Speaker: Dan Cook, Director, data policy and research at the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA, a part of Jisc)
Session synopsis: Dan Cook encourages participants to take a step back and consider the long view on the HE sector’s infrastructure. Following the history of how we collectively built the data infrastructure
we have today, and international comparisons along the way, we consider the benefits and
value of what we have inherited. What are its strengths and weaknesses? What are the
opportunities and threats we need our data infrastructures to respond to in the future? At
this inflection point, Dan asks us to consider what strategic approach we should take to
developing both the national and provider-level data infrastructures (vision, systems, people,
and processes) we will need for the future - both in the shorter and longer terms.
Speaker: Catherine Murray, Director of Planning, Queen Mary University of London
Session synopsis: This session will explore how analysts can work with academic and PS colleagues to understand what information is required and to create datasets and dashboards that meet the needs of users.
Speakers: Miriam Fernandez, Professor of Responsible AI, Open University, Dr. Paul Mulholland, Senior Research Fellow, Open University & Dr. Alba Morales-Tirado, Research Associate, Open University.
Session Synopsis: Universities are increasingly adopting data-driven strategies to enhance student success, with AI applications such as Learning Analytics (LA) and Predictive Learning Analytics (PLA) playing a key role in identifying at-risk students, personalising learning, supporting teachers, and guiding educational decision-making. However, concerns are rising about the potential harms these systems may pose, such as algorithmic biases that could lead to unequal support for minority students. While the need for Responsible AI in LA is widely recognised, practical guidance on operationalising these principles remains limited.
This workshop will present findings from a recent survey on Responsible AI in LA across UK Higher Education, highlighting key challenges HE institutions face. Participants will engage with an initial framework tailored to the specific needs of LA in HE, focusing on core principles - such as transparency, privacy, and accountability - and discussing practical approaches to implement them. Collaborative dialogue among participants will further explore ways to implement responsible AI.
Speaker: Craig Chapman-Smith, Director of Strategy Implementation and Risk, University of Glasgow
Session Synopsis: Like many institutions, the University of Glasgow often delivered change in siloes. This made it challenging to: see the whole picture; understand what levers can be pulled; drive robust decision making and; track the delivery of strategic objectives. Together with The Anywhere Company, they have created a data “golden thread” through strategic objectives, KPIs, the business case template, risk registers, benefits logs and plans. This has unlocked the ability to provide reporting and insight and now plays a key role in strategy implementation. This presentation is their journey and will include a demonstration of the golden thread in action.
Speakers: Julian Hughes, Product Development Manager, Falmouth University & Carrie Williams, Account Director for Higher Education, Lightcast.
Session Synopsis: During this session, Falmouth University will discuss the innovative approach they have taken to the portfolio development process. Joined by Lightcast they will explore how skills and employment data insights alongside other data sets are informing a University impact vs effort model to support strategic decisions tailored to the institution's growth ambitions.
Speakers: Alaa Elaydi, Head of Academic Quality, Data and Risk, BPP University and Ramita Tejpal, Associate Professor and Dean of Academic Quality and Policy, BPP University
Session Synopsis: BPP University’s Data Now initiative was built as a data quality project, utilising methodologies from the data maturity framework, building robust data strategies, and experimenting with data mesh. Data mesh is gaining traction as an innovative approach that bolsters data strategies, and the University is testing this approach by decentralising data management across academic departments and professional service units. In this session, we will show you how data mesh can unlock data capabilities by providing:
Speaker: Dr Shane Crothers, Director of Business Intelligence and Planning, Ulster University
Session Synopsis: Being a University Planner can be simultaneously the most fabulous and frustrating job in HE. One that often requires the technical skills of a programmer/developer/BI engineer, the communication skills of Stephen Fry (at his most charming and erudite), the analytical skills of PhD Physicist and, most importantly, the patience of a Saint.
I spent years pouring my heart and soul into developing novel informational resources (including weeks of largely unseen technical effort in: creating a dataset, joining tables, developing a reporting package and validating the data therein), only to be deeply disappointed when I presented the findings and nothing happened. No ticker tape parade and, more importantly, no decision.
It took me an embarrassingly long time to figure out that it is people that make decisions and people have emotional needs that need to be met before they can make an evidence-led decision.
Technical data development is then, only part of the solution (and actually, not the most important part). For years I neglected the fact that people make decisions and therefore effective utilisation of data is as much about developing people as it is about developing systems, processes and datasets.
This session will explore some of those non-technical factors in successfully implementing a BI vision for evidence-enabled decision-making.
Speaker: Paul Clark, Strategy Consultant and Interim Director of Strategy, Risk, and Planning
Synopsis: Data is fundamental to effective decision-making and operation in the higher education sector, more so now than ever. The sources of data are richer than ever, while the tools available to sort, analyse, and report on the data are accessible and easy to use. This includes the emerging tools and techniques generated through AI. However, the environment in which universities are operating now is becoming less predictable, while pressure for early and rapid insight and decision-making is increasing. What are the best approaches to data strategy in these circumstances, and how can planning and data teams best respond to the current challenges, to ensure that decision-making and operation in universities is genuinely data-driven?
Speaker: Niamh Lamond, Registrar and Chief Operating Officer, Swansea University
Session Synopsis: As higher education institutions face increasing financial pressures, the need for a sustainable approach is more critical than ever. This session will explore how adopting a human-centred approach can support financial sustainability, ensuring that the well-being of staff and students remains a priority even in the face of budget constraints. I’ll discuss strategies to foster collaboration, innovation, and efficiency by placing people at the heart of decision-making. Through case studies and practical examples, this session will show how institutions can achieve more with less by leveraging the skills, insights, and creativity of their communities. Join us to discover how a human-centred strategy can drive both financial success and a positive institutional culture.
Speaker: Carley Brown, Consultant, Strengthify
Session Synopsis: In the dynamic environment of higher education, universities must continuously
adapt to change while preserving their core values and mission. This session delves into the application of positive psychology and strengths-based approaches in change management and strategic planning. Participants will explore key psychological theories and learn practical methods for identifying and leveraging individual and collective strengths. Additionally, the session will introduce tools and techniques that can be used to effectively manage change and align strategic goals with strengths to build engagement and performance.
Speaker: Dr Sarah Gordon, Professor of Practice, Satarla
Session Synopsis: A significant risk to one person, may be not even be recognised for consideration by someone else. Similarly, what is a risk to one individual, may be a cause or consequence of a risk for someone else. Also, what is a potentially huge opportunity (positive risk) to one team, may be a potential threat to another. We therefore need to understand our risks as a collective, and manage them collaboratively. Risk management should be about finding the optimised balance through a world of uncertainty.
This session will explore practical methods through which optimised balance can be brought to the management of risks. It does not need to be complicated, and can instead make use of everyday language and tools.
Speakers: Adrian Vickers, Partner, Fusion – Estates Strategists and Graham Pollard, Chief Operating Officer, The Royal Agricultural University.
Session Synopsis: During this session Fusion and the Royal Agricultural University will discuss the process by which a new empirical model, SPATIALE drove the decision-making process leading to a major redevelopment of teaching and learning spaces. Additionally, they will discuss how SPATIALE is now being used to test the effects of changing pedagogy and growth scenarios, quantifying current and future need for learning spaces to maximise their efficiency and return.
Speaker: Shirley Dalziel, Director, Develop Global
Session Synopsis: To gain initial understanding of consultancy skills and to learn a key behaviour to help you to move to more effective Business Partnering.
Content:
• Identify the stages of consultancy.
• Recognise the difference between reactive and proactive consultancy.
• Learn the three main approaches to consultancy and the pros and cons of each.
• Examine the specific behaviours of the ‘partnering’ approach.
Speaker: Aya Ferguson, Head of Consulting, SUMS Group
Synopsis: Higher Education continues to face unprecedented change. Change is the new constant as they say. To work comfortably and successfully in HE, navigating change is an essential skill.
This session will give participants insights into the neuroscience of change. Understanding how the brain reacts to change can help explain our own reactions to change. Participants will develop awareness of their own and others’ reactions to change and learn how they can help themselves and others cope better when going through change. In this session you will learn about threat and rewards states and behaviours in times of change. We will use the SCARF model to discover actions we can all take to minimize threat and maximise reward for ourselves and our colleagues. After this session you will have a practical tool and some tangible actions you can take to navigate change a little more comfortably.
Speakers: Laura C McHugh, Partner, Forbes Solicitors & Catherine Hare, Professional Support Lawyer, Forbes Solicitors
Session Synopsis: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion is essential for any organisation. It creates a culture where people feel valued and listened to, which in turn positively impacts upon recruitment and retention.
The sessions will be fun, interactive and informative, ensuring attendees feel fully informed about EDI, what is and is not acceptable in the workplace and be clear about what your organisation’s values and ethos are. In addition, we will incorporate a legal update, in which you will understand what your obligations are in order to comply with the new duty to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, and look at what the Equality and Human Rights Commission may expect, when looking at risk assessing any sexual harassment “hot spots”.
Further details to be confirmed.
Speaker: Charlotte Bonner, Chief Executive, EAUC
Session Synopsis: Universities are uniquely positioned to lead in building a sustainable future. Achieving the sector’s sustainability goals requires holistic, whole-institution approaches - where leadership and governance, estates and operations, teaching and learning, and partnerships actively work together to embed sustainability at every level. This approach will enable us to fulfil our potential: equipping learners for their lives, being responsible organisations, and shaping a better society. Central to this vision is fostering a culture of sustainability across our institutions, cultivated through the knowledge, skills, and behaviours of everyone in the university community. In this session, we will explore strategies for developing a culture of sustainability action. We will examine sector-wide trends and share practical tools and examples to engage staff and students alike, inspiring and equipping them to take meaningful action.
Speaker: Jonathan Woodhead, Policy Adviser, Birkbeck, University of London
Session Synopsis: In this presentation Jonathan will talk through some of the challenges facing the new Government in Higher Education Reform, and what opportunities may present in future. In particular there will be a focus on the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) and what might be contained in a Higher Education Review.
Speakers: Dr Elena Zaitseva, Head of Student Voice and Evaluation, Liverpool John Moores University, Fenna Boerkamp, Institutional Researcher, Liverpool John Moores University & John Atherton, VP Sales, EMEA, Explorance
Session Synopsis: Join Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) as they showcase their journey with Explorance MLY. Dr. Elena Zaitseva and Fenna Boerkamp will discuss how MLY’s features — analysis, alerts, and scalable processing, have transformed their analysis of student feedback. Learn how LJMU quickly derives actionable insights from student surveys, course evaluations and more to improve student experiences and support timely institutional changes.
Speaker: Emma Brookes, Strategic Projects & Research Manager, UHR
Session Synopsis: Join us for an empowering session dedicated to fostering a more inclusive, understanding environment around menstruation and menopause in Higher Education. Often stigmatised or overlooked, these natural aspects of life affect many colleagues and students, influencing everything from wellbeing to productivity. Featuring insights from recent research and highlighting successful practices from inside the sector and beyond, this session will explore how inclusive policies, and open conversations can transform workplace culture for the better. Participants will gain practical knowledge on creating a more supportive environment, from understanding the unique needs associated with these experiences to fostering empathy and respect in day-to-day interactions. Designed for non-HR professionals, this session provides essential tools to help every member of the Higher Education community contribute to an inclusive, stigma-free workplace.
Speaker: Dominic Davis, Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance, City, University of London
Session Synopsis: This session will explore the considerations for planners when developing a university-wide academic workforce plan. Having launched the plan in 2024, this session will introduce the strategic objectives of the academic workforce plan, before looking at the data analysis, principles, and policy, developed by City, University of London. In doing so, the session will also seek to explore the challenges experienced in the development, approval, and ongoing implementation of the plan.
Speaker: Somayeh Aghnia, FBCS, Cofounder of London School of Innovation, Geeks and WordUp
Session Synopsis: As AI reshapes every corner of society, higher education faces an imperative: balancing the demands of today with the aspirations of tomorrow. This session addresses the strategic path forward for institutions, focusing on how to align immediate needs, mid-term planning, and bold, long-term goals. The path from where we are today to the “future of education” is uncharted, and unique to each organisation, and is very much dependent on how other industries transform, in their pace and depth, and the impact of it on the future of work and society.
