Evolution in motion
Universities have shown great resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and have moved quickly and collaboratively to respond to the challenges it presented. Technology has enabled transformation to happen apace, with digital innovation top of the agenda for most institutions: it is innovation borne out of necessity to survive.
The pace and scope of change are unparalleled and this has required an enormous commitment from senior leaders within the sector, working closely with their teams and those of other institutions to sustain their academic and research capabilities, physical building assets, as well as support students at home and internationally, and of course continue to generate income.
Specialist leadership advisors to:
- Alternative providers
- Commercial education
- Edtech
- Research organisations
- Specialist institutions
- Universities
Our experience
We have worked collaboratively to support leadership roles for universities across the UK and internationally since our business began. Over this time, we have seen Higher Education institutions seek to innovate and diversify to ensure they are fit to operate in an ever-changing modern world. We are here to support and evolve with universities as they emerge from the impacts of the pandemic and begin to move from a reaction and resilience phase towards recovery.
Senior Higher Education leaders are shifting in their ways of working and the approach they are taking at Executive and non-Executive level: reassessing strategic priorities, continuously and proactively reviewing and tackling impacts on students and staff, and working to address the wider imbalances that the pandemic has caused. This is a sector that was already making great strides in its evolution, and that is only showing signs of acceleration. This is a reality that must be embraced and moved forwards by its leaders – current and emerging – to support and nurture the bright young minds, and leaders, of tomorrow.
Meet our team
Bringing forward passionate and diverse Board Leaders
Senior board appointments require a highly targeted, personalised search to identify appropriately qualified senior leaders, and it is essential that each of them is then approached by an articulate and well-informed advisor. Through our dedicated board practice, we appoint over 250 chair and non-executive roles every year: our networks give us extensive reach across sectors, and deep insights into the challenges – and opportunities – faced by boards today.
Developing high-performing boards
Saxton Bampfylde has the expertise and experience to provide chairs with the comprehensive insight they need to run an effective board, having led governance reviews at both executive and non-executive level. Our review process is designed to be relatively light-touch, allowing boards to comply fully with governance recommended practice and providing data and practical recommendations that can be used to improve board/team effectiveness, maximise strengths, and tackle weaknesses. Our view is structured around a tried and tested model, but can be adapted to specific organisational needs.
COVID – a catalyst in HEI leadership?
As universities move from the reaction and resilience phase of the pandemic to the recovery phase, sector leaders have started to take action, reassessing strategic priorities and working to address the imbalances that the pandemic has caused. For this research, we have consulted with both vice chancellors and chairs from a
range of Higher Education institutions across the UK to gain an understanding of the extent to which COVID-19 has driven change and accelerated evolution within the sector.
Our research will be published at the end of June
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