“Institutions need strong leadership and governance not only to weather the storm but to put in place the kind of transformational plans that will ensure they survive and thrive. Despite being buffeted by external factors beyond their immediate control, institutions need to recognise and embrace their own agency.”
Sir David Behan, interim Chair of the Office for Students (OfS), at Advance HE’s annual Governance Conference in December 2024
Workshop series
We’ll run a series of free invite-only workshops with CUC from March to June for governing body members, executive teams and governance professionals from our member institutions. The workshops will facilitate the opportunity for you to take part in ‘The Big Conversation’ – a proactive debate and consultation on issues such as efficiency, data, decision-making and more.
You can explore the dates and topics below, we will also share the provocations, reflective blogs and the recordings for each workshop as they become available.
Workshop 1: 27 March 2025 8.30am – 9:30am
In partnership with AHUA, we discuss: Are governing bodies receiving the right information to focus on long-term strategy as well as immediate financial concerns, and to measure what matters?
Explore the content outputs related to this workshop below and a recording from the workshop:
“The Governor View”: Workshop 1
Workshop 2: 29 April 2025 8.30am – 9:30am
In partnership with Independent HE, we discuss: The purpose of governance in creating sustainable institutions in the public interest.
Explore the content outputs related to this workshop below:
“The Governor View”: Workshop 2
Workshop 3: 21 May 2025 8.30am – 9:30am
Enabling effective decision making through structure, culture and skills.
Explore the content outputs related to this workshop below:
“The Governor View”: Workshop 3
Workshop 4: 24 June 2025 8.30am – 9:30am
The governance of mergers and acquisitions
“The Governor View”: Workshop 4
The Big Conversation: Summative event: 10 September 2025 8.30am – 10:00am
To conclude our Big Conversation series, please join us for the Summative Event on 10 September 2025, from 8:30am to 10:00am, which will provide a summary of the fundamental themes and insights gathered across the four online workshops.
Alongside this event, we are pleased to share that the Big Conversation: Shaping the Future of HE Governance Report will be launched in early September. This report highlights ten critical priorities for strengthening governance in higher education, based on the discussions and insights from our sector-wide engagement.
This series has been developed in partnership with the Committee of University Chairs (CUC), Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA), Universities UK (UUK), GuildHE, and Independent HE (IHE), and we are pleased to share that this summative event will feature key representatives on our panel.
Panel
People
Name
Job Title
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Nicola de Iongh
Chair of the CUC (Committee of University Chairs), Chair of Council
University of Gloucestershire
This is a new project as part of our Global Member Benefit Theme for 2024-25, Governing and Leading Transformation.
Find out more about this theme.
Other content relating to the series
Explore other content related to the Big Conversation below. As part of this we will also collate insights and experiences from HEIs which have recently gone through mergers and/or acquisitions so we can develop sector guidance to benefit institutions considering their strategic options, helping you to navigate this complex process more effectively
Meet the speakers
Episode 2
Episode 3
Episode 4
People
Name
Job Title
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Register your interest in the Big Conversation
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
Related Services
We know the future of HE governance is challenging. Existing pressure on financial sustainability and the necessity to transform related processes, policies and resources will be compounded by increased scrutiny from within the institution, regulators and sector stakeholders as well as wider society.
That is why Advance HE is launching ‘The Big Conversation: shaping the future of higher education governance’, in partnership with CUC, UUK, GuildHE, Independent Higher Education (IHE), and AHUA. The project aims to facilitate a national level discussion about the future of HE governance in the UK, drawing on insight and perspectives from beyond HE and across the world.
Register your interest in The Big Conversation
Keep up-to-date with all the resources, blogs and content from the big conversation. All delivered straight into your inbox.
