In today’s challenging operating environment all providers need governing bodies and governance professionals who are equipped to determine the strategic course of their organisation, and where necessary deliver transformational change.
Our Governance 2025-26 brochure has been designed to address a broad range of current needs across governance. It provides an opportunity for you to collaborate and share insights with others working in your field, giving you the benefit of the sector’s collective expertise so that you can better anticipate and respond to emerging issues.
We’re dedicated to support HE institutions and ensure that governors have the right tools, strategies and support in place to fulfil your goals as an individual and as an organisation. The portfolio considers:
- individuals who are thinking about joining a governing body
- the induction and orientation of new governors
- developing effective skills for those on the board
- more tailored support for more experienced governors, chairs of sub-committees and the full board.
Request the NEW programmes and events brochure 2025/26
Request your copy of the new programme and events brochure, which includes a dedicated Governance section.
Programmes, conferences and events portfolio for 2025-26
Our portfolio for 2025-26 blends high-quality learning and insight-sharing opportunities delivered using a range of innovative techniques and platforms both in person and virtually. For a limited time you can take advantage of a 5% early booking offer across many of our programmes and events and if your organisation is an Advance HE member you could benefit from a further 25% discount.
Governor Development Programme (GDP)
The Governor Development Programme (GDP) was created in 2005 and built on the earlier initiatives of the Committee of University Chairs (CUC).
The GDP portfolio is designed to support governors and governance professionals in all HE institutions with various events held throughout the year. The events are also tailored to the policy landscape and the distinct circumstances in each home nation.
GDP has been designed to address a broad range of needs across governance, while many of our events may be specifically relevant to those involved in particular aspects or roles within governance, anyone in HE who is interested is welcome to attend any event. Additional topical events will be added throughout the year to help address the evolving HE Governance environment.
In order to provide this selection of events and seminars, we work in partnership with a number of key organisations including CUC, AUA and Guild HE.
Governor Competencies Map
The Advance HE Governor Competencies Map has been designed as a practical tool to support board members with mapping their own individual progression and development needs as well as that of the board as a whole.
How we support higher education governance professionals
Crucial to the success of effective governance, we aim to provide a range of ways to support governance professionals to carry out their roles effectively and learn from practice across and beyond the sector. This includes:
Governance Professionals in HE Programme
Designed to improve participants’ understanding and knowledge to help facilitate the effective operation of academic and corporate governance of higher education institutions.
Advance HE Clerks and Secretaries Network Event
The success of the board depends on secretaries and clerks. This event gives those who are new to the position and those who are already in it the chance to collaborate on issues that are crucial to their governors and their own professional contributions.
Governance Conference 2025: Shaping the Future of HE Governance
9 December 2025
Looking Ahead to 2025: Building on the success and insights from 2024, 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.
Governance News Alerts, Blogs and Resources
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