We’re excited to announce ‘The future of higher education today’ – a podcast bringing people together to talk about the biggest issues facing universities. Produced by Universities UK and Advance HE, this four-episode series focuses on governing and leading transformation and change in the higher education sector. A new vodcast will go live monthly.
You can access the episodes now below, listen wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode 1: What does a successful HE merger look like?
Our first episode looks at recent university mergers in the UK and Ireland. Four panellists will share their experience of mergers and reflections on key milestones, unforeseen challenges, stakeholder management, the regulatory process, lessons learnt and advice.
Guest include:
- Gayle Ditchburn, Partner, Pinsent Masons LLP
- Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein, CBE FREng DSc MAE FCGI, President of City St George’s
- Professor Lesley Haig, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of Health Sciences University
- Dr Tadhg Leane, Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager, Munster Technological University
Watch or listen below, or access wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode 2: How do universities lead strategic change?
This episode looks at the drivers for strategic reviews at UK FE and HE institutions as well as advice for leading successful change programmes. Our three panellists share their experiences and reflections on the drivers for change, refining an institution’s mission to meet current and future challenges, and the importance of leadership in ensuring positive outcomes for students, staff and the wider community.
Guest include:
- Debra Gray MBE, Principal and CEO, Hull College
- Trusha Lakhani, CEO, Great Business Matters Ltd.
- Professor Sir Steven West CBE, DL, Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO, University of the West of England
Watch or listen below, or access wherever you get your podcasts.
Episode 3: How can universities work with partners to create change?
This episode looks at the importance of partnerships in helping institutions define and reach their strategic goals and create meaningful impact on their campuses and communities. Today’s guests will be talking about how their institutions engage with different stakeholders to address local challenges and add value to students’ learning experiences.
Guests for this episode are:
- Sophie Cloutterbuck, Director of London Engagement at London Metropolitan University
- Gillian Docherty, Chief Commercial Officer at Strathclyde University
- Dr Nia Jones, Dean of Medicine at the North Wales Medical School at Bangor University
Episode 4: What are the benefits and challenges of a coordinated tertiary system?
This episode looks at the opportunities and challenges presented by a coordinated tertiary system. Our three panellists talk about how their institutions and organisations are meeting the needs of students and communities while adapting and innovating in light of different policy and funding approaches across the UK and Ireland.
Guests for this episode are:
- David Denieffe, Vice President for Student Experience at South East Technological University
- David Hagendyk, CEO of Colegau Cymru (Colleges Wales)
- Vicki Nairn, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of University of the Highlands and Islands
Meet the speakers
Host: Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance)
Aaron leads on Advance HE governance activity through the delivery of our national Governor Development 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.
Episode 1
Gayle Ditchburn
Gayle Ditchburn is a partner at Pinsent Masons LLP specialising in advising universities and higher education providers on regulatory issues, commercial contracts, joint ventures, mergers and disposals and constitutional and corporate governance matters. She is acknowledged as a ‘Leading Partner’ advising educational institutions by Legal 500.
Her specialist experience ranges from institutional mergers, academic collaborations and joint ventures (including their dissolution), collaborations with the private sector including the establishment of international pathway colleges, business transfers of further and higher education provision, complex constitutional reform projects, international education ventures, advising foreign providers establishing UK operations and new entrants to the market and on academic policies and procedures.
Professor Sir Anthony Finkelstein, CBE FREng DSc MAE FCGI
Sir Anthony Finkelstein is the President of City St George’s, a constituent member of the University of London. He leads an institution that is committed to business and the professions and that delivers education and research deeply informed by, and engaged with, practice.
He is also an entrepreneur and Professor of Software Systems Engineering and has served as a Chief Scientific Adviser in UK Government with particular expertise in national security and defence, science and innovation policy, and the government’s use of technology.
Professor Lesley Haig
Professor Lesley Haig is Vice Chancellor and CEO of the Health Sciences University, formerly AECC University College, based in Bournemouth. Following a name change to HSU in July 2024, on 1 August 2024 the HSU merged with the University College of Osteopathy, based in central London.
Lesley is a UK-registered physiotherapist who has worked for over 25 years as a senior academic leader, researcher and clinician in several UK universities. She has extensive experience in developing new academic and clinical provision in the UK, and building successful partnerships with universities, healthcare providers and research organisations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and North America.
With a background in musculoskeletal care and sports medicine, and research interests in motivational interviewing, she is a passionate advocate for person-centred and multi-professional education and care.
Dr Tadhg Leane
Dr Tadhg Leane is Senior Lecturer and Programme Manager at Munster Technological University. He has a deep commitment to higher education with over 20 years’ experience in the sector and more than 10 years as a senior executive with primary responsibility for strategic planning and strategic management at Cork Institute of Technology (CIT – now Munster Technological University).
During that period, as a key member of the President’s office, he worked closely with the President to advise and assist him with the broad range of tasks involved in the management and governance of the institute. Tadhg is also a member of the Board of Falmouth University.
Tadhg combines key strategic and analytical skills with effective communication, excellent project management and proven leadership ability.
Episode 2
Debra Gray MBE
Debra Gray is Principal and CEO at Hull College and brings over 25 years of education and commercial experience to her current role. Her dedication to education was recognised with an MBE from the Queen in 2020.
Debra is currently undertaking a doctorate focused on the skills needed to address the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the Humber region – actively researching crucial areas such as green skills, artificial intelligence and the risks associated with automation.
She has an extensive publishing record covering a wide range of educational topics, particularly in the realms of digital and industrial transformation.
Professor Sir Steven West CBE, DL
Professor Sir Steve West CBE, DL is Vice-Chancellor, President and CEO of the University of the West of England, Bristol. He is a Board Member of Universities UK and served as President from 2021-2023. He is also Chair of Health Innovation West of England and Non-Executive Director for the Integrated Care Board for Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).
Professor Sir West is also a Trustee for Bristol Zoo.
Professor Sir West became Deputy Lieutenant for Gloucestershire in 2012 and was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s Honours list 2017, for services to Higher Education.
Professor Sir West was awarded a knighthood in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2023 for his major contributions to education, health and business, underpinned by a profound commitment to transforming lives.
Trusha Lakhani
Trusha Lakhani is CEO of Great Business Matters Ltd and is a qualified accountant with over 30 years’ experience, spending the past couple of decades in senior finance and Board roles.
Trusha is proud to be elected on the Global Council of ACCA, the world’s largest accounting body.
Trusha is also a multi-company Non-Executive Director and charity trustee. She currently works as a consultant in her own business, supporting organisations on Board advisory and governance.
Bespoke support for both members and non-members
If you are not an Advance HE member institution and would like to discuss how we could support your your transformation; or if you are a member and you are looking for some tailored support for your institution, please get in touch: networks@advance-he.ac.uk
