Aspiring Governance Professionals

This series is ideal for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of governance in higher education, regardless of their level of experience. Whether you are new to governance, a professional services staff member with committee responsibilities, or transitioning from another sector into a governance-related role, the insights and learning provided will be relevant and transformational to your work.

This unmissable, comprehensive, three-day programme is designed to equip new, aspiring and developing 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.

‘Our sector needs colleagues who are committed to driving, developing and delivering effective governance. If you’re new to governance in higher education, are looking to move into this space, or already balancing governance responsibilities, this series will help develop your skills.’ 

– Jim Irving, Pro Vice-Chancellor Students and Governance at Southampton Solent University.

Why attend?

This programme offers an invaluable opportunity to strengthen your expertise and advance your career in higher education governance. You’ll deepen your understanding of good governance principles and best practices, gain practical skills to positively influence decision-making and assurance processes, and learn from real-world case studies shared by experienced professionals.

Additionally, you’ll have the chance to network with peers in HE governance, building connections that can support your professional growth and open doors to future opportunities.

Details in brief

Day 1 (In-person): Tuesday, 18 March 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, B5 7QU

Day 2 (Online): Tuesday, 13 May 2025 from 10:00 – 16:00

Day 3 (Online): Tuesday, 17 June 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

For £400+VAT, access:

World-Class Expertise: Access to an expertly designed programme led by experienced higher education governance professionals.
Master the Art of Exceptional Governance: Dive deep into the principles and best practices that drive success.
Lead with Influence and Impact: Hone practical skills to shape decision-making and assurance processes with authority.
Get Insider Access to Real-World Solutions: Learn from compelling case studies and the expertise of industry leaders.
Connect with the Best in HE Governance: Build powerful networks with like-minded professionals across the sector.
Fast-Track Your Career: Elevate your prospects in professional services and governance with in-demand expertise.
Resource Package: Receive course materials and resources you can reference long after the training.
Catering Included: Enjoy a full day of in-person training with delicious refreshments and lunch provided.
Dedicated Support: Benefit from expert guidance and follow-up support to help you apply what you’ve learned.

What you will learn
  • 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
  • How 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 

‘Good governance is crucial. While there are lots of sessions out there that, what is unique about this training offer is it focuses exclusively on the Higher Education context and has been designed by those working in HE institutions. From it you will take away knowledge and connections that will last your entire governance career.’

– Rachel Hill-Kelly, Assistant Company Secretary, QAA

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

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 

Speaker

Dawn Turpin

Lead Consultant

AHEP Consulting

About Dawn

Dawn leads on AHEP Consulting’s governance activity with experience of working across the education sector primarily in higher education but also in independent and multi-academy trust schools. She has conducted governance effective reviews for a number of higher education institutions including chartered, post-92, specialist and private providers, together with providing broader consultancy support for committee servicing. Dawn was previously Head of Governance at The Open University where she was responsible for the University’s governance arrangements across the four UK nations and has served as a co-opted member of the then AUA Board of Trustees. Outside of HE she has worked as a company secretary in the private sector and served as a lay representative for Health Education England.

Connect with Dawn on LinkedIn