2020-21 has completely changed the landscape for governance professionals.
Advance HE is therefore offering a flexible and practical 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. The knowledge, expertise and capabilities of such teams is a key factor enabling an institution’s system of governance to be both effective and efficient. Keeping at the forefront of practice in a facilitated peer group with sector experts will enable governance professionals to face the governance challenges ahead.
Book now
Governance Professionals in HE is now open for bookings.
Core session one: 15 June 2021
Core session two: 2 July 2021
Programme content
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 two core sessions for all participants plus two additional optional sessions.
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.
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.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme is delivered virtually with sessions lasting approximately 4 hours (with breaks). Asynchronous working, networking and problem sharing/solving will take place at your own pace over a 4-month period. Participants can book just the core sessions or the full programme at a reduced rate.
Core programme
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 One
15 June 2021
The Policy landscape, the HE environment and current challenges for governance professionals
The Policy landscape, the HE environment and current challenges for governance professionals
Session Two
2 July 2021
Governing Body Culture, behaviours and understanding governing body dynamics in higher education
Governing Body Culture, behaviours and understanding governing body dynamics in higher education
Optional sessions
The two optional sessions can be purchased as stand-alone workshops or as part of the full programme. They may be of particular interest to those who have attended previous iterations of this programme, international colleagues, or multiple attendees e.g. university secretary, chief operating officer, financial director and HR directors, who are working collaboratively on a strategic review or strategic deep dive.
Session Three
Date TBC
Developments in a virtual and changing world, how effective governance can support organisational sustainability, including the importance of board diversity.
Developments in a virtual and changing world, how effective governance can support organisational sustainability, including the importance of board diversity.
Session Four
Date TBC
Developments in a virtual and changing world, focus on purpose, strategy, risk, and the balance between conformance and performance.
Developments in a virtual and changing world, focus on purpose, strategy, risk, and the balance between conformance and performance.
Watch the video
Watch an introduction to the programme with co-facilitator Aaron Porter.
Facilitators
Aaron Porter
Associate Director (Governance), Advance HE
Aaron Porter is the Associate Director (Governance) for Advance HE leading on engagement with governing bodies and governance across the UK, including leading reviews of board effectiveness.
Kim Ansell
Senior Adviser and Managing Consultant, Advance HE
Kim combines strategic insight with a sound understanding of operational excellence. She has worked across higher and professional education providing support to both senior leadership teams and Boards, to facilitate strategic planning and performance improvement.
Clerks and Secretaries Network Event
13 May 2021
You may also be interested in our annual networking event, organised in partnership with the Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA) and will consist of presentations from leading figures in governance. The event will explore topics such as recent issues affecting higher education governance, and lessons from effectiveness reviews amongst others.
