The appointment to the position of Vice-Chancellor is, without a doubt, one of the most challenging of leadership transitions in higher education. With this mind, Advance HE has created its Vice-Chancellor Transition Programme designed to support newly appointed Vice-Chancellors to prepare for and transition to their new role, helping them become more effective, develop new skills and confidence, and enable them to lead their institutions well right from the start of their tenure.
“When I became a VC there was no programme to help me prepare for the demands of the role. Whilst there are now programmes to help with the technical aspects of the role, a massive gap remains, and that is the focus of this programme: preparing incoming VCs for the change of role that becoming a VC represents. Just as in the film ‘Twenty Feet from Stardom’, the step up from DVC or Provost to VC is more than just an incremental step in a career – it is a move that requires different skills and dealing with a very different set of pressures. This programme focusses on these features of becoming a new VC. I only wish that there had been such a programme when I was appointed.”
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Delivered via a mixture self-directed learning, small group VC Learning sets, wider VC participant peer group insight sessions along with expert facilitation, coaching, as well as individual mentoring from established sector VCs, participants start from the time of appointment prior to taking up a new VC role, extending the support a year into role.
The programme is exclusively focussed on the Vice-Chancellor role, complementing UUK’s offer for newly appointed VCs which begins at the commencement of the post. It will be delivered by a group of experienced executive level core facilitators including Louisa Hardman, Advance HE Key Associate and Advance HE Top Management Programme Director and Sir Peter Gregson, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Cranfield University, accompanied by established VC mentors, diverse speakers and contributors from within and outside the HE Sector. Commenting on the programme, Sir Peter said, “Newly appointed Vice-Chancellors will face unprecedented opportunities and challenges in the post-Covid19 world. This Transition Programme offers space, experiences and mentoring for personal leadership development as new VCs reflect and prepare for their new leadership role.”
Advance HE is keen to accept applications from a diverse range of institutions and delegates. The programme is open to UK and International applicants.
Alison Johns, Advance HE Chief Executive, said, “Over the past few years the complexity and challenges of running a higher education institution have changed beyond recognition. Today, if leaders are to thrive in the environment rather than simply survive – or worse, fail – they need support to successfully transition, grow and develop into the role. This programme has been carefully designed to create a range of opportunities and high quality support from seasoned role holders and also the right kind of environment for that development. We are very excited to welcome our first participants.”