Change SIG
About the Change SIG
Led by a Senior Lean Practitioner Black Belt who implements change at a strategic and operational level, supported by two deputies with contacts and experience in two HEIs, the Change SIG is dedicated to providing support, guidance, professional development and networking opportunities for any colleague interested in HE, who is leading or impacted by change, at all levels.
We welcome all colleagues, whether you are in a dedicated change role, interested in change as a subject or experiencing change.
The SIG can provide you with a platform to connect with other professionals to learn from their experiences, gain advice and generate momentum.
What can you expect from the Change SIG?
– A network of change related peers to enable your professional development
– In-person and online sessions to share knowledge and experience, furthering the ability of members to connect and support the sector
– An in person day forum annually to allow the members to meet and collaborate in person
To access more information and become a member of this SIG, sign into your AHEP account. Not an AHEP member? Join now!
Meet the Coordinators
Luke Phillimore, Change SIG Lead Coordinator
I have worked in Higher Education since 2007 in a variety of roles, starting at NTU before moving to the University of Nottingham. My current work portfolio includes a university wide improvement initiative of the on how the University undertakes personal tutoring and being the business partner for the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. I am currently engaged in a significant piece of work with the School of Health Sciences, looking at how to embed their school strategy and measure the benefits of achieving it. My professional interests are promoting continuous improvement thinking throughout the institution and Lean Leadership. I am also active in the wider sector, in my role as the AHEP Change Special Interest Group Lead.
Veena Dhulipala, Change SIG Deputy Coordinator
Student Systems Manager
Imperial College London
Veena has over 13 years’ experience within higher education administration, honing and providing excellent educational support through experiences at, Imperial College London, SOAS, University Arts London, University of Law and King’s College London and my operational experiences at City University, University College London, Roehampton University and Queen Mary University.
Alongside her professional experiences, she is a Fellow with the Association of Higher Education Professionals (AHEP), an Associate Consultant for both AHEP and Strive HE, holding a BA in Business Administration and Social Administration and an MA in Educational Leadership and Management as well as a Prince2 Agile Qualification. Veena also led a session at the AHEP 2025 annual conference looking at Sustainability within Professional Services Teams and Departments.
Equally, she has a strong commitment to diversity by serving as a volunteer coach for various coaching/mentoring programmes in the UK for 21–29-year-olds from a People of a Majority background wanting to work and progress within the HE Sector.
Throughout her tenure within the HE sector so far, she has excelled at being a highly adaptable and strategically focused leader ensuring significant contribution to organisation wide programmes to achieve optimum results. These successful experiences have included; leading and managing transformational projects, helping institutions, teams, and individuals through the change management process to support the implementation of new business processes, embedding good practice consistently with regards to the staff and student experience as well as managing systems, processes, and teams/people leadership.