GDP: Induction to Higher Education Governance for New Governors

Overview

This will provide new governors in higher education institutions with the necessary background, briefing and understanding to enable them to perform their duties and act as an effective member of the governing body.

The event will introduce attendees to the higher education policy environment and the consequences of recent and ongoing policy developments and debate for the role and responsibilities of a governor, and how institutions face current and future challenges.

Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of governance approaches and policies across higher education institutions. They will have the opportunity to learn from the valuable experience and expertise of current governors in various areas, including the student experience and the intricate relationships between university management and governance. This knowledge will enable you to effectively hit the ground running and make a meaningful impact as governors.

This is a standalone 1 day event, which takes place twice during the academic year.

Who is this event for?

This event is designed to support and prepare those new to higher education governance for their roles and duties, and to inform individuals who might be considering embarking on a governance role within their institution.

GDP: Induction to HE Governance for New Governors 1

9 October 2024
Location: Virtual

T+Cs

GDP: Induction to HE Governance for New Governors 2

9 April 2025
Location: Virtual

T+Cs

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Learning Outcomes

Enable you to understand your role and responsibilities as an HE governor and gain knowledge of the structure and responsibilities of a governing body.
Enhance your understanding of the HE policy environment.
Improve your skills as a governor and how to effect change.

Agenda

10:00am Introduction and Welcome - Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE

10:20am What New Governors Need to Know About the Higher Education Policy Environment - Rachel Hewitt, Chief Executive, MillionPlus

11:00am Understanding the Role and Responsibilities of a Higher Education Governor - Clare Hornsby, Head of Corporate Governance, University of Essex

11:45am Break

12:00pm Students' Experience - Tom Lowe, Assistant Head of School (Finance and Accounting), University of Westminster

12:20pm Governance in Higher Education - Aaron Porter, Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE

12:35pm Panel of Governors - Kim Ansell, Senior Consultant, Leadership and Governance, Advance HE & Alison Allden, Associate, Advance HE

1:00pm Wrap Up and Close

Speakers

Speakers and presenter for the event are being approached and will include experts from Advance HE and experienced policy and governance professionals from higher education.

Aaron Porter

Associate Director (Governance)
,
Advance HE

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.

Rachel Hewitt

Chief Executive of MillionPlus, Association for Modern Universities

Rachel Hewitt is Chief Executive of MillionPlus, the Association for Modern Universities, a role she has held since 2021. Rachel leads the organisation in championing, promoting and raising awareness of the essential role of modern universities with policymakers, the media and wider stakeholders.

Clare Hornsby

Head of Corporate Governance
,
University of Essex

Clare has extensive experience working with and supporting University’s governing body, Council, as well as the University’s Audit and Risk, Nominations and Policy and Resources committees.

Tom Lowe

Assistant Head of School (Finance and Accounting)
,
University of Westminster

Tom Lowe has researched and innovated in student engagement across diverse settings for over ten years, in areas such as student voice, retention, employability and student-staff partnership. Tom works at the University of Westminster as Assistant Head of School (Student Experience) in Finance and Accounting where he leads on student experience, outcomes and belonging.

Kim Ansell

Senior Consultant Governance and Leadership
,
Advance HE

Kim has worked across higher and professional education providing support to groups at all levels including senior leadership teams and Boards, to facilitate change, strategic thinking, planning and performance improvement.

Alison Allden

Associate
,
Advance HE

Since retiring as Chief Executive Officer of the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), Alison has developed a non-executive portfolio and consultancy career. She is currently Deputy Chair of Regents University London Ltd and on the Board of Study Group UK. She is also a member of the Bar Standards Board responsible for the regulation of barristers.

Delivery

This event will be delivered virtually through Zoom, with joining instructions sent out by the governance team two weeks before the day of the event.

Along with the joining instructions and links delegates will receive a copy of the programme, with finalised timings, topics, and speakers.

The event will be delivered as as a series of presentations, discussions and panels, with time after each for questions and comments.

For any enquiries regarding the event please contact the Programmes and Events Team at:

governance@advance-he.ac.uk

Three key lessons for new governors

Rachel Hewitt, HEPI’s Director of Policy and Advocacy, advises new governors on how to navigate the policy environment

Read the blog

"I'm new to the sector so it was a great introduction to the differences and similarities in governance"

Beverly Shears, Independent governor, De Montfort University