Effective governance in higher education is being tested as institutions respond to financial pressures, increasing regulatory demands, reputational risks, and accelerating strategic change. From digital transformation to the growth of international partnerships, governing bodies are expected to oversee increasingly complex organisations while maintaining clarity of purpose, strong oversight, and institutional resilience. In this environment, continuous development is essential to ensure those involved in governance can respond confidently and effectively.
Advance HE is therefore redeveloping and expanding its longstanding Governance Development Programme into a refreshed and comprehensive Governance Continuous Professional Development programme of support. Building on our established provision, the programme introduces new workshops focused on financial oversight, strategic transformation, whole-system governance, and the governance of partnerships and transnational education. It also places greater emphasis on team-based learning, enabling governors and governance professionals to develop together and strengthen the vital interface between governance and management.
The programme supports governors, governance professionals and executives in enhancing the skills, knowledge and competencies needed to govern effectively.in order to provide this programme we work with a range of key speakers and higher education sector partners, including the Committee of University Chairs and the Association of University Administration
Governance CPD Student Governor
Date: Starts 9 September 2026, London
A two-part programme supporting student governors to understand their role and contribute effectively at board level. It combines practical insight with opportunities to reflect on experience and develop impact across the academic year.
Induction to Higher Education Governance for new Governors
An introductory programme providing new governors with essential insight into higher education governance, structures and responsibilities. It establishes a clear foundation for effective participation in governing bodies.
Strengthening Financial Oversight and Assurance in HE Governance
A focussed session exploring financial oversight in higher education, including sustainability, scrutiny and decision-making. It introduces key concepts, frameworks and approaches relevant to governing bodies.
New Governors of Scottish HEIs 2026
A tailored induction for governors in Scotland, covering the distinct governance, policy and regulatory context. It provides essential orientation for those operating within the Scottish higher education environment.
Leading the Board
A development programme for chairs, focused on board leadership and facilitation. It explores approaches to leading governing bodies and supporting effective boardroom practice.
Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors 2026
A practical session for staff governors, clarifying responsibilities and expectations within the governing body. It supports effective contribution while navigating the staff governor role.
Governing and Leading Strategic Transformation
A focused exploration of governance during institutional change, including mergers and transformation. It considers how governing bodies engage with and oversee periods of significant transition.
Whole System Governance
A programme examining governance across systems, partnerships and interconnected environments. It explores governance beyond individual institutions within an evolving sector landscape.
Audit and Risk Committee 2027
A targeted session exploring audit and risk committee responsibilities, including risk frameworks and assurance approaches. It reflects current expectations and developments in governance practice.
Governance Professionals in HE programme
Date: 26 January – 18 May 2027 | Hybrid
A flexible development programme for governance professionals, focused on current practice, policy and board dynamics. It combines expert insight with peer exchange to support those leading and supporting governance functions across higher education.
Advance HE Clerks & Secretaries Network Event
Date: 12 May 2027 | In Person event (central London)
In collaboration with AHUA, this event is for a nationwide network of governance professionals, where Secretaries, Clerks, and governance professionals come together to collaborate, share good practices, and exchange experiences regarding the central challenges they face in their roles and within their respective institutions.
Tertiary Education Governance – Scotland and Wales 2027
A programme exploring governance across devolved tertiary education systems. It considers national context, policy differences and system structures.
Governance of Partnerships and TNE
A focussed session on governance approaches to partnerships and transnational education. It explores oversight within increasingly complex delivery models.
The Boards’ Role in Assuring Academic Oversight
A programme exploring governance approaches to academic quality and the student experience. It considers how governing bodies engage with assurance and outcomes.
