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DVC/PVC Network

The Advance HE DVC/PVC Network is a highly valued and influential community of DVCs, PVCs and equivalent senior leaders with the brief for learning and teaching, education, or the student experience at member institutions. It is a unique forum to share successful strategies for enhancing HE teaching and learning. The invitation only network for Pro Vice-Chancellors, Vice-Principals and Deputy Vice-Chancellors.

There are two events each year where the network comes together to consider and share experience on key strategic matters impacting higher education. A carefully curated agenda of presentations and discussions, shaped in partnership with the members of the network, provides leaders with precious quality time so often lacking in today’s environment. Time in which to network with peers from across the sector within a Chatham House Rules environment. Each event features a dinner and drinks reception.

DVC/PVC Network event 

Date: 22-23 May 2024

Location: Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh City Centre

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Our strategic networks and communities are one of the most valued ways in which we at Advance HE are able to engage with members and stakeholders. This network of senior leaders of education, student experience and learning and teaching is our longest running and most well established. It has proven to be an important and powerful group over the years for shaping sector response to key areas of policy. With high profile speakers and focus on the key issues and contemporary challenges we look forward to continue our support for senior leaders in coming together to share, connect and collaborate.”

Nick Skeet
Director, Membership
Advance HE

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Network Event

The next DVC/PVC Network event is on 22-23 May 2024 and will be held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Edinburgh City Centre.

Event Information

Day 1 - Wednesday 22nd May 

18:15-19:15 Reception and networking 

19:15-22:00    Dinner including: 

Welcome from Alison Johns, CEO, Advance HE 

Guest speaker: Alistair Jarvis CBE, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Partnerships and Governance), University of London  

Day 2 - Thursday 23rd May 

9:00-9:30 Refreshments and networking 

9:30 -10:10      Keynote: Future of HE – Q&A 

Shahid Omer, Director of Policy, Universities UK   

10:10-11:00     Future of HE scenarios and reflections  

Dr Catherine Hack, Lead Consultant (Education), Advance HE 

11:00-11:15 Comfort break and networking  

11:15-12:15 Quality enhancement or quality assurance – how do we improve learning and student outcomes  

  • Provocation from Kathryn O'Loan, Director for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, QAA Scotland 
  • Panel discussion 
  • Simon Hewitt, Principal & CEO, Dundee and Angus College 
  • Professor Moira Fischbacher-Smith, Professor of Public Management and Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching), University of Glasgow 

12:15-13:15 Lunch and networking 

13:15-14:15 Best Practice and Innovations in TNE and Global Education:  

Harish Lokhun, Head of Education Scotland, British Council Scotland 

Professor Simon Guy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Lancaster University 

Professor Martha Caddell, Director Learning and Teaching Academy, Heriot-Watt University 

14:15 -15:00 International HE – supporting the international student experience panel of international students  

15:00 –15:20 Plenary  

15:20 –15:30 Announcement of new co-convenors, feedback and Close   

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Speakers

Professor of Public Management and Vice-Principal (Learning & Teaching)
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University of Glasgow
Professor Moira Fischbacher-Smith
Moira Fischbacher-Smith leads the University’s strategy and policy development for learning and teaching, has responsibility for teaching quality, and works with colleagues across the University to support student and staff development in relation to teaching and learning.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor
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Lancaster University
Professor Simon Guy
Professor Simon Guy’s Global remit is to develop, connect and lead Lancaster University’s digital, international and sustainability strategy. He is currently leading the creation of Lancaster’s new campus in Indonesia, scaling up our campus in Leipzig, Germany, while also overseeing the evolution of our other partner campuses in China, Ghana and Malaysia.

Principal
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Dundee & Angus College
Simon Hewitt
Born in Portadown, Northern Ireland, Simon was educated at Portadown College and left Northern Ireland in 2001 to attend the University of Abertay Dundee, where he obtained a BSc (Hons) in Business Computing. Following a number of IT related roles, Simon moved into lecturing at Dundee College in 2008, specialising in Computer Network Management and Cisco Administration.

Universities UK
Shahid Omer
After an initial career in magazine publishing and media, Shahid Omer joined the civil service through the Civil Service Fast Stream and went on to have roles in Private Office, business finance (helping establish the British Business Bank), Industrial Strategy and as Senior Policy Adviser to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg during the Coalition Government.

Student
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University of the West of Scotland (UWS)
Subuola Elufioye
Subuola Elufioye, an international student from Nigeria at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), is a dedicated sabbatical officer currently serving her second term as the Vice President of Education at the UWS Student Union.

Vice President (Education)
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Robert Gordon University
Johnson Oshodi
Johnson, a multifaceted individual, was born in Lagos, Nigeria, where the vibrant culture and bustling atmosphere influenced his early years. His journey into technology started with a passion for understanding the inner workings of computers and their potential to transform society.
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Can’t think of a better way to meet peers from across such a diverse range of universities in a relaxed and friendly environment. Fantastic sense of community and common purpose."

Dr Tracey McClean, Deputy Vice-Principal for Education, Institute of Health and Social Care Studies

'The event provided an opportunity to prompt my thinking whilst being reassured that I am not alone in the challenges we face."

Tony Michael, PVC Learning, Teaching and Student Success, QMUL

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Event Sponsor

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Find out more
The PVC network is a great opportunity to discuss shared challenges with colleagues from other universities and colleges."

Professor Helen Scott, PVC Learning, Teaching and Student Success Sheffield Hallam University