Aspiring Governance Professionals

This programme includes three day sessions with a mixture of online and in-person.

– Day 1 (In-person): Tuesday, 11 February 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, B5 7QU

– Day 2 (Online): Tuesday, 18 March 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00

– Day 3 (Online): Tuesday, 13 May 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00 

Price: £400+VAT for AHEP ‘Associate’, ‘Member’, ‘Accredited’ and ‘Fellow’ and £500+VAT for non-members. Please note, this fee includes all three days. To take part in this programme, you will need to attend all three days.

About this workshop

Governance professionals play a crucial role in the effective functioning of higher education institutions. They ensure that institutions adhere to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, providing oversight and guidance to maintain accountability and transparency. 

In an increasingly complex higher education environment, governance professionals are essential for navigating challenges such as regulatory changes, financial pressures, and the demand for greater transparency. By ensuring that institutions operate within a robust governance framework, they contribute significantly to institutional success, sustainability, and trust among stakeholders. 

The work of governance professionals touches many areas of institutional life. To reflect the importance of the role we are hosting a series of hybrid events to level up your governance skills

Our unmissable, comprehensive, three-day programme is designed to equip new and aspiring HE governance professionals with the essential knowledge and skills needed to succeed in HE governance roles.  

Through a blend of in-person and online sessions, you will gain practical insights, explore best practices and develop your understanding of the HE governance landscape enabling you to build confidence in your expertise and advance your HE governance career. 

Details in brief

Day 1 (In-person): Tuesday, 11 February 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, B5 7QU

Day 2 (Online): Tuesday, 18 March 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00

Day 3 (Online): Tuesday, 13 May 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00 

Price: £400+VAT for AHEP ‘Associate’, ‘Member’, ‘Accredited’ and ‘Fellow’ and £500+VAT for non-members

If you have any questions or would like to joining the waiting list, please contact events@ahep.ac.uk

Who should attend?

  • New governance professionals in HE 
  • HE professional services staff with some governance/committee responsibilities 
  • Professionals transitioning from other sectors to HE governance roles 

Why attend?

If you want to excel in governance roles, secure your place and: 

  • Develop your understanding of good governance principles and best practices 
  • Gain practical skills to influence internal decision-making and assurance processes 
  • Learn from real-world case studies and experienced professionals in the field 
  • Network and build valuable connections with peers working in HE governance 
  • Enhance your career prospects in HE professional services and governance roles 

What you will do:   

Join our dynamic, hands-on workshops that delve into the essential elements of Higher Education governance, including:  

  • The difference between governance and management, between corporate and academic governance and other governance jargon. 
  • Case studies of good and poor governance practices 
  • The regulatory landscape and its impact on HE governance in each UK nation 
  • How to enhance student engagement in governance and why it matters 
  • The essential skills for success such as business scheduling, stakeholder relationship management including with senior leaders and influencing  

Learning Outcomes

Facilitated by an experienced governance professional, this programme will empower you to: 

  • Articulate the difference between governance and management in HE 
  • Identify factors contributing to good governance 
  • Understand the external regulatory environment’s impact on HE governance 
  • Explore best practices for student engagement in governance structures 
  • Appreciate the influence of governance professionals on decision-making 
  • Effectively manage business schedules and apply appropriate tools  
  • Develop key skills required for success in HE governance 

Delivery Methods

  • Day 1: In-person workshop and networking opportunities 
  • Days 2 & 3: Interactive online workshops and guided self-directed learning
  • Case studies and practical exercises 
  • Group discussions and collaborative problem-solving 
  • Ongoing peer and facilitator interaction via MS Teams

Please note:

  • The programme will not cover the more technical aspects of committee management such as agenda preparation and minute writing 
  • The programme will not run unless minimum numbers are met
  • The programme fee includes all three days and is not bookable by a single day.

AHEP Professional Framework

This workshop series closely aligns with the below framework behaviours. Click on each behaviour to find out more.

Engaging with the wider context – This is the strongest alignment, as the programme focuses heavily on:

Understanding the broader HE sector and regulatory framework

Keeping up-to-date with governance trends and practices

Sharing best practices in governance

Building networks across the sector

Understanding institutional values and structures

Demonstrating Responsible Practice and Personal Integrity – The programme emphasises:

Upholding high ethical standards in governance

Building trust and positive relationships with stakeholders

Making principled decisions

Ensuring fair and inclusive governance practices

Working together – The programme includes significant elements of:

Collaborative working across institutional boundaries

Building trust and relationships with various stakeholders

Developing effective communication skills for governance

Understanding how to influence and work with different groups

We look forward to welcoming you to this event.

Logistics

Day 1 of the programme will take place at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham B5 7QU. Find out more about the venue below:

About Edgbaston Stadium

Edgbaston is an accessible venue that has lift access to all rooms 

The main train station is Birmingham New Street which is 1.5 miles away. There are regular trains to Manchester and London, with a journey time under 90 minutes. From here, Edgbaston is accessible by bus, taxi or a 35-minute walk. National Express run a regular bus service (45 & 47) from the High Street to Pershore Road which is a 2-minute walk to the ground. 

The nearest Airport is Birmingham International Airport which is 10 miles away. 

Driving there is easy access from the M5, M6 and M42 and located next to the A441 access map via www.edgbaston.com/events/info/travel

Limited parking available to delegates, which must be reserved on-line on the Edgbaston website before the event: www.edgbaston.com/events/register-parking

If there are any accessibility requirements, we will let Edgbaston know who will endeavour to accommodate your requirements and provide you with a disabled parking spot. 

Catering will be available so please let the team know if you have any dietary requirements 

Accommodation is not included in the fee listed above. Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation. You can find out more about nearby hotels below:

Accommodation

Delegates are responsible for booking their own accommodation. There are two hotels within a three-mile radius of Edgbaston Stadium: 

Edgbaston Park Hotel, 53 Edgbaston Park Rd, Birmingham B15 2RS · 0121 414 8888 

Clayton Hotel Birmingham, Albert Street, Birmingham B5 5JE 0121 726 3200