The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme is aimed at senior university staff looking to move into the role of Registrar / Chief Operating Officer. It comprises a 2.5 day residential, individual coaching, learning sets and workshop. The Programme runs every two years.
The next iteration will take place in 2025. The application process will open in Autumn 2024.
If you would like to take part in the next Programme, please complete this form to submit your interest.
The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme is aimed at individuals actively considering a move into the most senior Professional Services position in the university, a role which may be titled Registrar, Chief Operating Officer, Head of University Administration, or University Secretary. It offers participants a unique opportunity to explore this diverse and challenging role, and to reflect on their readiness for this, or indeed 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. The nature of this programme means that it will appeal to those wishing to take stock of their career and maximise 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.
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.
£5,750 for AHUA member institutions; £6,750 for non-member institutions.
The AHUA is VAT exempt so no VAT will be added to the above.
The deadline for applications has now closed. Applicants will need to provide:
Please note that entry to the Programme is on a competitive basis.
For more information please contact Catherine Webb , AHUA’s Executive Secretary.
For terms and conditions relating to all AHUA’s programmes, please see here.
“The programme has helped me immeasurably as I have progressed in my career. It gave me the space to understand better and reflect on my own personal leadership style and how that was impacting me in trying to get the things done in my university. It also provided real focus to me in determining how I wanted my career to progress and what I needed to do to get where I wanted to be. The programme led to impact for both my employer but also for me personally and has helped me take the next step in my leadership journey”.
Kieron Broadhead, Executive Director of Student Experience, University of Southampton
“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
“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
And from a University perspective…
“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
