For most people I talk with in higher education, this is the hardest period of their careers. Staff are working tirelessly on all fronts to protect the interests of their students. We have adapted quickly, and without adequate government support.

Students are amazing. They continue to amaze me in these exceptionally challenging times. Their resilience is profoundly at odds with they way that they are portrayed.

But I worry for the future of HE in the UK, particularly in England. The value of education cannot be measured in salary alone. Online shouldn’t be assumed to be bad, and certainly not cheaper. Our students are not simply consumers of education.

We don’t get everything right each and every time, but we have achieved amazing things. And we will keep on doing our very best. This country’s future is reliant on the skills and professions that our world class higher education continues to provide. I hope you’ll stand with us.