The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme 2026/2027

Applications now open

Please click here to register for the Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme

Application deadline Thursday 20th November 2025 at 9am; Outcome decisions will be communicated on Monday 8th December 2025

Who Should Attend

The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme is for individuals actively considering a move into the most senior Professional Services position at a university, a role that may be titled Registrar, Chief Operating Officer, Head of University Administration, or University Secretary. The program offers a unique opportunity to explore this diverse and challenging role and to reflect on readiness for it, or for other leadership positions.

The program is suitable for those currently working at the level of Director/Head of any of the principal Administrative and Professional Service functions or Deputy Registrar. The nature of this program means it will appeal to those who wish to take stock of their career and maximize their potential.

Participants are likely to have been operating at their current level for 3 to 5 years, be reporting to the Registrar/COO, and be on the cusp of applying for a more senior role. Applicants will also need to have the confirmed support of a member of their Executive team.

If you are unsure if the programme is right for you, please contact the AHUA development consultant Robin Henderson (robin@myconsultants.net) who will be happy to disucss the programme further with you.

Programme Focus

Understanding the variety of ways in which the Registrar/COO role is carried out across the sector and the opportunities this presents;
Assessing your readiness for such a leadership position and the importance of having the right ‘fit’ in terms of role and institution;
Exploring the complex set of relationships between senior figures in the university structure;
Increasing your self-awareness and the understanding of your strengths and development needs.

Programme Includes

A development one-to-one session with a Programme Director at both the start and finish of the programme;
A 2.5 residential programme with both practical input and space for reflection;
Contributions from both newly appointed and more experienced AHUA members (COOs, Registrars, University Secretaries), as well as a Vice Chancellor and Chair of Council, to provide a rounded view of what to expect in these roles;
Four full-day action-learning sessions – facilitated by an experienced coach;
A workshop on preparing to apply for your next role, delivered in conjunction with a leading sector recruitment consultant and an experienced HR professional. The session will cover the recruitment process and sector trends, and you’ll receive tailored feedback on your CV and general application tips.

Programme Structure

The programme takes place across 7.5 days over 12 months. It begins with an introductory meeting with all participants, followed by a one-to-one meeting with a Programme Director (who is also a professional coach), providing the chance to prepare for the programme and explore your specific development needs. This is followed by a residential programme, four action learning sets and a workshop dedicated to equipping participants for the appointment process.

Dates of the 2026 Programme

We’ve refined the program schedule to enhance the experience for all participants. By increasing the use of online content for the action learning sets, we can reduce the amount of time you need to be away from the office while still providing the same high-quality learning. We have, of course, retained the core residential workshops as in-person events, as we know how much participants value the opportunity for interactive sessions and building strong professional networks face-to-face.

Welcome session: online, Wednesday 27th January 2026, 10.00 – 12.00.
One-to-one session: a two-hour session online, w/c 9th February 2026, times to be agreed.
Residential programme: in person, at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre. Tuesday 3rd March 2026, 13.00 to Thursday 5th March, 16.00 (Overnight accommodation and dinners are covered by the Programme fee)
Four action learning sets:
- Wednesday 22nd April 2026, 9.30-13.00, online
- Thursday 25th June 2026, 9.00 – 16.30, in person, hosted by a participating institution (location TBA) with optional diner the night before (dinner and overnight accommodation to be paid for by participants)
- Tuesday 8th September 2026, 9.30 – 13.00, online
- Thursday 14th January 2027, 9.00 – 16.30, hosted by a participating institution (location TBA) with optional diner the night before (dinner and overnight accommodation to be paid for by participants)

Workshop ‘Aspiring to Applying’: in person, at Shakespeare Martineau, Birmingham, Thursday 12 November 2026, 9.00 – 16.30, with dinner the night before (dinner and overnight accommodation to be paid for by participants).
One-to-one session: a one-hour session online, w/c 1st February 2027, times to be agreed.

Bursaries for Black/Global Majority/Diaspora members of staff

The AHUA is offering two members of staff, who identify as Black/Global Majority/Diaspora, the opportunity to receive a bursary of £2,000 (realised as a reduction in the course fee).

What previous participants have said…

The networking was fantastic, and the training and discussion topics were incredibly relevant – every minute was valuable! I felt supported by an amazing group of people and trainers who truly understood our needs. Since then, I’ve confidently stepped up to a higher-level role.

Anna Dulic-Sills, Chief Operating Officer (Interim), St George’s, University of London

The programme was highly valuable with a clear focus on understanding what it means to be a COO/Registrar and how to get there. The learning set groups were cohesive and excellently facilitated. Two years after finishing the official programme our group of varied participants still meets regularly. The programme has enabled me to work closely with my line manager and COO as well as being a more efficient member of the University Executive Group.

Thomas Veit, Director of External Relations, University of Dundee

I found the programme a fantastic opportunity that prepared me for the role of Registrar and Secretary/COO through meaningful development of my knowledge, skills and behaviours. It gave me access to high quality expertise and insights that included the course leaders and guest speakers. The programme challenged and supported me as well as providing me with the head-space to reflect and grow outside of my existing ‘day job’. The peer network that I established became a group of valued and trusted colleagues that still provide support and encouragement, four years on. I highly recommend it.

Andrea Bolshaw, University Secretary and Registrar, Newman University

The programme was one of the most useful professional development programmes I have ever undertaken. The insights into what it is like to be at the next level were invaluable and the networking was really useful. The course was engaging and expertly facilitated. I have made connections which I am certain will support me throughout my whole career.

Joanne Cooke, Associate Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Student and Academic Services, De Montfort University

From a University point of view, I feel the programme has helped our participant to reflect and develop as a leader in a way that has led to him being able to make an even more effective strategic contribution to the work of the University Executive Group and has enhanced his capacity to support and deputise for me as Secretary and COO.

Jim McGeorge, University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, University of Dundee

Programme Fee

AHUA member institutions

£5,500

(VAT exempt)

Non-member institutions:

£6,500