AHEP Events

From decision to delivery: workload, capability and progression in professional services

Most institutional change is decided at senior level. It is team leaders, heads of service and practitioners who make it work. The Invisible Majority heard from 450 people across UK higher education, and 65% said change over the past five years had affected them negatively. The report sets out why, and what institutions could do differently. This interactive webinar brings those findings to the people who make institutional change work. It covers three areas: managing workload through change, making coordination work visible to decision-makers, and routes to development and progression. Attendees will leave with: - Evidence to bring to conversations with senior leaders about capacity and workload - Practical approaches from peers leading teams through change - A clearer view of development routes for themselves and their teams. What attendees raise will also feed into The Invisible Majority panel session at the ARC Annual Conference in Manchester on 2 November.

Open to AHEP members and ARC members.

Webinar: Invest now or pay later? The future of professional services in higher education

HEPI is hosting a webinar on Thursday 12 November to explore the findings of The invisible majority (HEPI Report 205), a study of the professional and support staff who make up 56 per cent of the UK higher education workforce and 48 per cent of its pay bill. These staff run student services, maintain buildings, manage research grants and operate digital systems. Yet most institutions respond to financial pressure through restructuring, hiring freezes and outsourcing, cutting the very capability they need to recover. Hosted with support from TechnologyOne and AHEP Consulting.

Introduction to Cultural Intelligence (CQ): How can CQ help you in your role?

This interactive session will introduce participants to Cultural Intelligence (CQ) and help navigate the complexities of culture. This will be done by real life examples, small group discussions of relatable scenarios, and practical tips to take away. The session will be led by Gosia Drewniok (one of the coordinators of the IHE SIG) and a guest speaker, Kelly Cotter (UWE). Both Gosia and Kelly are certified CQ facilitators and members of the CQ UK Community of Practice, and the workshop will build on their recent session delivered at the UKCISA 2026 conference. Organised by the International Higher Education SIG. Open to all AHEP members.

Open to all AHEP members.

Supporting Student Health and Wellbeing

The number of university students who report that they have a mental health condition has almost quadrupled over the past decade. By intentionally tackling the identified contributing factors to poor wellbeing through an innovative programme of activities, the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the Manchester Metropolitan University has supported its students through key transition periods of critical risk, including moving away from home, financial pressures and the absence of familiar support networks. Underpinned by accessibility and data informed activity design principles, this has been sustainably achieved through collaboration with students, internal services and external partners, most notably the sector leading work with St John Ambulance. Activities themselves range from in-person and online Application and Induction into the Faculty, exploring Manchester and navigating student life healthily and safely, Sports Tournaments, as well as First Aid, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention certification courses. All have demonstrably contributed to greater student inclusion and retention rates at growing pace, quality and scale. This session, presented by Jake Harding FAHEP, Student Enrichment Manager for Science and Engineering at Manchester Met, will explore the lessons learnt and key takeaways from delivering the Student Health and Wellbeing Programme that can be applied across the sector.

Student Experience and Engagement SIG Sip & Share – Welcome Week Debrief

SIG Sip & Share focuses on a specific Student Experience and Engagement topic, creating an informal space for networking, discussion, and knowledge sharing. So if you survived Welcome Week on the front line, supported it behind the scenes, or are simply keen to learn more about Welcome Week and Orientation programs, this is the perfect opportunity to step away from your emails, grab your favourite drink, and join us for our first SIG Sip & Share. We’ll be reflecting on the highs, memorable moments, challenges, and everything in between. Join the conversation to celebrate successes, share lessons learned, exchange ideas, and gather inspiration for future Welcome Week and Orientation programs. Whether you gained a new best practice, a funny story, or a few extra grey hairs, come share your experience with other AHEP Members and feel reassured that everyone else’s plans changed at least once too! Please note: This session will not be recorded to encourage open and candid discussion.

SEE SIG Members

Managing People - the problems and the fixes

Open to Education, Administration and Management SIG Members. During this session he will discuss frequently asked questions including how to: • Plan interactions and support for staff in a way that provides a clear pathway to high performing teams • Address underperformance and know what to do with 'Can't do' vs 'Won't do' situations • Manage challenging behaviours, including repeated, minor issues through a 'core competencies' approach.

Open to Education Administration and Management SIG Members.