Beyond the Compliance Trap: Reimagining Assessment with Dr. Miri Firth | BOFD #50

The Akhi & Saltfish Digital Network.

Monday, 27 April 2026 - 28 minutes

How do we move from measuring student compliance to measuring true potential?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Miri Firth, Senior Lecturer and Academic Lead for Assessment at the University of Manchester, to discuss the structures of traditional Higher Education assessment. Recorded following the UUK – APP Conference 2025 that we both presented at, this conversation dives deep into why "flexible assessment" is no longer just a trend, but a necessary transition for a diverse and modern student body.Dr. Firth argues that when we give students agency over how they are assessed, we don't just improve accessibility for neurodivergent and disadvantaged learners; we foster the professional identity and decision-making skills required for the 21st-century workplace.Whether you are an academic looking for "small wins" in module design, a senior leader shaping institutional strategy, or a policy-maker focused on access and participation (APP), this episode offers a roadmap for making Higher Education more equitable through the power of assessment.Resources Mentioned:Framework for Flexible Assessment: https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/members/framework-for-flexible-assessment-(5).pdf?sfvrsn=cc3da981_2 Connect with Dr. Miri Firth:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirifirth/🎙️ Join the ConversationIf today’s talk on assessment and equity sparked a thought, don't keep it to yourself. Engage, comment, and share. Your voice is what makes this a community.Instagram: @beforeourfriendsdieX (Twitter): @akhiandsaltfishEmail Us: akhiandsaltfish@gmail.comBefore Our Friends Die is built on a simple premise: there are things we need our friends to know now. Whether it's urgent social conversations or learning from those leading the way, you are our friends, and these talks are for you.Full BOFD Archive: Watch the JourneyInclusive Stories: Watch the CollectionDon’t forget to SUBSCRIBE on YouTube or find us on your favorite platform: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Other PlatformsWe don't just talk education. Check out the rest of the family:🥊 SOFA SENSE’S: Deep dives into the world of combat sports.🎵 Cool. Fine. Done. Wicked.: For the music obsessed.Stay tuned. We’ve got more coming your way.📺 Explore the Archive🌐 The akhi&saltfish Digital Network