Michelle Smyth

Head of Government & External Affairs @OpenUniversity. Mum to the ever taller Ms. Yorkshire born n'bred. Views my own.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Proud for it actually to BE my day job to work for @OpenUniversity and it’s life changing learning.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

#uvac2024
@RichParkerLab talked about importance of retaining graduates in West Mids. Here’s where @OpenUniversity helps with our thousands of students across the West Mids staying local. OU’s flexible way to help people earn while they learn.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@emily4MK @OpenUniversity @chriscurtis94 @_CallumAnderson Great to have you with us.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

“We are the home of the Open University, the vision of Harold Wilson and delivered by the fantastic Jennie Lee. It was the first university to do distance learning, with learning and opportunity for all at its heart—a true Labour institution.”
@emily4MK maiden speech. Thank you!

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@OpenPresident @OUstudents @OpenUniversity @TimJBlackman It’s been great working with you @OpenPresident to put our inspiring OU students at the heart of our conversations with the UK govt. All the best for the future.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Strong message from @britishchambers President & @OpenUniversity Chancellor the fantastic @Marthalanefox to challenge politicians to deliver a long term vision for future of the economy #BCCConf

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Great to be here with @OpenUniversity team today discussing importance of access to flexible lifelong learning as part of skills priority so critical for future of the economy. #BCCConf

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Thank you @LucyABeaumont for an evening of great northern humour tonight. Takes me back to my student days “it’s never dull in Hull”. ❤️

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Another fascinating evening with ⁦@OpenUniversity⁩ and ⁦@OU_STEM⁩ colleagues learning about the power of OU research to open eyes and open minds not least via the inspiring partnership with BBC.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@AoC_info "a post-18 system which takes a whole system approach and fosters a new lifelong learning culture with more coherent pathways and opportunities throughout people’s lives, for all adults and across all parts of our communities." - here, here to that!

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@JonathanWoodhe2 @RuthArnold My Grandad was one such PT student in the late 1920s/early 1930s. His engineering degree @sheffielduni gave him opportunity and hope, and lifted my family out of v difficult times. Grandad went back to teach on the course in the evenings after work to then help others.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@halfon4harlowMP A real champion of lifelong learning & opportunity for all. You made sure the voices of OU & part-time students were at the centre not just a footnote. Thank you very much and wishing you all the best.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Hoping this helps MK charities supporting young people & mental health. Great to work with @MKComFoundation
Do take a look. https://t.co/DaGyOelH02

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Absolutely fabulous @JessieWare at Ally Pally tonight. 🪩 🪩 🪩

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

For my friend Jo♥️
Please join me in supporting The Jo Cox Foundation's work to build stronger communities, respectful politics and a fairer world in Jo's honour. As Jo said, we have #MoreInCommon https://t.co/MENhEexnCD

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@JoeMoore42 @timesredbox Hope Labour will think about impact on part-time & mature students.

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@tobyperkinsmp @OpenUniversity Many thanks for joining us in MK. Just a snapshot of all we do and all the people the OU supports around the country. #lifelonglearning #parttimeHEmatters

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Great to share @OpenUniversity experiences of Higher Technical Qualifications delivery today @educationgovuk HTQ employer engagement event. Another important way in which we're opening up education to all. #skillsrevolution @halfon4harlowMP

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

@Jess_Lister Big gap remains though on PT maintenance as still doesn’t include all those that study via distance learning. That’s a lot of PT students!

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

Wow! Thrilled for @YiSMentalHealth winning MK Mayor’s Charity of the Year award. This goes to the fabulous team and volunteers that make such a positive difference for young people in our city. Thank you @SallyBearMarlow

[Michelle Smyth @michellesmyth29]

For anyone that’s able to support this small local charity making a BIG difference. Thank you 🙏
Maintain vital services to support young people - a Charities crowdfunding project in Milton Keynes by YiS Young Peoples Mental Health (Milton Keynes) https://t.co/Su5yFStAIA