The Governor Development Programme (GDP) was created in 2005 and built on the earlier initiatives of the Committee of University Chairs (CUC). The programme is designed to support Governors and governance professionals in all HE institutions throughout the UK and various events are held throughout the year.
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, AHEP, Guild HE and NUS.
Upcoming Events
| Upcoming Governance Events | Date | More information |
|---|---|---|
| GDP Student Governor 1 | 11 September 2024 | Find out more |
| GDP Induction to Higher Education Governance for new Governors 1 | 9 October 2024 | Find out more |
| GDP New Governors of Scottish HEIs | 23 October 2024 | Find out more |
| GDP New Governors of ROI HEIs | 6 November 2024 | Find out more |
| GDP Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors | 14 November 2024 | Find out more |
| Governance Conference 2024: Transformation in HE - governing with humanity | 4 December 2024 | Find out more |
| GDP Governance Professionals in HE | 21 January 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Student Governor 2 | 22 January 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Leading The Board | 26 February 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Audit & Risk Committee | 12 March 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Induction to Higher Education Governance for new Governors 2 | 9 April 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Governance in Wales | 30 April 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Clerks & Secretaries Network Event | 14 May 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Governance in Scotland Symposium | 21 May 2025 | Find out more | GDP Student Experience and Academic Assurance | 25 June 2025 | Find out more |
NEW programmes, conferences and events portfolio for 2024-25
Our new portfolio for 2024-25 blends high-quality learning and insight-sharing opportunities delivered using a range of innovative techniques and platforms both in person and virtually. If your organisation is an Advance HE member you could benefit from a 25% discount on booking prices across our portfolio.
Evolving higher education governance brochure
Our new Evolving higher education governance 2023-24 brochure details our support for boards, governance professionals and individual governors. Find out more about our consultancy and enhancement services, the dates for our Governor Development Programme 2023-24 and upcoming exclusive content and projects for Advance HE members.
Plan your professional development for 2024-25 using our Development Planner
Whether you are looking to enhance your practice, share insights or identify the next step in your professional development, by answering only a few short questions our new Development Planner will guide you to a range of development opportunities that meet your requirements. Try it today.
GDP provides an opportunity for Governors to hear from sector experts, to network with peers from other institutions and to explore in detail key issues impacting the sector and institutions.
The portfolio is designed to support all Governors, including Student and Staff Governors, board Chairs and those with oversight for governance of HE providers. Events are also tailored to the policy landscape and the distinct circumstances in each home nation.
To help you find the support best suited to your needs, we have aligned our events to the Governor's Pathway:
Scotland and Wales
Events are also tailored to the policy landscape and the distinct circumstances in each home nation. These events offer an opportunity for governors from Scottish and Welsh institutions to examine some of the distinctive features of the higher education system within a national context.
Scotland New Governors
This event offers an opportunity for those new to the position to examine the particular facets of Scottish Governance, exchange good practice and network with peers from other institutions. Student Governors of Scottish institutions are also welcome.
GDP Wales
Our GDP Wales event reflects the shared identity and diverse needs of the Welsh HE sector. The day will provide an opportunity to explore topical features of governance in the Welsh HE landscape, allowing attendees to explore issues and challenges and respond to the latest developments.
GDP Scotland
Our GDP Scotland event provides a state-of-the-nation view on governance in HE, with a particular take on the emerging impact of the legislation on governance in Scottish HE institutions.
Programme facilitator
