of implementation support opportunities.