Independent Providers SIG
About the Independent Providers’ SIG
The Independent Member’s SIG has been formed to build a community for colleagues who work for or have an interest in the Independent Providers’ HE sector to come together and discuss challenges, opportunities and best practice and to offer support and advice. This group is also a place to seek/provide support and mentorship for colleagues new to this part of the sector, particularly those transitioning from the state sector.
What can you expect from the Independent Providers’ SIG?
Community Building: Fostering connections across the diverse Independent Providers HE sector for professionals of all levels as well as providing support and mentorship for colleagues new to this part of the sector.
Knowledge Sharing & Great Conversation: Facilitating the exchange of ideas, resources, and best practices among SIG members, contributing to a collective pool of expertise. Encouraging rich discussion in relation to current and potential upcoming challenges, opportunities and horizon scanning.
To access more information and become a member of this SIG, sign into your AHEP account. Not an AHEP member? Join now!
Meet the Coordinator(s)
Laila Barbe, Independent Providers SIG Coordinator
Director of University Central Administration & Associate Dean
BPP University
About Laila
By profession I am a qualified solicitor, having worked in Private practice as a Commercial Litigator at an International Law Firm in London, followed by leading an inhouse Legal team at a Higher Education institution.
Having also worked in Higher Education prior to my legal career as the former President and Managing Director of BPP’s Students’ Association, where I had the opportunity to advocate at key decision-making committees and influence policy and service delivery, I have always had a passion for the Higher Education sector.
As the Director of University Central Administration for BPP University I lead one of the biggest business units within the BPP Professional Education Group that operates the core administrative functions of the University. This role is similar to that of a ‘Registrar’ in traditional universities, I lead the teams who operationalise the; Exam Results processing for Exam Boards, Exam Operations for both face to face and remote exams, Graduation Ceremonies, Awards and Certificates, Student Loan Company Administration and Student Records. In addition, I work as an Associate Dean, leading significant strategic change management initiatives for the Deputy Vice Chancellor. Recent projects include leading the preparation of implementing International, Undergraduate programmes as well as reviewing the Careers and Social Impact team Service Offering.