The Governance 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.
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.
Introduction to the Governance Development Programme 2025/26
Advance HE is pleased to launch its Governance Development Programme for the 2025–26 academic year. In this video, Aaron Porter, Associate Director of Governance, introduces the refreshed programme, which includes 12 standalone sessions designed to support governors at every stage of their journey.
The sessions address key contemporary issues facing higher education governance, including financial sustainability, regulatory oversight and quality assurance.
Upcoming Events
| Upcoming Governance Events | Date | More information |
|---|---|---|
| GDP Student Governor 1 | 03 September 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Induction to Higher Education Governance for new Governors 1 | 08 October 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP New Governors of Scottish HEIs | 22 October 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Leading The Board - Session 1 | 05 November 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors | 12 November 2025 | Find out more |
| GDP Student Governor 2 | 21 January 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Leading The Board - Session 2 | 22 January 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Governance Professionals in HE | 27 January 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Audit & Risk Committee | 11 March 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Induction to Higher Education Governance for new Governors 2 | 15 April 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Leading The Board - Session 3 | 29 April 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Clerks & Secretaries Network Event | 13 May 2026 | Find out more |
| GDP Tertiary Education Governance - Scotland and Wales | 03 June 2026 | Find out more | GDP Student Experience and Academic Assurance | 24 June 2026 | Find out more |
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.
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:
Programme facilitator
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