The January member spotlight is on Luke Phillimore, Senior Lean Practitioner at the University of Nottingham. Luke is the Network Coordinator for our Change network.

Why do you do it?

I have been involved with the AUA for a number of years, joining in 2012 when I first started working at the University of Nottingham. I have always found it a rewarding organisation to be part of, especially in terms of my own professional development. Currently I’m involved with the AUA in two key ways

• Network Coordinator for the Change Network
• Delivering training on Lean Six Sigma via the AUA

When the opportunity arose to become the Network Co-ordinator for the Change Network I jumped at it. Being a Network Co-ordinator is another way to develop myself and my CV, whilst also giving something back to the wider community. The Change Network is the largest themed network and Change is a subject very close to my heart – I have been the recipient of change and a change instigator many many times and learning from other change professionals is always welcome. I have also enjoyed planning and prepping two conferences during my time as Network Coordinator (albeit online owing to covid) which is something that is unlikely to be part of my university role.

I am also enjoying the new venture in delivering training via the AUA. This is enabling me to extend my network whilst also celebrating the success of my team here at Nottingham

What has been the best bit so far?

I would say three things:

Firstly, working with my two deputy co-ordinators Daniel Black and Naomi Lewis. I always enjoy our talks and value the input they are bringing to the Network.

Secondly, the conference this year – I opened the conference with a talk on Rapid Improvement Events, before witnessing 10 other talks over a two week period, open to any member of the AUA. What could be better than helping people develop?

Thirdly, changing the name of the Network from the Managing Change Network to the Change Network. I’m not sure if anyone has noticed the difference, but for me there’s an important distinction between the two. As HE Professionals do we only want to be seen as “managing” change that is thrust upon us, or do we also want to be seen as colleagues who can bring about change for positive reasons. Changing the name of the network is my attempt at making sure the onus is not just on first definition, but I also hope to be able to start building a library of case studies of how HE Professionals have implemented measurable positive change, which can be used as a resource to promote our profession.

Would you recommend the role?

Of course! Otherwise I wouldn’t be doing it myself. If you want opportunities to develop that you wouldn’t get in your normal role, then volunteering with the AUA is a great way to gain these. In addition you get the warm fuzzy glow of knowing that you’re helping other HE Professionals develop and share knowledge which can only strengthen our sector.