Governance Professionals in HE programme

Governance Professionals in HE is a topical, flexible and practical professional development programme for higher education (HE) staff who lead and support corporate and academic governance.

Governance professionals and senior professional staff in HE play a central role in the academic and corporate governance of institutions and this programme will develop and enhance the knowledge, skills and capabilities of governance teams and individuals.

The programme enables attendees to keep at the forefront of governance practice, with the opportunity to engage with facilitated peer groups and sector experts, building their own skills and knowledge through shared problem solving and discussion.  

Participants will:
•    Be provided with an up-to-date view of the HE governance policy landscape and the issues both currently facing governing bodies and those emerging on the horizon
•    gain insights into practical approaches for building and maintaining key relationships, along with responses to the issues that can arise within these, with the aim of moving towards positive working and good governance
•    learn theories, models and concepts of group dynamics and behaviour and then apply these in the context of boardrooms and governing bodies
•    build a valuable support network of colleagues in similar roles with whom they can continue to share experiences and learning beyond the programme.

The Governance Professionals in HE programme takes place over 3 core virtual sessions and two Action Learning Sets (one virtual, one face-to-face), with the additional option to attend the in-person Clerks and Secretaries Networking Event.

• gain practical approaches to analysing issues arising from key relationships and devise responses which provide positive results towards good governance
• draw on theories, models and concepts of group dynamics and behaviour and apply them in the context of boardroom  effectiveness
• gain an up to date view of the HE governance policy landscape
• build a valuable support network of colleagues in similar roles with whom they can continue to share experiences and learning beyond the programme.

The programme is for university secretaries, clerks to the governing body, governance managers and staff in professional support teams who play a central role in the academic and corporate governance of institutions.

These roles are key to facilitating relationships between the executive and the board. With a holistic view they can provide value by observing group dynamics, facilitating dialogue between parties, gathering and sharing information and aiding the decision-making process.

The Governance Professionals in Higher Education programme helps participants develop practical skills to better navigate critical relationships with key stakeholders and become more effective in their role.

Aaron Porter
Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE

Aaron Porter is the Associate Director (Governance) for Advance HE leading on engagement with governing bodies and governance across the UK, including leading reviews of board effectiveness.

Kim Ansell
Senior Adviser and Managing Consultant, Advance HE

Kim combines strategic insight with a sound understanding of operational excellence. She has worked across higher and professional education providing support to both senior leadership teams and Boards, to facilitate strategic planning and performance improvement.