Spotlight on Simac IDS
Since 2006, Simac IDS has delivered ultra-reliable engagement monitoring in the Netherlands—and, from 2015, across the UK. What began as compliance-driven reporting has evolved into today’s proactive, student-centred engagement strategies.
- “Standard customisation” keeps core processes consistent while allowing each university the flexibility it needs.
- Continuous innovation helps institutions turn rich data into meaningful action that boosts wellbeing, retention and the overall student experience.
Featured Session with Tom Lowe
Simac IDS is proud to host a conference session led by Tom Lowe, an internationally recognised expert in student engagement—and a regular contributor to the Simac IDS blog.
- Title: Engagement management in a competitive market – lessons learned UK
- Date: Tuesday, 3 June
- Session round: 4
- Time: 10:45 – 11:30
Why Tom’s perspective matters
- Pioneering researcher in student voice, retention, employability and student–staff partnership.
- Assistant Head of School (Finance & Accounting) at the University of Westminster, driving strategy on belonging, experience and graduate outcomes.
- Former Chair of RAISE—the sector-wide network advancing student engagement practice.
- Senior roles at the Universities of Portsmouth and Winchester, shaping engagement and employability agendas.
- Author of two Routledge volumes: A Handbook for Student Engagement in Higher Education: Theory into Practice (2020) and Advancing Student Engagement in Higher Education: Reflection, Critique and Challenge (2023).
- Consultant and adviser to 40 + universities worldwide.
Tom pairs rigorous scholarship with real-world leadership, ensuring his sessions leave you inspired and equipped with practical takeaways.
With rising living costs, sustained tuition fees and blended learning now the norm, early detection of disengagement has never been more important. Institutions leveraging deep engagement data are seeing stronger student wellbeing, higher retention and richer learning journeys. Come to HOLink 2025 to discover how you can do the same—while collaborating with peers who share your passion for student success.
