
In a turbulent operating environment all providers need high performing governing bodies that are equipped to determine the strategic course of the organisation. The effectiveness of a board and its committees depends on strong foundations.
At Advance HE we use three key lenses to explore effectiveness, based on years of research and experience evaluating governance in higher education. These are enablers; behaviours; and outcomes. By looking through these three lenses we are able to explore the processes andnpolicies, skills, culture and relationships and impact that add up to deliver good governance. Our programmes, events and bespoke consultancy all use this approach to ensure that your governance is as effective as it can be, drawing on the latest practice and insights from HE and beyond.
Request a brochure
Download our Governance brochure
Governor Development Programme (GDP)
The Governor 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, AUA and Guild HE.

Upcoming Governance Events | Date | More information |
---|---|---|
Student Governor 1 | 9 September 2020 | Find out more |
GDP Induction to Higher Education Governance for new Governors (Online) | 15 October 2020 | Find out more |
GDP New Governors of Scottish HEIs (Online) | 20 October 2020 | Find out more |
GDP Role and Responsibilities of Staff Governors (Online) | 12 November 2020 | Find out more |
Governance Conference: Good Governance for a new normal (Online) | 20 November 2020 | Find out more |
GDP Governance Professionals in HE (Online) | 2 December 2020 | Find out more |
GDP Student Governor 2 (Online) | 27 January 2021 | Find out more |
GDP Wales event (Online) | 28 April 2021 | Find out more |
GDP Clerks and Secretaries Network Event | 13 May 2021 | Find out more |
Scottish Governance Symposium | 21 May 2021 | Find out more |
Chairs Development Programme
For Chairs of the Board, whether new to the role or planning ahead for a future Chair role in HE
The Chairs Development Programme is a dedicated development opportunity and a ‘thinking space’ for incoming and recently appointed chairs to explore their role, and to support them in developing their practice as chair of the board/council.
It has been designed to support Chairs develop their skills as the role of the governing body in the governance of HE faces increased scrutiny, as higher education institutions adapt to the implications of Covid-19 as well as the evolving tensions and pressures in the external political, financial and policy landscape.

News, views and resources
