Enhancing Governance for Institutional Success
We support boards, governors, and senior leaders to strengthen governance frameworks, ensuring they deliver accountability, transparency, and strategic impact. Our evidence-based guidance helps institutions meet regulatory requirements while driving sustainable success.
Why Governance Matters
Higher education governance is evolving rapidly in response to sector-wide challenges:
- Regulatory Compliance
Increasing scrutiny and accountability demand robust governance structures. - Financial Sustainability
Boards must balance risk and opportunity to secure long-term viability. - Strategic Oversight
Institutions need governance that aligns with mission, values and societal impact. - Inclusive Leadership
Diverse boards and equitable practices enhance decision-making and trust. - Complex Risk Landscape
Global uncertainty, political pressures and reputational risks require agile governance.
Strong governance ensures institutions can navigate complexity while maintaining confidence among stakeholders.
Explore our insights
Insights from the Health Sciences University merger
Co-produced by Advance HE and Health Sciences University (HSU), this report captures insights from key stakeholders across both legacy institutions that are now part of Health Sciences University; namely, the University College of Osteopathy, London (UCO) and AECC University College, Bournemouth (AECC).
Insights from the Anglia Ruskin University merger
Writtle University College merged with Anglia Ruskin University on 29 February 2024. There is now one higher education entity, Anglia Ruskin University. Co-produced by Anglia Ruskin University and Advance HE, this report captures insights from key stakeholders across both legacy institutions.
Governance effectiveness: Thematic analysis of governance benchmark survey qualitative data
Recent change and volatility in the HE sector have been well rehearsed and exacerbated by geopolitical factors. The survey data highlighted some less recent issues such as Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic and wider policy and funding issues and we can assume that these factors will continue to have an impact.
Our Approach to Enhancing Governance
We work in partnership with institutions to develop governance practices that are effective, inclusive, and future-focused. Our consultancy and resources are grounded in sector expertise and global best practice.
Key areas of expertise:
How we support Boards and governors
Our portfolio of support aims to drive forward and evolve higher education governance. Our governance experts, from a wide range of backgrounds, stand ready to help and look forward to working with you.
Governance Continuous Professional Development
Our Governance CPD programme supports higher education providers to build confident, effective governance in a complex and fast‑changing environment. It develops the capability of governors, governance professionals and senior leaders through practical, sector‑focused learning. By strengthening oversight of finance, strategy, partnerships and academic assurance, it helps governing bodies make better decisions, provide stronger challenge and build long‑term institutional resilience.
Governance consultancy and enhancement
Every higher education provider operates in a different context. Whether you follow the CUC Higher Education Code of Governance, the Corporate Governance Code, or another framework, we help assess and strengthen governance effectiveness. Through tailored reviews and support, our experienced consultants equip governors and governance professionals with the insight and resources needed to promote good governance across universities, private providers and further education colleges.
Governance Conference 2026: Governing and Leading Transformation
8 December 2026 | Place: London
This year’s conference will explore practical applications of governance with special emphasis on navigating the rapidly evolving landscape, financial sustainability, and changing student expectations. The day will also include workshops on emerging challenges in the sector, and dedicated networking sessions to facilitate deeper collaboration among institutions.
Meet our experts
David Bass
Director of Inclusion and Governance, Advance HE
David brings a wealth of experience working with universities and the tertiary sector, in equality and diversity, governance, access, as well as strategic planning and management. David has been central to ensuring EDI is strongly embedded in Advance HE’s new strategy and in the development of our CEO’s Race Action Group.
Dan Tinkler
Consultant, Governance and Strategic Transformation, Advance HE
Dan works on developing our approach to supporting Advance HE’s member needs across our governance portfolio of work, which has included leading sector-level work on academic assurance and student experience; approaches to board diversity and building belonging and improving governor recruitment.
Kim Ansell
Senior Consultant, Governance and Strategic Transformation, Advance HE
Kim’s work at Advance HE focusses predominantly on reviewing and helping shape organisations’ future direction, facilitating holistic working, improving stakeholder engagement and embedding new practices. Kim combines strategic insight with a sound understanding of operational excellence. Kim has recently led the Advance HE membership themed month on the topic of Transforming Organisations from student to board.
Aaron Porter
Associate Director (Governance)
Aaron leads on Advance HE governance activity through the delivery of our national Governance CPD Programme which engages with around 900 governors across the UK on an annual basis. He has extensive experience leading reviews of over 25 governing boards. Aaron was previously President of the National Union of Students (NUS) and also chair of trustees for the organisation
Find out more about our team of Governance associates
To help us form and deliver our support, our governance experts and associates are vital.
Our team has the breadth and diversity in experience and understanding in the development of effective governance that you would expect from an organisation that has spent close to two decades working in the HE sector.
