Ambitious Futures

Ambitious Futures was the sector’s graduate trainee scheme for future leaders which was established in 2012 by the AHUA. The management of the scheme was put out to tender in 2015 and the contract awarded to the University of Nottingham. Unfortunately, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme closed to new entrants in 2020. It is hoped that it will be revived at some point when institutions are in a better position to take on trainees.

We wish all our past and current trainees all the very best in their future careers in this amazing sector.

AHUA Expert Exchange: Governing Student Recruitment: What Senior Leaders Need Their Boards to Ask

Thursday 21st May, 2026, 16.00-17.00

Drawing on recent sector experience and governance reviews, this webinar will explore how executives can support boards to challenge recruitment targets constructively. Panellists from Huron will explore what boards might expect to see on recruitment, how committees can divide oversight effectively, and how dashboards, scenario modelling and risk indicators can enable earlier, better‑quality conversations.