Hosted by Aash Khadia, Director of Planning, University of Leicester

Registration

Hangout / Networking / Exhibition

Networking & Exhibition

Plenary 8: Policy, Preparedness and Planning: working together strategically with VCs

Hosted by Dr Diana Beech (CEO, London Higher) this session will give an overview on the current policy landscape for the UK HE sector, considering challenges and opportunities facing those working within it, as well as an interview with Professor Nic Beech (Vice Chancellor, Middlesex University) about his experience in leadership of HEIs in both England and Scotland, and how he is currently working with his senior team to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the current environment.

Refreshment Break

Networking & Exhibition

11:30 - 12:30

Workshop Sessions

Workshop E1: How to run a successful political affairs campaign

This session will focus on the key principles for building a successful public affairs campaign including knowing your audience, nailing those key messages, building coalitions and gathering your evidence. 

Workshop E2: Data and Analytics roundtable: Sharing best practice

An introduction to Unite students and how we use data and analytics to support business decisions. An overview of key surveys and research that we have completed recently focusing on the student experience and the impact of the pandemic. A roundtable discussion about the business questions people are currently focused on and the issues they face in delivering Insight to support these. The purpose of this session is to think about how we can work together better, sharing ideas and experiences in order to improve our overall understanding of the sector and how we can improve customer experience.

Lunch Break

Networking & Exhibition

Individual/ Team Reflection & Planning Time

Plenary 9: What future should our university strategies be pushing us towards?

The world is changing and new forces are coming into play. This session will explore how universities can take an active role in shaping the future, taking into account demographic, technological and socio economic trends, along with ethical and political considerations. With old and new powers at odds, and a reimagining of the purpose and practice of higher education providers, can institutional strategies ensure that universities are leading hands in the transformation, rather than recipients of an ever-changing world, tasked with preparing future thinkers, researchers and workers to fit into it? Debbie McVitty will explore these themes and ask panel members: Professor Jonathan Grant, Professor Ross Renton and a student representative, what they think about this, and how they think the sector might respond. 

Professor Jonathan Grant, Professor of Public Policy, King’s College London and Founding Director, Different Angles Ltd.

Mimi Harmer, Panelist, Office for Students

Professor Ross Renton, Inaugural Principal of ARU Peterborough

Chair:

Debbie McVitty, Editor, Wonkhe

Closing Remarks