About AHEP

As the association for higher education professional services, we’ve been supporting people in higher education since 1961. We exist to empower, connect and develop the HE professional services community.  

We are a membership organisation that delivers high quality career support, networking, events and professional development opportunities not only for its members but for the HE community. 

In order to do this effectively, along the way, we have collaborated with numerous partners and sponsors – providing our members and followers with solutions and inspiration to enhance their professional capabilities, both on an individual and institutional level. 

Now you can be part of that journey with us and play a part in the development of thousands of AHEP members. 

AHEP Membership and Events

Our members are a part of an accessible
and diverse community that offers something
of value to all professional services staff within the higher education sector. There is an active role available for everyone no matter what stage they are in their career or what career they’ve come from.

As well as receiving professional recognition, members access training and qualifications, mentoring, and networking and collaboration opportunities to support you in your career in this thriving and varied sector.

Joining AHEP means joining a community of likeminded and dedicated individuals and our Regional Networks and Special Interest Groups (SIGs) play a huge part in strengthening this community.

AHEP also host a range of events, from our Annual Conference and Exhibition to online workshops, webinars and in-person development events.

AHEP is the leading authority in connecting, supporting and developing HE Professionals. Our development programme is underpinned by our Professional Framework and tailored to meet the needs of professionals at different career stages, stages that are reflected in our membership levels. Our events are organised into #Develop (AHEP Professional Development Events), #Support (AHEP Special Interest Group (SIG) events) and #Connect (AHEP Regional Network events).

Here’s what our members have to say about AHEP events and membership:

“Being a member of AHEP has provided some great networking opportunities, and attending the 2024 Annual Conference gave me a fantastic opportunity to share my research with the HE Professionals who can really make a difference.”

 

“There are lots of benefits from my membership. The professional framework has helped me navigate my professional development in the sector including completing a fellowship. I have been able to build a great network to support both my work and professional development and to be able to mentor others and see them succeed is really rewarding.”

“From conversations sparked at conference, attending CPD sessions, and working with the AHEP team and trustees I have always left knowing more, what to find out more, feeling challenged but ultimately listened to and appreciated by my peers.”

“AHEP Conference 2024 was fantastic, very well put together, well organised, well attended and had me wishing I didn’t have to wait another year.”

How can I get involved with AHEP?

We have a range of initiatives and areas that enable you to raise your brand awareness and expose it to an active network of HE professionals. We are always open to hearing your suggestions. You can find out more below: 

– Media Opportunities: All AHEP activity across the year is subject to a consistent, rigorous marketing treatment – this includes all AHEP events, membership updates, monthly newsletters and larger projects such as the Annual Conference and Exhibition, to name a few. Taking place across AHEP digital comms channels (social media and email campaign lists), this is your opportunity to promote your company to our diverse and growing membership and follower base, representing areas of expertise and roles from across the HE sector. See our brochure here. 

– Annual Conference Opportunities: The AHEP conference and exhibition is your opportunity to step foot into the world of higher education professional services. Our delegates are influencers and decision makers within professional services – career-driven individuals working across a multitude of departments within the sector. Whether you are new to HE or a long-standing sponsor or exhibitor, we have a variety of ways for you to support the AHEP conference whilst successfully promoting your own brand. See our brochure here. 

– Events Opportunities: Our events don’t just stop at conference. You can sponsor one of our many webinars, working sessions and lunch and learn sessions – including your branding across marketing for the event and on the programme slides, as well as an introduction to your company during the session. 

Aside from sponsoring these sessions, we are also interested in working with partners to co-develop new and relevant events and workshops. Do you have an area of expertise that our members can benefit from knowing about? This could make the perfect online session where you can showcase your skills and capabilities through an informative and development focussed event. 

– Contra Agreements for Services: We also offer a unique opportunity for contra services. Cross promotion of our services and yours in an effective way for the benefit of our members and partners. This could take the form of blogs, case studies, videos, with our team ready to discuss how we can mutually provide beneficial promotion on our various channels. 

“If you’re in the higher education sector, there’s no better place to be in terms of making connections with the right people.” – SEAtS Software, Conference Exhibitors 2023, 2024 and 2025

With any of these options, we are always open to suggestions, and we can make a bespoke package of opportunities just for you and your brand.  

If you would like to discuss any of the above opportunities or something that is not listed above, please contact us using the expressions of interest form below.