Responding to higher education challenges

Higher education is facing a period of significant change. Universities and colleges are navigating rising student expectations, accelerating digital innovation, financial pressures and increasing competition. Institutions are also working within a complex regulatory landscape, with growing expectations around accountability, quality and compliance. Alongside this, there is a clear need to evidence civic contribution and social value, while advancing equity, diversity and inclusion and responding to wider global uncertainty.

In this context, effective leadership and clear strategic direction are essential. Advance HE works in partnership with institutions to deliver tailored consultancy that strengthens strategy, enables purposeful change and supports long term success.

Co-creating this programme with Advance HE led to action learning, during the two days, which transformed conversations. Managers and researchers could take a more holistic view of the environment, as well as a more authentic view of what it means to be a rounded academic driven by a passion for knowledge creation, societal impact and research-informed teaching for the benefit of our students and our communities.

Professor Jo Richardson, Nottingham Trent University

Why work with Advance HE

By working with Advance HE, institutions benefit from:

  • Global expertise with local insight – drawing on experience across diverse higher education systems.
  • Evidence-based approaches – grounded in research, data and sector best practice.
  • Collaborative solutions – working with you, not just for you, to co-create strategies and outcomes.
  • Sustainable impact – ensuring that initiatives deliver lasting change beyond the consultancy period.

Our consultancy services are designed to help institutions thrive in a rapidly changing higher education environment.

Our areas of support

Teaching and learning for student and institutional success

Teaching and learning is under increasing scrutiny, with greater focus on retention, outcomes and quality.

Advance HE partners with institutions to strengthen strategy, build capability and improve performance.

Transforming leadership for the new world

Higher education leaders face increasing pressure from financial challenges, regulatory change and evolving expectations.

Advance HE supports institutions to strengthen leadership, build capability and develop the skills needed to deliver strategic priorities now and in the future.

Driving progress in equality, diversity and inclusion

Inclusive higher education is more important than ever, with growing expectations to create environments that are accessible, representative and fair.

Advance HE works with institutions to strengthen EDI strategy, remove barriers and embed inclusive practice that supports staff and students to succeed.

Enhancing governance for institutional success

Strong governance is essential for building trust and delivering impact in higher education.

Advance HE supports boards and senior leaders to strengthen governance, enhance accountability and deliver strategic value.

Insights: Driving evidence-informed change

Advance HE delivers expert, evidence-informed research and evaluation to help institutions strengthen insight, inform decisions and drive progress.

Meet our experts

Our consultancy team brings together thought leaders and practitioners with deep experience in higher education transformation. Each expert combines global knowledge with regional understanding to deliver solutions that work for your context.

David Bass

David Bass

Director of Inclusion and Governance
Advance HE

Stuart Norton

Stuart Norton PFHEA

Head of Educational Excellence
Advance HE

Fiona Lennoxsmith

Fiona Lennoxsmith

Head of Leadership, Governance
and Management
Advance HE

Louise Lumsden

Louise Lumsden SFHEA

Head of Fellowship and Teaching
Excellence Awards
Advance HE

Jonathan Neves

Jonathan Neves

Head of Research and Surveys
Advance HE

Ruth Gilligan

Dr Ruth Gilligan

Assistant Director, Inclusive Institutions
Advance HE

Karen Hustler

Karen Hustler SFHEA

Head of Accreditation
Advance HE

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