I became involved in the association through the PGCert in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership.  Something I decided to undertake to develop my knowledge of HE as someone who was quite new to the sector.  Having previously worked in the Financial Services sector, I can confirm the differences are substantial!

In 2018 I moved to a role in the University Governance Team and was looking at options to develop my knowledge and network in this area.  I could not find anything that was really sector specific and aimed at my level.  I decided to approach the association about creating a new themed network.  It turned out I was not alone, and the association agreed to merge the proposal with one that had been put forward by colleagues from Newman University and the University of Leicester.  In late 2019 the Governance Themed Network was born, with 3 Co-leads, lots of ideas and enthusiasm.  In 2023 there are two AHEP Governance SIG Co-ordinators and we are developing several exciting plans.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our events.

In the day job, Alison has been Deputy Secretary and Head of Compliance at De Montfort University since September 2024.  In this role she deputises for the Registrar and Secretary, provides strategic leadership for the operation of governance and compliance activities and oversees the Corporate Governance, Information Governance and Executive Services functions.  Prior to joining DMU she was Strategic Planning Manager (Governance) at the University of Leicester from 2019-2024, and Senior Manager (Governance) at the Open University from 2016-2019.  In both roles she worked across a variety of corporate and academic governance processes and managed portfolios of governance projects with a particular focus on effectiveness.

Alison has over 13 years of experience in governance management roles across a variety of complex, highly-regulated sectors including national museums and academy schools as well as higher education. 

Alison is committed to professional development and has been an AHEP member ever since joining the HE sector.  Alongside her work she is completing a Level 7 Senior Leader Apprenticeship at DMU. 

Amanda Silverwood is Assistant Director of Strategic Planning (Governance & Strategic Projects) at Loughborough University and Deputy SIG Co‑ordinator for AHEP’s Governance Special Interest Group. She brings extensive experience in higher education and public‑sector governance, specialising in committee secretariat support, corporate governance advice and the development of effective governance frameworks. Amanda is passionate about strengthening governance practice and advancing equity across the sector.

Stuart is a Governance Officer at Birmingham City University (BCU) since 2022. He is Secretary to the Audit Committee and to the University’s subsidiary companies. He also supports the Board of Governors with its statutory requirements and corporate governance processes.

Before BCU, Stuart has worked in governance roles for a charity, professional body, trade union, social housing association and the NHS. He has over 11 years’ experience of supporting Boards and Committees including advising on governance and compliance activities and requirements.

Stuart is currently studying for an Advanced Certificate in Corporate Governance provided by the Chartered Governance Institute, and has previously completed training provided by Advance HE, the AHUA and BUFDG. He is a committed volunteer having been Secretary to a local grant-giving charity since 2016, and he is enthusiastic about helping other governance professionals and the HE sector to develop knowledge and ideas.

Derek Ord is Governance Manager at the University of Hull, where he leads on institutional governance, committee effectiveness and regulatory compliance. He supports the University Leadership Team and works closely with Council and Senate to ensure robust, transparent and enabling governance arrangements aligned to sector expectations. A graduate of the University of Hull, he has worked at the institution for nearly 30 years and brings extensive experience across higher education professional services.

His background includes a stint as an IT trainer before moving to HE and working in roles in registry, student records, examinations and committee governance, alongside experience in further education. He has a particular interest in governance reform, digital transformation in committee management, and the governance of artificial intelligence. He holds the IAPP Artificial Intelligence Governance Professional (AIGP) certification.

As Deputy Coordinator of the AHEP Governance Special Interest Group, Derek is committed to supporting governance professionals across the sector through shared practice and practical insight.

In his spare time, Derek works at Hull Truck Theatre, having long ago abandoned a ‘promising career’ as a roadie and DJ.