Latest

Increase in cyber security attacks requires a sector-wide strategic response

Posted by Henry Hughes on
Cyber security attacks are on the rise. Henry Hughes, Director of Security at Jisc, offers several preventative approaches and reactive defences to help strengthen our universities against cyber crime.
A pile of colourful Lego bricks.

The pros and cons of modularisation: build your own adventure?

Posted by Ant Bagshaw on
The move towards modularisation has begun. Dr Ant Bagshaw, principal management consultant at Nous Group, considers the opportunities and challenges that this will bring to the sector. Are students ready to build their own adventure?
People gathered in a circle, placing their hands on top of one another.

New chair, new opportunity: Our relationship with the Office for Students

Posted by Tony Strike on
The Office for Students has a new chair. It could be time for a relationship reboot. Tony Strike, University Secretary at the University of Sheffield, considers the challenges that Lord Wharton will face, and how we can forge a better partnership with the OfS moving forwards.

Reviewing the Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code

Posted by Victoria Holbrook on
Focus on fair senior staff pay has heightened since the pandemic. There is no better time to review the Higher Education Senior Staff Remuneration Code. Victoria Holbrook, Assistant Director, Governance, at Advance HE, offers her reflections from the review.

A Six-point Plan to Defend Freedom of Speech in our Universities

Posted by Tony Strike on
Freedom of speech must be defended in our universities. Tony Strike, University Secretary at the University of Sheffield, and Smita Jamdar, Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, offer their six-point plan for protecting intellectual debate on our campuses. 

Building stakeholder confidence with integrated reporting

Posted by Kim Ansell on
The Office for Students has announced a phased resumption of regulatory requirements to reduce bureaucracy and burden. Kim Ansell, Senior Advisor and Managing Consultant at Advance HE, suggests we use this time to review how we report on the sustainability of our universities. Integrated reporting could provide our stakeholders with a clearer, fuller picture. 

Are Universities Boiling Frogs?

Posted by Smita Jamdar on
Smita Jamdar, Partner and Head of Education at Shakespeare Martineau, asks whether government interventions are putting institutional autonomy at risk.

Taking the Long View on Student Number Control

Posted by Tony Strike on
Tony Strike, University Secretary at the University of Sheffield, shares his views on student number control measures in light of COVID-19.

Reasons to be cheerful on Blue Monday

Posted by Tony Strike on
Dr Tony Strike, University Secretary at the University of Sheffield explores how the HE sector faces up to government changes and Brexit with a positive mindset.
European Flag flying outside Downing Street

Brexit Extension: Let’s Not Waste This Time

Posted by Tony Strike on
Dr Tony Strike, University Secretary at the University of Sheffield shares approaches to the possibility of a no-deal Brexit: 'preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best’.