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.
This programme includes in-person sessions. If you are not based in the UK and wish to book please fill in the enquiry form.
This programme will offer delegates a topical and flexible approach to professional development, combined with an opportunity to understand and share collective problems with peers across the sector and engage in collaborative problem solving. It includes some asynchronous study as well as presentations, opportunities for group discussions and exploration of issues, plus a dedicated cohort area for resources, ongoing discussions and problem sharing/solving. There will be three core sessions and two Action Learning Sets (one virtual, one face-to-face) for all participants, plus two additional optional sessions.
Who is the programme for?
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.
Booking Information
Not based in the UK? please fill in the enquiry form
We are pleased to offer a 5% early booking discount on bookings made before 30 September 2026:
Event type
Governance
Event summary
Professional development programme for higher education staff who lead and support corporate and academic governance.
Event times
Tue 26 Jan 2027 – Tue 18 May 2027
Event prices
| Governance Professionals in HE – 26/27 – Member Ticket | Member Ticket | £1620 |
| Governance Professionals in HE – 26/27 – Early Booking Member Ticket | Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £1540 |
| Governance Professionals in HE – 26/27 – Non-Member Ticket | Non-Member ticket | £2155 |
| Governance Professionals in HE – 26/27 – Early Booking Non-Member Ticket | Non-Member Ticket (Early Bird) | £2045 |
Learning Outcomes
The programme will improve participants’ understanding and knowledge to help facilitate the effective operation of academic and corporate governance of higher education institutions.
After completing the programme, participants will be able to:
- 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
Excellent programme, highly recommended for anyone seeking to develop their career or knowledge in Governance.
Hannah Quinn, Head of Governance and Executive Support, University of Bristol
How is the programme delivered?
The programme is delivered over 4 months through a series of virtual workshops along with face-to-face Action Learning sets. Participants on the programme will also benefit from free attendance at the ever-popular Clerks and Secretaries Network Event. Asynchronous working, networking and problem sharing/solving will take place at your own pace over a 4-month period.
Pre Course
Our virtual environment will be made available to programme participants before the start of the first core session and will include resources and opportunities for peer support and virtual networking.
Session 1
Governance Professionals – enabling good governance. Tuesday 26th January 2027 09:30-13:00
Session 2
Understanding and navigating board culture and behaviours. Tuesday 2nd March 2027 09:30-13:00
Action Learning Set 1
Designed to allow you to apply learning from the programme to your own role, situation and institution. Tuesday 23rd March 2027 13:00-15:00
Session 3
Your role in achieving outcomes as part of a successful governing body Tuesday 20th April 2027 09:30-13:00
Clerks and Secretaries Network Event (In-person)
The programme price includes free attendance at this ever-popular event bringing together governance professionals in higher education. Wednesday 12th May 2027 10:00-15:00
Action Learning Set 2 (In-person)
A follow up on progress since Action Learning set 1 and an opportunity to share and reflect on experiences with other programme participants. Wednesday 12th May 2027 15:00-17:00
Action Learning Set 2 (virtual)
Please note there is also a virtual Action Learning Set option on 18th May 2027 for those unable to attend in person on 12th May 2027 13:00-15:00
Facilitators
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.
Kim Ansell
Senior Consultant, Governance and Strategic Transformation
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.
