In this episode of Shift Beyond Conversations, host Rich Jones is joined by Nic Whyley, Senior Philanthropy Manager at the University of Salford, to explore what it means to build solutions without building empires inside one of the UK’s most community-rooted universities.

As higher education faces what Nic calls “an existential moment,” she reflects on how universities can rediscover their civic purpose - shifting from global prestige to local partnership, from growth for its own sake to growth that actually closes gaps.

Together, Rich and Nic unpack:

• how The University of Salford’s history as a Royal Technical Institute still shapes its civic mission today;

• why philanthropy must evolve from a transactional model to one of co-design, humility, and shared power;

• and what it takes for universities to be neighbours, not empires - anchor institutions that listen before they lead.

From peer-led tutoring projects transforming young lives, to curriculum redesigns that level the playing field for students from widening participation backgrounds, Nic paints a vision of education that’s truly inclusive - not as charity, but as justice.

This conversation challenges our definitions of success, reminding us that bigger isn’t always better.

Real impact, as Nic and Rich suggest, comes from being rooted in place, in purpose, and in partnership.

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🔗 About the Series

Shift Beyond Conversations explores how we can build solutions to poverty, inequality, and injustice - without building empires.

🎙 Hosted by Rich Jones, CEO of St Andrew’s Community Network and Angels Connect.

🎧 Produced in partnership with Shift Beyond and Angels Connect - reimagining systems for dignity, justice, and change.