Applications for 2027/2028 now open
Please complete this online application form by Thursday 19 November 2026 at 5pm.
Applications will be reviewed on Wednesday 9 December 2026 with successful candidates notified w/c 14 December 2026.
For the application, you will need to provide the following:
- personal statement outlining:
- your experience, including roles beyond your functional remit and sector wide roles;
- your career aspirations;
- how you hope the programme will support your career development.
- copy of your CV;
- letter of commitment from a member of the University Executive confirming that the time and funding will be made available, together with an indication of what they hope you will gain from the Programme.
Any questions please contact the AHUA team.
Development Partner
As an AHUA Development Partner, Perrett Laver makes a valuable contribution to our programmes, working with us to deliver specialist masterclasses that support up and coming talent.The Perrett Laver team brings significant sector expertise that benefits Association members. If you would like further information about their experience and current vacancies for which they are recruiting, please contact their team here
Who Should Attend
The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme is designed for professional services leaders who are considering the next step in their career. It prepares participants for the most senior professional services roles within a university, whether titled Registrar, Chief Operating Officer, University Secretary or Head of University Administration. The programme offers a unique opportunity to explore this diverse and challenging role and to reflect on your readiness for this or other leadership positions.
The programme 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/COO/University Secretary. The nature of this programme 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 three to five 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 who will be happy to discuss 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
- an online Welcome Event, at which you will meet fellow participants and your Programme Directors;
- three development one-to-one sessions with one of the Programme Directors (who is also an experienced coach), at the start, mid-way point and end of the programme;
- psychometric feedback at the start of the programme;
- a two and a half day 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;
- one half-day and three 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 runs over 12 months, combining individual coaching, peer learning and practical development across eight days. It begins with an online welcome event, followed by an individual coaching session with one of the Programme Directors and personalised psychometric feedback to help you identify your strengths, development priorities and goals for the year ahead. You will then take part in a two and a half day Residential, four facilitated action learning sets and an Aspiring to Applying workshop, designed to increase your self-awareness and deepening your understanding of your strengths and development needs.
Dates of the 2027 Programme
We continue to refine this popular programme to enhance the experience for participants. With a mix of online and in-person sessions, the amount of time required away from the office is minimised, whilst providing regular, high-quality learning and contact with the rest of the cohort. The residential module, the Aspiring to Applying practical workshop, and three of the four Action Learning sessions are 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, Tuesday 26 January 2027, 10.00 – 12.00.
- One-to-one session: one-hour session online, w/c 8 February 2027, times to be agreed.
- Residential programme: in person, at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre. Tuesday 16 March, 13.00 to Thursday 18 March 2027, 16.30 (Overnight accommodation and dinners are covered by the Programme fee)
- Four action learning sets:
- Wednesday 28 April 2027, 9.30-13.00, online
- Thursday 1 July 2027, 9.00 – 16.00, 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)
- Thursday 9 September 2027, 9.00 – 16.00, 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)
- Thursday 13 January 2028, 9.00 – 16.00, hosted by a participating institution (location TBA) with optional diner the night before (dinner and overnight accommodation to be paid for by participants)
- ‘Aspiring to Applying’ Workshop: in person, at Shakespeare Martineau, Birmingham, Thursday 11 November 2027, 9.00 – 16.30, with dinner the night before (dinner and overnight accommodation to be paid for by participants).
- One-to-one session: two one-hour sessions online,
- Dates TBA, mid-point check in
- w/c 31 January 2028, times to be agreed
Bursaries for Black/Global Majority/Diaspora members of staff
The AHUA is offering four applicants, who identify as Black/Global Majority/Diaspora, the opportunity to receive a bursary of £1,000 (realised as a reduction in the course fee). If you are eligible, please complete the bursary section of the application. You will be asked to briefly explain how a bursary would support your participation and help address any institutional barriers.
What previous participants have said…
Programme Fee
Programme Directors
Rachel Holmes
Rachel is a coach, facilitator and leadership development consultant with over 30 years’ experience in the private and public sectors. After an early career with a major publisher of psychometric feedback tools, providing accreditation and support to clients across a wide range of organisations, Rachel established her independent consultancy in 2001. Originally a team development specialist, she now offers 1-1 coaching, team and event facilitation and bespoke leadership programmes focused on enabling people to enjoy their work, collaborate effectively and have greater impact. Having worked with clients in the H.E. sector since 2007, Rachel is a member of the pool of AHUA registered coaches providing support to both newly appointed and experienced COOs, Registrars and Secretaries, through coaching and facilitated Action Learning Sets. Rachel is also a co-director of the AHUA’s other flagship development offering, the Professional Service Directors’ Programme.
Kim Newton-Woof
After a decade working in higher education, Kim now operates as an independent leadership consultant, facilitator, executive coach and supervisor. While remaining a trusted partner within the university sector, she also works with leaders across health, finance, media, charity and further education. Kim designs and facilitates coaching, leadership and team development that helps people better understand themselves, their situation and the choices available to them. Taking a human-first approach, she creates practical, reflective spaces where leaders can navigate complexity, strengthen their judgement and make meaningful change. An AHUA Associate based in Southampton, Kim provides coaching for newly appointed AHUA members, facilitates the Association’s Action Learning Sets and is co-director of the Professional Service Directors’ Programme.
