Programme

As the higher education sector navigates evolving societal demands and mounting financial pressures, institutions must reassess their size, shape, and strategic priorities to remain resilient and impactful. This plenary panel discussion will bring together key voices from sector representatives, including UUK, Guild HE, University Alliance, and MillionPlus, to explore how universities can develop institutional strategies that are both visionary and achievable.

Drawing insights from the recent Universities UK blueprint and recognising the critical juncture as many strategies near their 2025 endpoints, the discussion will focus on aligning strategic goals with practical implementation plans. Join us for this pivotal conversation on how higher education providers can craft strategies that meet the diverse needs of their communities while navigating the complexities of the sector's future.

This session will explore the integration of risk management and assurance practices within a comprehensive organisational ecosystem. Participants will gain insights into effective risk register design as a central tool for identifying, assessing, and managing risks. The session will also address how risk registers can be leveraged to support decision-making and align with broader strategic goals, ensuring that risk management is deeply embedded across the organisation.

In this workshop we’ll explore how identifying and reporting student journeys can be used to develop and improve opportunities for students to achieve their best education outcomes.

The session will provide a platform for strategy and planning colleagues to engage directly with key stakeholders, addressing a wide range of questions about the practicalities and strategic impact of the LLE. Discussions will focus on how institutions can prepare for the evolving landscape of lifelong learning and support their communities in navigating these changes effectively.

Further details to be confirmed

Further details to be confirmed

As the UK faces increasing global competition and evolving policy landscapes, the role of research and innovation as drivers of long-term economic growth has never been more critical. This plenary session will explore how universities and the wider higher education sector can adapt to shifting priorities, harness opportunities, and address challenges in the pursuit of excellence in research and innovation.

With insights into the implications of recent policy changes and the Autumn Budget, the session will examine how institutions can position themselves to remain competitive and impactful in the global research ecosystem. This is an essential conversation for strategy and planning professionals looking to shape a resilient and forward-thinking approach to research and innovation in the UK.

Further details to be confirmed

In this thought-provoking plenary session, Alex Usher will draw on his extensive expertise in higher education strategy and planning to explore valuable lessons the UK can learn from Canadian and global higher education systems. With institutions worldwide grappling with financial pressures, societal shifts, and the need to redefine their strategic priorities, this session will highlight innovative approaches and strategies from across the globe that can inform the UK's response to these challenges.

The discussion will delve into topics such as institutional differentiation, the importance of culture in shaping strategy, and adapting planning processes to ensure resilience and relevance in an evolving landscape. Drawing insights from Alex’s recent writings on strategy and his global perspective, attendees will gain actionable ideas to enhance their strategic frameworks and planning processes.

Further details to be confirmed

Further details to be confirmed

At a time where institutional size and shape are under intense pressure, mergers have surfaced as both a strategic necessity and a formidable challenge. This session will delve into the multifaceted journey of mergers, drawing insights from our speakers whose institutions have successfully navigated this complex process. They will explore the strategic drivers behind mergers, the regulatory requirements that shape them, and the cultural transformations they necessitate. Attendees will gain valuable perspectives on creating effective target operating models, managing stakeholder expectations, and leveraging mergers as a tool for growth and resilience. Join us to understand why understanding mergers is becoming an essential skill to survive and thrive in today’s dynamic higher education landscape.

Further details to be confirmed

The session will provide a platform for strategy and planning colleagues to engage directly with key stakeholders, addressing a wide range of questions about the practicalities and strategic impact of the LLE. Discussions will focus on how institutions can prepare for the evolving landscape of lifelong learning and support their communities in navigating these changes effectively.

Further details to be confirmed