Issue Number 79, Summer 2014
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Annual Conference and Exhibition 2014 The future of higher education in Scotland How to give great presentations
EDITOR’S INTRODUCTION FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE Page 1
Editor’s introduction
Page 2
Chair’s Column
Page 4
Incoming Chair’s Column
Page 5
Postgraduate Certificate graduates
Page 6
Q&A with John Ryan MBE
Page 8
International news
Page 11
Annual Conference and Exhibition 2014
Page 17
Are you busy?
Dr Giles H Brown FAUA, Editor Newslink
Page 20
Individual and organisational accreditation – PEAS Final Updates
Page 22 Page 24
Perspectives
Page 25
Development Conference and Annual Lecture
Page 26
The future of higher education in Scotland
Page 29
AUA News
Page 30
Upcoming AUA events
Page 31
Meet the National Office
Front Cover Images by Tempest Photography
Newslink is not only about the Association but about individuals
How to give great presentations
Dr Giles H Brown
Publications have been an integral part of the AUA’s
accessible. In light of this, I hope you will see Newslink as
portfolio for many years, providing a vehicle for communicating
an opportunity to share your views and experiences with
the activities of the Association, a means of delivering
other members of the AUA!
training and support and an outward-facing exemplar of both the professionalisation of our profession and the standing
I envisage having both regular and occasional features
and integral importance of the AUA in the HE sector. Newslink
covering a range of issues, from professional development
has been a key publication for the Association and I am
tips to finding out what others do, and importantly, how and
delighted to have been asked to edit its relaunch in hard copy.
why they do it the way they do and what they have learned from their experiences. This sharing of personal experiences
Newslink is not only about the Association but about
will, I believe, be key to the success of the publication and I
individuals; an opportunity for you, the member, to find
hope you enjoy this newly relaunched hard copy Newslink
out about the activities, successes and achievements of
and find it both useful and stimulating. It is your publication
other members and share experiences and good practice.
and in addition to offers of articles, we would welcome
It covers news, as well as information, and aims to convey
feedback on current and future content as we establish the
content which is of interest to everyone, in a style which is
headings and format for future issues.
Newslink Summer 2014 - 1
CHAIR’S COLUMN Matthew Andrews FAUA, Chair of AUA and Academic Registrar, Oxford Brookes University
Association is ‘to advance and assist in the advancement of
more mundane tasks as Chair could be being the manager of
education‘. Higher education is something which enables
the National Office, but the task has been made light by the
individuals to build better lives, and through higher education
excellence of our colleagues based there. They are a small team
benefits accrue to society at large, from the local to the global
that cover a broad portfolio of work with uniform excellence:
context. We have jobs of importance to do, and must do them well.
from finance, databases, and web-site development, to publications, programme management, event organisation and
Finally, I can’t leave my final article as Chair without thanking
Higher education is something which enables individuals to build better lives
securing sponsorship. They are an asset to the Association.
those alongside whom it has been my pleasure to work over the past two years. As Chair I have met and worked with many,
Perhaps the greatest pleasure of the last two years, however, is
many engaged members who bring life to the AUA in so many
my last one: the knowledge and confidence that my successor
ways: your vigour is humbling. (Climbing Snowdon or cycling
will far exceed whatever it was that I was able to achieve. As
Matthew Andrews
Is two years a long time? It’s time enough to feel like a long
too continue to be strongly represented at the Annual Conference.
time at the start but short enough to have flown by at the end.
That international dimension adds to our activities and I’m sure
And such are my thoughts as I write my final article as Chair:
like me you will have enjoyed conversations with colleagues from
where has the time gone?
Nigeria, Japan, America, and many other places. While thinking of international colleagues, I’m pleased too to see the launch of our
The past two years have been challenging, rewarding, tiring,
next Study Tour, this time visiting Poland. The other highlight of
and, not least of all, fun. I hope I can claim some achievements
our regular calendar of events is the Annual Lecture, and I feel
too, and in them take some pride. The accreditation scheme
privileged to have introduced two inspiring speakers at that event:
was launched on my first day as Chair and is starting to take
both Liam Burns (our first student lecturer) and Professor Wendy
its place as a way in which staff working in higher education
Purcell gave us inspiring addresses. The list of speakers at AUA
administration and management can show their commitment to
events over the past two years reads like a Who’s Who of the
their personal and professional development. It always needs to
leading voices in higher education today: Mark Pegg, Mary
be remembered that the scheme is not just about the outward
Curnock-Cook, Nicola Dandridge, Madeleine Atkins, Nancy
sign of having achieved Accredited Membership or Fellowship,
Rothwell, John Brooks, Petra Wend, etc. Our ability to attract
but the internal change on an individual of engaging with how
such high profile speakers is testimony to the strength of the AUA.
they can develop as an effective professional. Inevitably, there are also areas where I would have liked to see We produced a healthy surplus in 2012/13 for the first time in
greater progress. Our total membership remains broadly the same
several years and with prudent planning we expect to produce
and it is important that we work together to change that. To
a surplus in 2013/14 and our budget is for a surplus in 2014/15
achieve growth, however, you have an important role to play too:
too. These surpluses will be ploughed back into real benefits
each and every AUA member has a responsibility to help grow
for members, and will help ensure that the AUA continues for
our Association. It’s too important to be left to the Board and
many years to come. Working with the team in the National
National Office alone! Ask yourself the question: what can I do to
Office, and the Board of Trustees, we have developed a
make the AUA vibrant locally? I know that you will find an
comprehensive and sustainable business model. The revisions
interesting answer to that question, and all I ask is that you
from London to Manchester certainly requires vigour!) The
Vice-Chair in 2014/15 I look forward to supporting our new Chair,
to the Constitution, agreed at the AGMs in 2013 and 2014, have
make it happen.
Board of Trustees has been a pleasure to work with: supportive,
Tessa Harrison. Many of you know that I have a strong interest
imaginative, eager and dedicated to advancing our Association I
in the history of higher education, and through that interest
Growth is important because of what the AUA stands for. Those
have looked forward to each and every meeting as an opportunity
I was reading about the appointment of a new Professor in
Our events programme goes from strength to strength, with
people who attended the launch event for our new strategy, now
to engage with a trusted group of colleagues. I have also had
the early 1830s. The right person needed to offer an all-round
excellent attendance at our various one-day and regional events
two years ago, will hopefully remember what I had to say about
the great pleasure and privilege to be supported by Alison Johns,
match in terms of acquirements, judgement, temper and taste.
as well as increasing UK delegate numbers at our Annual Conference:
our Charitable Object and I have taken every opportunity since
who has been an outstanding President and is the strongest
The alignment of our incoming Chair to the needs of the AUA
up from 526 in 2013 to 548 in 2014. Our international delegates
(including this one!) to return to the theme. The Object of the
advocate for our Association I know. In some ways one of the
could not be more perfect in each of these qualities.
also helped usher in more robust forms of governance.
2 - Newslink Summer 2014
Board of Trustees (from left): Nicola Owen, John Ryan MBE, Melissa Bradley, Chris Hallas, Tessa Harrison, Matthew Andrews, Kenton Lewis MBE, Rachel Birds, Alison Johns, Kathy Fowler and Steven Quigley
Newslink Summer 2014 - 3
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE GRADUATES The AUA Postgraduate Certificate provides an opportunity for those working in higher education to recognise their knowledge and experience and gain a professional qualification. The Graduation Ceremony for the Award took place on Monday 14 April 2014 during the Annual Conference and Exhibition
IN-COMING CHAIR’S COLUMN Tessa Harrison FAUA, Vice-Chair or AUA and Registrar, University of Southampton
We cannot afford to stand back and wait for others to define the questions and provide the answers. Tessa Harrison
in Manchester. Will Hutton, announced the following successful graduates. AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice (higher education administration and management) Linda Barr MAUA University of Cumbria
Helen Fitch MAUA City University London
Wendy Magowan, University of Edinburgh
Sam Bayley FAUA University of York
Emma Flight AAUA Roehampton University
Alison Mansell, ifs School of Finance
Olivia Cameron MAUA Newcastle University
Alice Greenland MAUA University of the West of England
Shirley Marlin MAUA King’s College London
Irena Cheyney MAUA Queen Mary University of London
Edmund Hayes MAUA Newham College
Anne Marie O’Mullane MAUA University of Edinburgh
Gemma Elliott MAUA Jisc infoNet
Louise Jones AAUA Durham University
Alison Wilkerson MAUA Cranfield University
Rachel Evans MAUA University of Kent
Charlotte Lynsdale, University of Kent
Over the last few weeks I have been
to control in our universities. It was an
For 60 years the AUA has been a
exposed to a range of different perspectives
accessible overview of the role of UK
constant commentator on the changing
about the changes within higher education.
higher education changing from being
nature of HE, supporting us through
I have heard about the implications of an
the preserve of a few to becoming a
national, regional and local activities and
A group of Graduate Trainees from the
The following graduated:
unregulated market when the student
mass system to achieve the political
networks to understand the world in
Ambitious Future scheme were also
Matthew Billington MAUA
number cap is removed; the likely HE
imperatives of social mobility and
which we operate and to provide ‘safe
recognised for completing one of the
The validation of the AUA PgCert and
economic prosperity. This brought super
spaces’ to share our anxieties, our
AUA PgCert modules. Ambitious Futures
Claire Blevins MAUA
policy positions of the main political parties
development of the PgDip and MSc with
complexity into our lives as the funding
experiences and our ideas. We regularly
was launched by the Association of
Katie Blow MAUA
as we approach the general election in
regime changed and increased regulatory
hear from sector leaders about the issues
Heads of University Administration as a
of the day and in this way build our
three year pilot programme in 2012
2015; the changes to the Committee of University Chairs governance code of
control was imposed to ensure universities
Graduate Trainees – Reflective practice for work-based learning
Jessica Clark MAUA Deborah Evanson MAUA Jonathan Marshall MAUA
practice; the role of quality assurance in
were delivering the government of the
understanding and reaffirm our
with a view to it becoming a national
a more diverse HE system; the student
day’s political promises. These changes
professional values. I would say this
scheme by 2016. The personal
experience and what it really means to
brought with them the need for mission
wouldn’t I but there has never been a more
development of graduate trainees
‘put students at the heart of the system’;
groups and for professional specialists
important time to be informed about and
is key to the success of Ambitious
the challenges of operating within an ever
to make sense of the new environment
engaged with the sector within which
Futures, and participants undertake
Hayley Simpson MAUA
increasing regulatory burden, and the
leading to debates about the role of ‘the
we work. We operate in rapidly changing
the Reflective practice for work-based
Kimberley Smith MAUA
implications of ‘the end of the world as we
administration’ that continue today.
times; times of uncertainty and ambiguity.
learning to support their development.
Laura Smyth MAUA
Writing this article for Newslink provides
Our students rightly have high demands
AUA is investing in its support for local and
a useful prompt to pause and reflect on
of us; our academics require us to create
regional networks and is in the process
what I’ve heard and especially to think
the space they need to research and teach
of refreshing its programme of CPD
about what this means for professional
and our institutions need us to join things
activities to ensure they are relevant for
services staff working in our institutions.
up to deliver efficient and seamless
your needs as professionals working with
This is particularly timely as I prepare to
services. To some extent none of this is
uncertainty and ambiguity. I urge members
take up the role of Chair of the AUA in
new but the rapidly changing external
to engage in growing the Association
August this year.
context is new and requires us to think
through explaining its relevance to
and behave in much more joined up ways
those who haven’t yet discovered the
Those of you who attended the Annual
in our institutions as they seek to
benefits of being a member and to be
Conference back in April will have heard
differentiate themselves in an increasingly
part of building strong local and regional
me talk about the need for the AUA to
crowded market place. We cannot afford
networks that develop our professional
grow through relevance and engagement.
to stand back and wait for others to define
knowledge and personal awareness. The
In our conference delegate packs we
the questions and provide the answers.
future is now, so get connected.
received a short publication which
We need to keep up to date, to communicate
explored the transition from freedom
and to influence.
Kathleen Minett MAUA James Pipkin MAUA Annette Samuel MAUA
New Validation for the AUA PgCert
effect from 1 October 2014 will transfer to Nottingham Trent University from the Open University. The new collaboration with NTU will include the validation of a Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma and MSc in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership. If you would like further information, please contact: aua@aua.ac.uk
know it’ on the leadership of our institutions.
4 - Newslink Summer 2014
Graduates (from left): Linda Barr, Alice Greenland, Anne Marie O’Mullane, Sam Bayley, Emma Flight, Gemma Elliott, Alison Wilkerson, Olivia Cameron and Irena Cheyney and image of Graduate Trainee James Pipkin
Newslink Summer 2014 - 5
Q&A WITH JOHN RYAN MAUA MBE
that serendipity plays a significant part in our lives. People
expectation that we should be connected twenty-four-seven.
should have an idea of career trajectory but over-mapping can
This exerts a pernicious influence – I have maintained a work/
John Ryan is University Secretary and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Students at the University of Worcester.
often lead to disappointment. Know your strengths, know
life balance and my sanity by refusing to participate.
As University Secretary John is responsible for corporate governance and acts as Clerk to the Board
your weaknesses, understand your aspirations and inhibitors
of Governors. Within his PVC role John is responsible for student engagement and for managing
recognise your needs, and try and accommodate all of these.
As a member of the Association, what are your thoughts on the AUA?
How do you balance the demands of your day job with your additional work-related activities such as the AUA?
It is a splendid organisation that offers real support to
I have the best assistant anyone could possibly hope for and I
must continue to strive to make membership of the Association
adopt the view that there are always more tasks than I could
and support for it the obvious choice for individuals working
possibly achieve in a day and therefore to survive and remain
within the sector at all levels to join and for those in positions of
sane I have to prioritise. I also make sure that I do important
influence to support.
the University’s relationship with the student body. He chairs the University’s Diversity and Equality and Environment Committees and is Vice-Chair of the Learning, Teaching and Student Experience Committee. John has been a long-term supporter and champion of the AUA; he served as Chair of the Association between 2002 and 2004 and is currently a Trustee and Chair of the Board of Studies for the PgCert. In addition, John is a member of the UCAS Council and of the Board of the Equality Challenge Unit. John was awarded an MBE for services to higher education in 2014.
individuals and to the emerging profession of HE management and administration – it should be more highly valued and we
What do you see as your most important role as University Secretary and Pro-Vice Chancellor Students?
because I have indicated my intention to retire – I will stand down
tasks when I am at my best – which for me is very early in the
as PVC (Students) on 31 December 2014 and from January 2015
This is two-fold. In my role as Secretary to the Board of
day – I do my best work between the hours of 5.30 and 7.30 am.
will reduce my hours to part-time and continue as University
In what way has your AUA membership been of most benefit to you?
Governors I must ensure that the University observes the
Secretary and Clerk to the Board of Governors until 31 July 2015 when I will leave the University – although I do intend remaining
What is your biggest professional achievement…. and….your biggest regret?
It has allowed me to make contacts and friendships with people
highest standards of corporate governance and it is my responsibility to provide the Board with independent advice
active in HE in some (so far unspecified) capacity! So the challenge
I think I would have to say my biggest achievement was my
a massive contribution to my career – I honestly believe that I wouldn’t have achieved half that I have without being part of it.
that enables the Board to discharge its responsibilities. As
for me will be to assist with putting in place transitional arrangements
involvement with the development of the AUA PgCert. I try
PVC (Students) I must ensure that the University listens to the
and to ensure that my levels of commitment and enthusiasm
not to have regrets but because I enjoyed working there so
student voice, that we work in partnership with our students,
are maintained at their usual levels.
much, I regret that the opportunity at Worcester came up after
and that we have in place mechanisms that support our key strategic objective to be an outstanding place to be a student.
I had only been at UCE for 18 months – working with Maxine
In both roles my primary task is to develop the University as a
What has been the most challenging thing you have faced in your professional life?
place where people are proud to work and study, and as an
There have been many, and usually the most challenging have
organisation which makes a positive contribution to its community.
related to having to deal with difficult and sometimes tragic
Penlington and Peter Knight was so much fun and I learned so much from both of them!
student and staff cases. It is in such situations that I have
What are the pressing issues for higher education/ your institution/organisation over the next 5 years?
What are the best and worst things about your job?
felt most stretched and when I have had to be at my most
It has to be the lifting of the cap on student numbers which
There are so many aspects of my job that I like but if I were to
resilient. Otherwise I would single out managing through a
will simply add more uncertainty to an environment which is
choose one it has to be the opportunity to assist in the personal
major restructuring of the academic administration in the 1990s,
more turbulent then anything I can remember in my 35 years
development of our students. I see students at their best and
when I worked at Birmingham, which taught me much about
of working in higher education. I fear that we have not yet
at their worst – at times of celebration and at times when they
people and their motivations, about the principles of situational
experienced the full impact of the new system on widening
have met real difficulties. I work very closely with our Students’
leadership on which I have relied extensively since, and about
access to higher education. The prospect of fundamental changes
Union and make myself as accessible to our students as my
work/life balance (of which more later).
to the DSA also concerns me. We will also have to cope with a
time allows. Worcester is still a medium sized institution (10500 students) but we have grown rapidly and I hope I have played a part in ensuring that our community based values have survived.
new regulatory framework whatever the outcome of the next What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
general election. From my own perspective I hope that the risks of an untrammelled not-for-profit sector do not materialize.
That’s difficult – I have relied on advice a lot in my career.
across the UK and my membership and participation in it has made
What advice would you give someone starting out in higher education management and administration today? Enjoy – go for it – and join AUA. What advice would you give to someone thinking of going to university in 2014? Be sure it is the right choice for you, and make sure that you choose the right course at the right university – and of paramount importance an area of study that you enjoy! Subsequently, make sure that you take every opportunity to participate fully in university life, but on your terms. What keeps you awake at night? Pina the cat. What do you do for fun? Lots! Food and drink at home and in good restaurants, going to the opera and classical music concerts, musical theatre
What are you most proud of having achieved in the past year/your career so far?
When relatively junior and working for one of the first female
What are your thoughts on the current UK HE sector?
Registrars in the UK she advised me that I would make
I think I may have already answered this! I was amongst those
I came to Worcester in 2000 having worked at three other
mistakes and that in some circumstances, other more senior
at this year’s annual AUA conference who voted against the
Midlands-based but large institutions (Wolverhampton,
staff would blame me for their mistakes. In the case of the
motion – and I do fear that the current changes will leave the
Birmingham and UCE (now BCU)) – it was an institution with
former, she advised me always to admit my mistakes but try
Tell us about a book, show, film, play or work of art you love?
sector weaker. The pace of change has been unprecedented
ambitions. We became a University in 2005, acquired RDAP in
my best not to repeat them; in the case of the latter to be
I would probably have to choose Tosca by Puccini – which I
and changes have been introduced without due regard to their
2010, and are now a multi-campus university that contributes
gracious, but make sure that the culprit knew that I was being
discovered with my partner Kevin and which started us out on a
eventual impact. I know that there are huge reserves of talent in
greatly to the local economy; we have also made a significant
gracious, and that it wouldn’t be wise to do the same again!
voyage of discovery of opera that is still going on 22 years later
the sector which will ensure that we accommodate the changes
and now embraces all periods, from Baroque to Schoenberg!
contribution to urban re-generation. I am very proud to have been much involved with the creation of the Hive, Europe’s
especially Sondheim, The Big Bang Theory, big follower of tennis.
and militate against them, but I can think of many more positive Did you map out your career early on or has it been accidental?
ways to harness that talent that would be more productive.
first and so far only university and public library. We still have ambitious plans for further development but I guess I am
Largely accidental. I went through a long period when I took a
most proud of the contribution I have made to the long-term
number of sideways moves simply to broaden my experience
What has changed most in higher education in the past ten years?
development of the institution over the last 14 years – and it
and for 5 years in the early ‘90s moved from academic
There is so much but it is probably the sheer complexity that
has been a privilege to be a part of the project.
administration to staff development before deciding to move
we now have to deal with. And most potently it is the way
If you hadn’t followed a career in higher education management and administration, what do you think you would you have done?
back again. My move to Worcester was certainly accidental
we now receive our funding. The commercialization of HE has
I would like to have been a chef.
What are you biggest challenges over the next six months?
– I was asked to serve on a selection committee when they
long been discussed but we are now at the point where this
did not appoint, re-structured and subsequently released a
a reality – consumerism rules OK? Concerning changes that
Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
The next 12 months will be very different for me personally
post for which I was asked to apply. I have always maintained
have impacted on individuals, I would single out e-mail and the
I have probably said too much already!
6 - Newslink Summer 2014
Who from history would you most like to meet? Elizabeth the First.
Newslink Summer 2014 - 7
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Others stated that whilst they treat everyone with respect, and with commitment to supporting them, they are providing an opportunity more than a service with “the freedom to fail.”
BEYOND ‘HAVE A NICE DAY’ ARE THERE LESSONS IN SERVICE LEVELS, STUDENT EXPERIENCE AND ADDED VALUE TO BE LEARNED FROM UNCLE SAM?
One colleague described, “developmental advising” as offering
Dave Lochtie MAUA, Department Business Manager, Media, Culture and Language, University of Roehampton
“let me do that for you.” I feel that, since raising our fees, these
a good service without negatively enabling, explaining their role as saying, “here is how we support you to do this” rather than complex student-staff relationships and interactions are still developing in the UK and the American comparison is of use.
As universities both sides of the pond seek efficiency savings we are having to work with less but must increasingly be creative to ensure we provide more.
Public vs. Private It was not entirely clear whether students at private universities
students and parents seemed to appreciate increased spending
benefited from a better service as such, but alongside their
on specialist campus police forces and late night transport
better reputations and more lavish facilities, students were
across the site on request. Several students spoke about
offered more opportunities. 70% of those at one private
scholarships as an added value their University was able to
institution benefited from an organised work placement and the
offer with one institution boasting that 85% of their students
university paid the airfare for the same proportion of students
did not pay the full listed price. However the UK’s Office for
US students were often provided a breakdown of their fees,
to study abroad – public universities may not easily match this.
Fair Access (OFFA) reports entitled: ‘Have bursaries influenced
and seemed to have influence over how they were spent,
Several members of staff who had worked at more expensive
choices between universities?’ and ‘Do bursaries have an effect
awareness of specific costing amongst younger undergraduate
private as well as public institutions reported the former’s
on retention rates?’ have concluded negatively on both counts -
students did not appear higher than the UK.
students, and parents, as being more demanding. Generally
scholarships do not seem to hold the same perceived value this
relationships with their institution/staff. Since the Browne review
parents seemed to have a more direct relationship with
side of the Atlantic. Programme and faculty advisors seemed
and the raising of fees in the UK it has often been suggested
In terms of student expectations several US colleagues felt
Universities than has been my experience in the UK.
a more established profession in itself and potentially a way
in the media that we can learn much from the US system. I
students question administrative staff much more than faculty
Dave Lochtie
When I applied for AUA Travel Award funding via the International Higher Education Network to visit the United States my interest was in correlations between tuition fee levels and a wide range of issues such as student experience, expectations, support and
in which a university can offer a highly valuable service. Many
(academic staff) with tutors maintaining the same levels of
Service and Value
offices and services opened at 8:00 (or 7:00) each morning but
respect regardless of fee levels. The role of research assistant
Student ambassadors described a ‘free’ proofreading service,
were not open into the evening and Fridays on campus were
or teaching assistant seemed to be an important intermediary
tutoring from students that have aced the class before, free
very quiet. Counselling services were considered an essential
with students expecting more service and support from them
travel around the city on public transport and free IT/laptop
resource (and a relatively well funded one with teams of social
than faculty members. Colleagues felt that, arguably similar
support as services they appreciated. There may be more of
workers on campus) but were becoming over utilised as
I attended the 2014 American Association of Collegiate Registrars
to the UK and influenced by politics and the media, modern
a need for tight security on US campuses but nevertheless
students need support for stress management and depression.
and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) Conference in Denver,
students were less concerned with broadening their minds
Colorado because I thought that the US being as vast as it is
through their studies and more interested in the pay cheque
Some students cited the opportunity for part-time work at their
may give me an opportunity to obtain the bigger picture. I was
they may command on graduation.
institution as a valuable opportunity. Government funded ‘work
knew making a comparison between the two different sectors would be challenging as, for all their similarities, there are also vast and complex differences but I went with an open mind and excited expectations.
study’ means there appeared to be a far higher number of
also able to visit four different Universities in the city – the privately owned Denver University, and the publicly owned
Students as Customers
Metropolitan State University of Denver, University of Colorado
Staff, particularly administrators, generally seemed a lot more
and the Community College of Denver. My flight ended up
comfortable regarding students as customers then we often
cheaper by travelling out via Austin (and the University of Texas)
are in the UK, with customer focus often cited as their primary
then home via New York (and LaGuardia Community College).
aim. In this context to label them as purely a customer is a
students employed on campus (often in reception-based roles) than you may find in the UK, which in most cases seemed to benefit the individual student, their university and the levels of service it was able to provide to all.
failure to recognise their journey, interactions and multi-layered
Common Pressures, Different Answers
I found that it was hard not to be impressed by the sheer size,
relationship with their university. This concept is not new to us
Many of the challenges US institutions face, as highlighted
facilities and capital funding of the campuses I visited - from
in the UK (and in fact was described at the recent closing of our
by the speakers at the AACRAO conference, were highly
a range of giant outdoor swimming pools and a 100k capacity
own AUA Conference) but has perhaps been further explored
recognisable to a visitor from the UK with ‘doing more with
football stadium in Austin to soccer pitches being used by the
in the US.
less’ a common theme. Matthew Andrews, the AUA Chair, was at the conference co-presenting with a US colleague on
US national team in Denver. However what I really wanted to see was not bricks and mortar but people and services. I
Student interactions with the university/staff seemed to easily
spoke to colleagues in various different positions, applicants,
switch from a very traditional paying customer relationship
students and even parents to find out what level of service and
to that of a student being assessed, or even disciplined,
experience students expected and were offered.
by their institution continually. As potential applicants they are customers; when they are submitting coursework for
Student Expectations
assessment etc. they are not - but when they go to buy a
Following the findings of the recent QAA report on Student
coffee they resume the role. Several colleagues reported
Expectations and Perceptions of Higher Education that UK
students declaring: “I pay your wages,” to which they had
students have: “at best a vague understanding of how their
explained that students and staff were partners in their
tuition fees are spent.” I was intrigued to find out that whilst
education and they are paying for the privilege of learning.
8 - Newslink Summer 2014
comparisons between the two systems. In his seminar and in discussion afterwards, Matthew detailed the difficulties of US/ UK comparisons including the complex scholarships and greater price variations stateside alongside the equally complicated salary linked student loan repayment system in the UK. In terms of lessons we might learn from US institutions, Matthew cited that they view good customer service as an income generating (and reputation improving) activity, whereas (despite increased focus on the student experience) we still often consider it as an overhead. This can often mean lower budgets for these
Newslink Summer 2014 - 9
areas are cut to ‘protect the front line’ resources (in teaching
than satisfaction, which meant exceeding expectations every
and learning). He reported, he generally hadn’t found single
time and being proactive rather than reactive in relation to
individual services they offer which we don’t but perhaps that
service delivery. I observed that even if students were sent to
they offer them more consistently and with greater thought as
the wrong department, staff still spent some time with them
to how they are offered – which was key to the most important
before redirecting, so they know, in future, what support is
lesson I learned on the trip.
open to them. None of these concepts are ground breaking
ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2014 THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER 14 - 16 APRIL NEWCOMER’S PERSPECTIVES ON THE CONFERENCE Roscoe Hastings MAUA, Research Officer, University of Sheffield*
to us in the UK but it was the process of stepping back from Lessons Learned
my own experience and making an international comparison
Overall, I had hoped to learn more about high levels of service,
that enabled me to explore them further. It delivered to me a
designed to meet higher expectations linked to higher fees.
timely reminder that as Universities both sides of the pond seek
What I found was that, all institutions aim to provide the best
efficiency savings we are having to work with less but must
service they can with greater resources from higher fees only
increasingly be creative to ensure we provide more.
Being a newcomer at Conference this year was a fantastic experience for a relatively new university administrator.
assisting in meeting the higher expectations they lead to. The most useful part of the trip was a session by registrars entitled: ‘The answer is yes… now, what is your question?’ This focused on providing the most positive and helpful service regardless of in support roles, students often make requests of us which with our regulations, resource constraints or general fairness prevent us from saying a direct ‘yes’ to. However they felt that
Roscoe Hastings
we can usually avoid having to say a direct ‘no’ through being
Being able to meet colleagues from across the sector, network
role of Research Officer for the
and share best practice allowed me to develop my contacts
Registrar and Secretary. This
within the sector. The first person I met this year was someone
involves supporting corporate
who did my job at another institution - invaluable networking!
at the University and providing
Benefits to the institution
executive support to the
My university gets lots out of it too. As well as a member of
Vice-Chancellor, Registrar and
staff who is now better connected in the sector and has a
other Executive members. So
greater understanding of the role of the university administrator;
my role naturally means I come into contact
creative in our problem solving and always fully exploring and explaining other options. What they were suggesting is that the answer ‘yes’ means they will try very hard to either solve
they also get experience and information. I was able to share
with colleagues from across the organisation with different
the best practice that I have learnt from the workshops and
portfolios, but it also involves an external perspective, requiring
sessions with colleagues across the organisation.
me to keep up-to-date with developments in the sector.
the problem/answer the question or identify some alternative
Benefits to the Association
course of action. They described creating a professional atmosphere, culture of hospitality and an environment of ‘can do’ via staff development and training (seen as more important than PR) where every employee knows the University mission and expectations.
Being a member of the AUA is something that the University
The Association also gets a lot out of me being a member
of Sheffield, and particularly my manager, have supported me
and also attending Conference. The AUA gets an active and
in. Having the opportunity to attend the Annual Conference
engaged membership who are professionalising university
this year was identified at the start of the academic year as an
administration, running networks, voting at the AGM and
important part of my development. Many people probably do
building development opportunities within the sector.
wonder about the return on the investment for the institution
Individuals on every level of an organisation were empowered to serve others (with internal stakeholders also considered customers) without needing someone else’s approval to move
in sending a couple of members of staff away for three days.
So I would advise anyone reading this to definitely come along to
Therefore, as a newcomer to the sector I thought that I would
the next AUA Conference in Nottingham in 2015! See you there!
look at how I think that the conference benefited me as an
forward and repeatedly thanked for their efforts so they feel
individual, my institution, and the Association as a whole.
appreciated. They stated, it was about customer loyalty rather
INTERNATIONAL HIGHER EDUCATION NETWORK Andrea Williams MAUA, Assistant School Manager, School of Business, Economics and Informatics, Birkbeck, University of London and the International Higher Education Network Co-ordinator. The International Higher Education Network
IHEN organises Study Tours, promotes international good
(IHEN) promotes awareness amongst AUA members
practice, informs about sector developments and provides a
of the international dimension to higher education. This
network for AUA members to discuss areas of shared interest
group provides an ideal opportunity to get involved in the
around the international dimension in higher education.
international work of the AUA. If you would like to join the network, please visit www.aua.ac.uk
for the AUA’s considerable range of international activities, including for AUA members to travel internationally and
Alternatively, please contact Andrea
to raise awareness of international perspectives on higher
Williams, the Network Coordinator:
education within the AUA membership more generally.
a.williams@bbk.ac.uk
10 - Newslink Summer 2014
Benefits to the individual
of Sheffield in 2012, I took up the
governance, policy and strategy
what fees were charged or service expected. It described how
IHEN is a focus for the organisation and provides support
Having graduated from the University
* Roscoe is now Student Participation Officer at Kingston University
MY FIRST AUA CONFERENCE! Jane Bevan, Executive Officer (Communications and Operations), AUA National Office Having only recently joined the AUA National Office to cover
an opportunity for networking, to meet up with old friends and
maternity leave, The Annual Conference and Exhibition at
make new ones of which I met many!
Manchester University was a wonderful opportunity to see first-hand the scale and breadth of the organisation. I didn’t
The Exhibition created a vibrant
know what to expect and was slightly nervous as I’m planning
buzz in Manchester Place and it
the event for next year – so no pressure!
was always busy, with over 650 delegates passing through at one
The Conference was a great mix of professional, learning and
point or other. It was great to
social activities spread across the three days and the variety of
see the Conference come to life
workshops was surprising to me, illustrating the far-reaching
and showcase the strengths
scope of university administration. I personally enjoyed the
of the people who make the
Plenary Debate (the only session I attended as a non-delegate)
organisation what it is and
which addressed the topic of revolution in higher education – it
inspire professionalism in
certainly got a lot of people talking! The Conference was also
higher education.
Jane Bevan
Newslink Summer 2014 - 11
ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2014 THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER 14 -16 APRIL
Janice Stanton and Sandra Mienczakowski with Adam Alexander from sponsors, Electric Paper
ANNUAL AWARDS The Gala Dinner was held in the Palace Hotel and included the Annual Awards Presentation. This year’s winners were:
AUA Conference 2014 welcome
Contribution to Career Development
Innovative Involvement
Melissa Bradley FAUA
Sandra Mienczakowski MAUA
Chloe Gallien MAUA Linda Lough MAUA Anne Rushworth MAUA
Janet Marshall MAUA Janice Stanton MAUA
Administrator: Gillian Duncan MAUA
Ambassador Geoff Green MAUA
Fundraiser Emma Price MAUA Gillian Duncan
International delegates
Debate voting
“This was a superb experience. I wish more people from my University had been able to attend, as there was so much of benefit on offer.” The Annual Conference and Exhibition returned to Manchester
debate inspired the discussion on traditional higher education
this year, the spiritual home of the AUA! The theme: Revolution
withstanding any revolution and the middle plenary delivered by
and reinvention focused on the sector continuing to experience
Professor Madeleine Atkins, Chief Executive, HEFCE addressed
unprecedented levels of uncertainty.
the current issues and trends in higher education. The closing plenary delivered by Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President
This year presented the audience with a diverse range of
and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Manchester considered
speakers and guests. Will Hutton, Economist, Journalist and
the role of universities in the 21st Century.
Political Commentator opened the conference, the plenary
12 - Newslink Summer 2014
Emma Price
(From left): Melissa Bradley, Anne Rushworth, Chloe Gallien, Linda Lough (with sponsors Electric Paper)
Newslink Summer 2014 - 13
ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2014 THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER 14 -16 APRIL TWO DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVES ON THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
line up of speakers at this year’s Conference – in my view, the
four years that I haven’t given a presentation and although, I
best line up of the Conferences I have attended. There are
missed the opportunity to share knowledge and expertise with
few events which can list amongst its presenters the Principal
an international audience, it was a relief not to have to prepare a
of an Oxford College, the Chief Executive of the Higher
presentation but relax and enjoy the conference!
Education Funding Council for England, the Chief Executive of the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, the Chief
For me, the highlights of the Conference were the Debate, which
Executive of the Leadership Foundation, two current Vice-
made me reflect on the current state of the higher education
Chancellors, two Registrars and heads of two higher education
sector and the final day when we received presentations from
affiliated bodies as well as the tens of enthusiasts from across
Professor Madeleine Atkins on English sector wide issues
the sector who were delivering on topics as wide ranging as
affecting higher education and Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell
quality assuring a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) to
and Professor John Brooks outlining the successes of their
dealing with counterproductive workplace behaviour.
institutions and their contributions to our host city.
During the Conference, I was fortunate to have attended four
As I came away from Manchester and enjoyed the views of
varied and interesting presentations on project management,
the Peak District, I reflected on how the Conference provides
timetabling, change management and the role of the middle
the ideal opportunity to develop my personal and professional
manager in a higher education institution. This is what I find
skills. I am looking forward to sharing what I have learnt at the
best about the Annual Conference, the opportunity to individuals,
Conference into my work and the activities in my Networks and
In 2003, the AUA invited me to report in Newslink on my experiences of my first Annual Conference in Derby (‘Fast Track to
at whatever stage in their higher education career, to influence
to welcoming the Conference back to the Midlands region, and
Derby’, Newslink, June 2003, p.3). Fast forward 11 years and eight Annual Conferences later and I have been asked to share my
the agenda by putting themselves forward to present on a subject
specifically Nottingham Trent University, next year.
experiences of 2014, held in Manchester.
or particular topic of interest. This year was the first time in
Nick Allen MAUA, Executive Officer, The University of Northampton
The AUA Annual Conference excites me as it is the highlight of the higher education administration and management year. Nick Allen
Notice of the AUA Annual Conference excites me as it is the
My first day at this year’s Conference began with a dedicated
highlight of the higher education administration and management
session for Network Advocates run by Tessa Harrison and Laura
year. The Conference brings together colleagues from
Ashcroft from the National Office. The pre-conference sessions
across the sector, from the UK and overseas, from different
are the ideal way for newcomers, international delegates and
areas of expertise with varying levels of experience and
those interested in strategic planning or career development to
knowledge of the sector, from entry level administrators to
get together in advance of the conference in order to network
senior administrative post holders. For me, the opportunity
with other like-minded individuals and to help get the most out
of peer-to-peer interaction and inspiring the celebration of
of the Conference. The meeting was a great opportunity to
excellence of the higher education sector from amongst an
meet other Advocates from around the UK, learn more about
international community is what makes the Conference unique.
the incoming Chair’s strategy for her term of office and to learn
Indeed, there are few areas of university administration and
about effective practice which was taking place in Networks,
management which aren’t represented amongst conference
both geographical and thematic. It provided an impetus for me
attendees and I have found this to be particularly helpful as
to go back to my Network and communicate some of the key
my own career has progressed, I have moved institution and
messages which were discussed at the session and to put into
role and my relationship with AUA has developed. This has
practice some of the tips I acquired!
included moving between the Open University and my current
MY EXPERIENCE OF PREPARING FOR, AND PRESENTING AT, THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2014 Sandra Mienczakowski MAUA, Deputy Director (Academic Administration), Academic Services Division, University of Nottingham
I had a really enjoyable experience of presenting, and I’d encourage anyone to give it a try. Sandra Mienczakowski
institution, the University of Northampton, the completion of
The arrival of the remaining delegates at lunchtime on day one,
When the call for proposals for presentations went out in 2013
for a presentation relating to my research, ‘Why are we here?
the AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice, my
including colleagues from Northampton, and those joining for
the 2014 Annual Conference seemed a long way off. I’d last
Administrative Middle Management at an English HEI’, just
role as a member and Chair of the PgCert Board of Study, my
day two and day three provided an opportunity to see familiar
presented papers at Conference in 2010, co-presenting with
meeting the deadline!
time as an AUA Trustee and my local and regional roles as
faces and to begin networking with new faces. The networking
colleagues. Having successfully completed a Professional
an Advocate at Northampton and my current role as Acting
and conversations which took place during the conference
Doctorate in Education (EdD) in April 2013, I decided it was
In October, I was pleased to get an e-mail letting me know that
Regional Co-ordinator.
sessions and breaks was assisted considerably by the excellent
time to dip my toe back into the water and put in a proposal
my proposal had been accepted. I immediately contacted Nick
14 - Newslink Summer 2014
Newslink Summer 2014 - 15
Allen, a member of our Regional team coordinating the successful Midlands regional seminar series. I offered to present in Nottingham before the Annual Conference as an opportunity
AUA ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION 2015 Disruption, Diversity and Devolution 30 March - 1 April 2015
for colleagues who couldn’t make it to Manchester to attend a session which was more local and as a practice run through for me. We agreed
Nottingham Trent University
that March 2014 would be a good time and,
A fixture of the higher education calendar for more than 40 years, the AUA
in the last week of March, 28 people attended
Annual Conference and Exhibition is the largest of its kind in the UK.
the University of Nottingham for lunch and the seminar. This was my first time presenting on a topic not about the ‘day job’ and it was nice to have friendly faces in the audience.
The Conference returns to Nottingham, one of the UK’s most dynamic cities, steeped in rich cultural, industrial, scientific and sporting heritage.
FEATURE ARTICLE
The Nottingham Conference Centre at Nottingham Trent University is a recently transformed Grade II* listed building and will provide a beguiling
A flurry of activity followed that presentation; I’d
backdrop to our 2015 conference. The theme Disruption, Diversity and
been invited to take part in the Project Showcase
Devolution presents the opportunity to engage with major strategic
and now had two deadlines to meet: preparing a
influences of our times and how they play out in our sector, the disruptive
poster for the showcase and making changes to
effects of the economic and technological change, the diversifying market
my presentation before sending it off.
and internationalisation of higher education.
ARE YOU BUSY? Dr Kenton Lewis MBE, AUA Trustee and higher education consultant
My Conference session was scheduled for the
With finite time, roles compete for attention and we are faced with a position where a win for one area is automatically a loss for another.
Wednesday at 11.00am, a long time from the start of Conference but there was plenty to occupy me in the meantime. Aside from the main programme, catching up at the Network Co-ordinators and Advocates session, meeting Dr Kenton Lewis
up with Nottingham colleagues and old friends from other institutions, and the obligatory Quiz, meant Monday flew by.
“Are you busy?” Three simple words that are easily delivered,
founding member of the Bridge Group (a policy association
but seldom so easily heard. Spoken by your manager, these
promoting social mobility) and am a regular contributor to staff
Tuesday was another full day, including an
three words can indicate a new task, project or responsibility
development events and conferences. And when I leave the
interesting presentation on the discovery of King
that you will shortly be asked (required) to take on. Spoken by
HEA at the end of July 2014 I will be just as, if not more, busy,
Richard III, ending at the Gala Dinner where
someone you manage, there’s a high chance they’ll be followed
working as an executive coach, higher education consultant and
Janet Marshall (Cranfield), Janice Stanton
by a new problem or challenge that you will need to overcome.
staff trainer, whilst maintaining my interest and involvement in
(Wolverhampton) and I were presented with an
From a colleague they can be the start of a rant about the
educational research.
AUA Innovative Involvement Award for an earlier
workplace, or (noting the irony) a long-winded explanation of
regional seminar. (See page 11). It was a shame
just how busy they are. But when did you last take time to
As I plan for the next few steps in my career I have taken time
explore what those words really mean?
to reflect on what it means to be ‘busy’, and by extension I
that Janet, who had written that presentation and co-ordinated us, wasn’t able to attend.
have become increasingly interested in the ways in which we
Wednesday morning soon came around and my session had a good turn-out, a few more attending than at Nottingham, and again
Nottingham Conference Centre
some friendly faces in the audience. It was a welcome opportunity to talk about a research
The Conference inspires excellence in higher education administration
project which has been a large part of my life
and management through personal and professional development and
in the past few years, and to share and discuss
helps those working in it to shape their future careers. To achieve this,
findings with colleagues from across the sector.
the programme draws together a wide range of sessions which enable
Feedback was positive and hopefully I’ve
participants to:
encouraged at least one person to consider further study as well. I had a really enjoyable experience of presenting, and I’d encourage anyone to give it a try. As for
• enhance their knowledge and understanding of the sector • explore new concepts and ideas in HE management and administration
as university managers and administrators think about our work,
work, even taking the form of a challenge/defence to reinforce
our priorities and our effectiveness.
your position, your importance and your relevance in the workplace. This could certainly be an indication of the volume
My first reflection on this is an experience I had a few years ago when
of work we are all required to take on as budgets get squeezed,
recruiting students in Western Canada. Presenting to a large audience
resources get stretched and managers’ expectations increase.
of potential medical applicants and their parents, I shared with them
But it could also be an indication of the way(s) in which we
my views on the importance of maintaining an appropriate work/
engage with our work. How we draw a balance between
life balance whilst studying for such a demanding career,
competing priorities, be that within our formal salaried role(s),
highlighting the need to safeguard down-time, and the importance
our additional work-related endeavours or our personal and
of prioritising constructive approaches to relaxing and to escaping
social life is a challenge that we all face. However, the extent to
the often challenging nature of the programme. At the end of
which we navigate that challenge varies considerably.
the session one parent thanked me for the session, but offered
• share good practice • develop new skills
future plans, I’m already working on a proposal for
Bookings will open in early November, please check www.aua.ac.uk for all
a presentation in 2015 with a colleague.
the latest news.
16 - Newslink Summer 2014
Being ‘busy’ has become a stock response when asked about
one ‘correction’ that I needed to make. “In Canada, we call it a I have what could comfortably be described as a busy working
life/work balance.” That single, simple switch in the order of the
life. I currently work full time at the Higher Education Academy
words was a wake-up call which started me on a path of deeper
(HEA), am a trustee and active member of the AUA, am a
engagement with perspective and priority in our daily lives.
Newslink Summer 2014 - 17
There is a dichotomy
ACTIVE AND ENGAGED PRIORITISING
inherent within the management of work/work balance, and by extension in our life/work balance too. Pursuing multiple roles is gratifying and can also raise
Trade-off between activities is inevitable, but in engaging with priorities we can make conscious decisions. By exploring and understanding our own priorities (partner, career, family, work etc.) we are able to make informed and deliberate choices. If we set the right goals we can limit stress and conflict.
our performance through
INTEGRATING AND SEPARATING ROLES
the learning of new skills
Other ways to manage this objective of reducing the extent to
switched to running a single diary/calendar, combining my
which we feel rushed are shown in the table at the bottom of
work commitments with my personal commitments in a single
this page.
source. This one small change has allowed me to better plan my time, but has also allowed me to engage more effectively
Reflecting on my own engagement with ‘busy’, I have a clear
with being ‘in the moment’; ensuring that I offer my full
view of where I have been successful and where I have been
concentration to whatever activity I’m undertaking, whether
challenged. I am certainly not in any position to claim I am
that is social, professional or developmental.
successful in finding my balance, but I do know I am better than I used to be.
The second is a growing engagement with the concept of
and the expansion of our
Some choose to keep roles and responsibilities distinct (work is the priority at the
connections and networks.
office, family is the priority at home); others choose to integrate roles so that they can
For six years I worked full time whilst completing a part-time
aware of one’s thoughts and feelings). I’m a novice in this area,
However, managing multiple
interact (seeking work environments in which they can form friendships and socialise).
doctorate, and ultimately I was successful, but looking back
but learning more each day. And I am thankful that mindfulness
roles can lead to additional
There is no right answer on which is ‘best’, but there is an opportunity to actively
on that experience now it is clear to me that there was the
is so accessible and easy to engage with. I know that I can
time pressures and conflicts
choose based on our own values and goals
potential to find a greater balance. I became over involved in
take as little or as much from it as I feel comfortable with, and I
my work and my research, with both competing for my limited
know that any exercise or activity I take from it can be kept if it
time, and with my social life being squeezed out. I do not regret
works, or dropped if it doesn’t.
that ratchet up our levels of stress. With finite time, roles compete for attention and we are faced with a position where a win for one area is automatically a loss for another. So what strategies can we adapt to manage these conflicts?
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ACTIVITIES AND BEHAVIOURS To effectively manage our roles we need to engage not only with what we do, but how we do it. For example I can say that “I am an executive coach”, and in that role I offer support to individuals and teams to identify, clarify and achieve their goals. However a simple change in phrasing (“I am being an executive coach”) broadens my view. In being an executive coach I think more broadly about engaging with research, learning new models and approaches, and setting time to reflect on my learning.
Research from the US1 suggests that there is a clear relationship
cannot do it all, then you are forced to realise that not everything
between how busy we are and how happy we are, and not
is equally important; we need to prioritise and we need to
necessarily in the way you would expect. Whilst there is a decline
engage with asking ourselves “what is important right now?”
mindfulness (in its simplest form, a process for becoming more
any of it, and I have a richer life for having experienced it, but I am aware that I need to maintain a discussion with myself
One final reflection I would like to share with you is this - I work
about work/work and life/work balance in the future.
on my engagement with ‘busy’ every day, and I get it right and I get it wrong every single day. In pulling together this
There are two specific issues that have really helped me
article I have procrastinated and frequently sought displacement.
engage with that ongoing reflection and discussion, one
But I did get it written, I have managed my feelings of being
very practical and one more esoteric. As a simple start I have
‘rushed’, and that achievement makes me happy.
Track your week
in the number of people who consider themselves as ‘happy’ A useful way to approach this question is through a time-
of individuals who are successfully bucking the trend; these are
management tool known as the Eisenhower Matrix (below) that
the people who have little or no excess time, but who rarely feel
maps urgency and importance. By recognising that we should
rushed. It also appears to be the case that the least happy are
prioritise the important over the urgent we are better able to
those who often find that they have spare time on their hands,
reduce or even eliminate tasks that sap our time and energy.
weighed down by a burden of boredom; the lesson here is to
IMPORTANT YES NO
be careful what we wish for! It is in our perceptions of happiness that we may find the real
first importance tasks you have to DO them now
value. It is not just about whether we are rushed but about
to when we now know that those with less to do are the least happy?). So in knowing that we will never be ‘done’, we can start to disassociate from any self-punishment for having not achieved it all. This idea of never being ‘done’ can be quite a challenge to contend with, but it can also be liberating. If you know that you
URGENT
reach a point of having ‘done it all’ (indeed why would we want
NO
ourselves to realise that we will never be ‘done’; we will never
YES
whether we feel rushed. And there are ways to address both ‘busy’. Some simple affirmations can help here, such as allowing
watching TV, checking Facebook, chatting with friends, attending meetings etc. Review these against your priorities, and consider ‘unplugging’ for fixed
when compared to recent decades, there is one particular group
the reality and the perception in how we engage with being
Keep a record of what you do in a given week – how much time you spend
1
tasks to be delegated NOT added-value tasks
3
DO
DELEGATE
tasks you must PLAN or they’ll become urgent (1)
tasks to be eliminated or they’ll become (3)
2
PLAN
4
ELIMINATE
periods of the day if ‘updating your status’ is not one of your top priorities.
Full attention
Do one thing at a time and concentrate on it. Multi-tasking is a distracting
Check in with yourself
Be aware of your stress levels, any aches and pains you have, how much
myth, so manage the boundaries between activities.
sleep you’re getting. Identify your work patterns and rhythms – are you an owl or a lark? Work on high priorities when you are at your most effective.
Be bed ready
Sleep is essential in being productive, so ensure that you are ready to sleep when you get to bed – be calm, quiet and avoid distraction in the hour before you want to be asleep (this definitely means not checking your smartphone!)
Hold up a mirror
Set aside time and effort to engage with your own feelings, goals and priorities. Make use of a mentor or coach if you can, ensuring you give selfreflection your full attention.
Learn to say ‘no’
…politely and with a smile. If it’s not a priority, do not let it distract you from
Re-evaluate
Life/work balance is a dynamic issue that can change over time, as your
activities that are2.
priorities change and as your behaviours develop.
The Eisenhower Matrix 1
Robinson, J. 2013 Americans less rushed but no happier: 1965-2010 trends in subjective time and happiness in Social Indicators Research 113 (3) pp 1091-1104
18 - Newslink Summer 2014
2
Some individuals like to use this ‘tip’ to say no to their manager when required to perform a certain task. There is nothing wrong with that choice per se, but bear in mind whether ‘keeping the boss on-side’, ‘gaining a promotion’ or ‘keeping my job’ are listed in your priorities.
Newslink Summer 2014 - 19
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INDIVIDUAL AND ORGANISATIONAL ACCREDITATION – PEAS FINAL UPDATE Catherine Lillie, PEAS Project Manager and Researcher Development Officer, Graduate and Researcher Development, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Manchester Dr Andrew West FAUA, PEAS Steering Group Chair and Director of Student Services, University of Sheffield
with break-out groups focusing on using the Framework for
are available for Network Co-ordinators or anyone wanting
individuals, teams and institutionally
to give information to others on the benefit of membership.
• Four sessions were run at the 2014 AUA Annual Conference
Finally, new academic posters were created to disseminate
in Manchester. Three of these covered the different sections
information about the Framework and Accredited Membership
of the Practical Guide to the CPD Framework, namely using
scheme at events and workshops, both AUA and elsewhere.
the Framework as an individual, with a team and at an organisational level. The fourth was a case study of the work
Accredited Member survey
In Newslink (Issue 77, July 2013, p.8) we reported on the HEFCE funded PEAS Project (Professional Endorsement and Accreditation Scheme). Now, as the twelve month project draws to a close, we reflect back on what has been achieved, and how it contributes to a sustainable future for the CPD Framework, the AUA and the sector workforce. Institutional and individual endorsement
to, for example, academics through the HEA Fellowship scheme.
One of the main aims of the project was to create an
To achieve this they wanted to use the AUA Accredited Member
institutional endorsement scheme. This provides a means for
scheme, but have greater flexibility in terms of supporting and
the professional development opportunities institutions offer
assessing applications and encouraging individuals to apply by
to their professional services staff (PSS) to be reviewed and
providing practical support and by paying the application fees
endorsed by the AUA as being of value and relevance to PSS,
for them.
and aligned to the AUA Values and Professional Behaviours. This in turn gives individual staff the confidence that the training
An AUA Consultant trained a small pool of staff from the Staff
and development they are participating in through their own
Development Unit to become internal Accreditation reviewers
institution is aligned to the national framework for continuing
so that all applications could be assessed in-house. A set of
professional development (CPD) for PSS in the AUA’s CPD
training materials, criteria and application documents were
Framework. It can be used to integrate the outcomes into
created to support this. Staffordshire supported members
for example, role descriptions, competencies and promotion
of PSS in working towards their Accredited Membership
criteria. Working with Staffordshire University, we have in fact
application by providing workshops and drop-in sessions on,
been able to pilot two schemes to accredit and endorse both
for example, reflective writing. The mapping of the institution’s
the institutional CPD provision and the CPD of individuals to
training courses to the professional behaviours also aided
contribute to Accredited Membership.
applicants in identifying suitable material for submission.
To assess the endorsement of the institution’s
Resources
CPD provision, a set of guidelines, terms and
A number of new resources were produced for the benefit of
conditions and assessment criteria were
current AUA members, and for promotional purposes. A printed
created. Staffordshire submitted a self-
Practical Guide to the CPD Framework was designed which
assessment statement of commitment to
contains sections for individuals, teams and organisations and
the AUA Values and a mapping of their
as well as templates and background information. This draws
training and development provision for PSS
on the experiences of the previous users of the Framework and
against the nine professional behaviours
is intended to provide specific examples and practical advice on
of the AUA CPD Framework. They had
how to use it, something that we know members have been
the assistance of an AUA consultant in
keen to have information on. Members can also use this to help
preparing this documentation, and the
facilitate conversations around the use of the Framework with
full backing and support of their Senior
others in their organisations- such as senior management teams,
Management Team who signed off
staff development units, organisational development specialists,
the application and expenditure. A
or at a more local level, those facilitating team away days and
panel comprised of members of the
development events. Three accessible PDF guides to using the
PEAS project Steering Group then
Framework were also developed drawing on the content of the
assessed the submission against
printed Guide and available to download from the website.
the criteria. A revised and updated Get Connected brochure was produced, Staffordshire were also very keen to have the CPD activity of individual PSS recognised, in line with the recognition afforded
outlining the benefits of Accredited Membership and the CPD Framework to an audience of potential, new and existing members. All new members and those inquiring about membership are provided with a copy and all current AUA
with Staffordshire University.
A survey was distributed to the first cohort of Accredited Members in February 2014.
rk mewo a r F D the CP uccess
e to s cal guid
members were sent a hard copy earlier this year. Further copies
Future benefits of the project Members of the AUA will continue to benefit from the project
This generated learning and actions for both the enhancement
in the future through:
of the Accredited Membership Scheme and the wider AUA. Many of the results confirmed that the areas of investigation
• AUA members having access to useful guidance on how to
of this project have potential for further exploration, particularly
use the Framework in their organisation, with their team or
around professional recognition. For example 82% of respondents
for their own development
said that professional accreditation/recognition is important to them, and more than half indicated that the professional endorsement they had gained as a result of becoming AAUA/FAUA had had a positive impact on their professional practice, mainly (78%) through a greater self-awareness of their skills and competencies. Of those who indicated that their AAUA/FAUA status had had a positive
• AUA staff and volunteers having access to resources which will help them to promote the work of the AUA in relation to providing and supporting CPD • Ensuring that the CPD Framework remains both current and sustainable
impact on their career, 100% of these said that this impact related
• Raising AUA’s profile in the sector
to the enhancement of their professional standing/reputation.
• The enhancement and improvement of the Accredited Membership Scheme drawing on the survey feedback
There is clearly therefore an appetite and need amongst some of the AUA’s members, and in the wider sector (as demonstrated through the numbers of non-members engaging with the Staffordshire scheme) to enhance professional standing. There is great potential for the AUA, the CPD Framework and the Accreditation Scheme in this area. Consultancy For much of the work for the project, AUA used its pool of consultants to design and deliver certain elements - from drafting written materials to delivering training and workshops. For example, Oxford Brookes University had identified that their cohort of graduate interns would benefit from structured activity around the CPD Framework and professional behaviours, and some reflection on their experiences as an intern. The AUA worked with them to support interns and their managers in applying for Accredited Membership. An AUA Consultant delivered training to both interns and their managers on the scheme and printed materials were provided. • The development of the AUA’s consultancy business remains a priority for the Association and anyone interested in benefiting from the services of a consultant, relating to the CPD Framework or wider HE issues should contact the
• Financial benefits from both the development of the consultancy business and the development of an institutional endorsement scheme. The learning from the project with Staffordshire will inform the development of such a scheme, with the Board of Trustees already indicating their commitment to piloting the scheme with other institutions before a potential national launch • Creating a self-sustaining model of internal Accredited Member reviewers had low financial input for the Association but will have continued financial benefits for both the institution (through the internal development of an efficient, effective and well-trained body of PSS) and the AUA (through increased numbers of engaged members). Other institutions The work of this project will benefit those involved in organisation development and institutional approaches to CPD through providing an infrastructure for institutional endorsement, supporting materials for implementing the CPD Framework at an organisational level and support for change through the consultancy network. Organisations will also benefit as the materials, publications and resources will support individual members and groups of staff.
National Office. Conference sessions • A workshop session was delivered at the 2013 AUA
Resources generated through the project have been
Development Conference in Birmingham. The session drew
added to the dedicated website for the CPD Framework:
on the content of the Practical Guide to the CPD Framework
cpdframework.aua.ac.uk
Newslink Summer 2014 - 21
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
1. Avoid excess – a blizzard of slides will wear the audience
HOW TO GIVE GREAT PRESENTATIONS Barry Taylor, Director, Taylor Words Ltd
down 2. Write succinct points, not complete sentences 3. Make no more than four or five
According to one estimate, 30 million PowerPoint presentations are made every day. No doubt there are a few million others that don’t involve PowerPoint. That’s an awful lot of potential inspiration or boredom. The guidance below will help you give presentations that hit home and are enthusiastically received.
points per slide 4. Use large fonts, e.g. 36-point for headings, 28-point for main text and 24-point for secondary text
6. Use font colours that contrast
Storytelling
strongly with the background 7. Use capitals only when
Stories can add zest and impact.
grammatically necessary
They are a means of creating an emotional connection with your
8. Avoid multiple colours, complicated animation and
audience. The human feel of a
visual clutter
story complements the analytical content of a presentation and
9. Keep the visual style consistent
lifts the overall experience for
Your slides are not meant to be the
the audience. But you have to be
star of the show
careful how you use stories.
5. Use a clear font, such as Arial or Calibri Remember to:
Introduction
1. Make your story an illustration
We have all attended presentations that have failed on one or more counts. The most common shortcomings are lack of clarity (which can be about structure, delivery or both) and an absence of rapport. In the worst cases – rambling arguments delivered in a monotone and with little regard for the presence of others – listeners drift away to their smartphones. Most of us have also been to brilliant presentations – ones that leave us informed, exhilarated and keen to know more. They make us feel warm towards the speaker as well as the subject.
Getting the essentials in place Let us take it as read that you have a fine command of your subject and a good understanding of your audience – who they are, what they know already and their needs and expectations.
Audiences judge speakers on: 1. Whether they know their stuff 2. How well their material is structured 3. How well they deliver it
Decide on an appropriate overall
3. Insightful quotes 4. Powerful, relevant stories 5. Supportive visuals 6. Breaks for questions or exercises
22 - Newslink Summer 2014
Now you should be ready to rehearse – definitely out loud and ideally in the venue in which you will be presenting.
4. Give the story a personal edge
than scanning everyone at
you will be covering 2. The main content
3. Smile and look confident
Reading your slides aloud will not go down well. You should not look at them unless you need to draw attention to particular pieces of information.
4. Focus your attention on the audience to keep them engaged and ward off selfconsciousness
6. Speak clearly and not too fast
2. Identify the key points you want the audience to retain
7. Use the power of the pause
3. Find ways of highlighting those points – brief anecdotes work well
8. Vary your pitch and tone to avoid monotony
4. Go for clear, simple slides, not visual pyrotechnics 5. Watch your pace and maintain a connection with the audience
9. Gesture naturally
Barry Taylor is founder and director of Taylor Words Ltd, which provides writing services to clients in all sectors. He taught
1. Be honest
many an audience. This is how to
your nerves
1. Work out a straightforward structure
based PowerPoint slides tend to be
PowerPoint’ has been the fate of
2. Breathe steadily to manage
or addressing the floor
And finally...
be a blessing or a curse – ‘Death by
stand balanced and relaxed
A great deal comes down to how well you deliver your presentation. Brilliant content can be undermined by lacklustre or inappropriate style.
5 top tips
clips all have their place, but textthe visual aid of choice. They can
1. Find a comfortable posture –
once, talking over their heads
Effective visuals Overheads, photographs and film
Other pointers to success:
5. Speak to one section of the
1. An opening summary of what
your ‘take away’ messages.
2. Accurate analogies
images
audience at a time rather
your next task, basing it around
1. Concrete examples
3. Paint pictures using concrete
structure, such as:
Developing the main content is
This is the time to strip out content that is superfluous, unnecessarily complicated or potentially meaningless (including obscure acronyms and jargon). Keep the language as straightforward as your subject allows.
structured
the audience
points
engaging. This might mean incorporating:
2. Keep it short and simply
4. How engaged they are with
3. A closing summary of your key
Once you have the content mapped out, consider how you can make it more
rather than a digression
Skilful delivery
2. Be enthusiastic 3. Be yourself
English before spending a decade in performing-arts management. He then spent 24 years as a director of communications, first at Bristol City Council and then at the University of Bristol. He was elected to serve for two years on the board of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) in the US.
employ slides in a way that engages
barry.taylor@taylorwords.co.uk
rather than alienates people:
www.taylorwords.co.uk Copyright © Barry Taylor 2014
Newslink Summer 2014 - 23
FEATURE ARTICLE
in the UK and overseas systems. In particular, for this series, mber 1 2013
qxd 1 cover. TPSP 17_
2/18/13
1:56 PM
Page 1
Nu Volume 17
We certainly agree that more should be done to encourage a wide range of contributors.
EDUCATION
In preparing the editorial for the current issue of Perspectives,
with longer articles on policy and practice in HE. For many years
I used the reader survey to help assess what we should be
we have worked with Routledge, part of the Taylor and Francis
Eur rspect t mobility studen aiming for. Of course there was a wide range ofPeIntviews. One ernational
the current Principal Editor.
told us that the journal is “a fantastic resource for finding out more about what is happening in the sector”.
the work of Perspectives and more than four in five agree
4
9
11
opean
spectives and US per z and t, Irina Ferenc Hans de Wi mbley Ru Laura E.
colleague found the content “too academic”. Whilst another
SUE IN THIS IS ! (... into the mp Ju Three One, Two, ) third space? in higher on isi ov pr Diversity of education the UK HE l health of The financia sector ning of the ion the begin on Was devolut her educati hig UK the end of system? mobility al student Internation nning in pla gic ate str Renewing universities
1
David Law cation Commentary higher edu provision in Diversity of provider the private The role of n John Fielde ? Commentary as good as it seems be sector Can it really of the UK HE ial health The financ yman David Palfre end Perspective inning of the tion the beg ? olu dev s Wa ion system her educat of the UK hig David Raffe
Group, to produce Perspectives to a very high standard. I am
employment in management and administration overseas as well as in the UK. Please make contact if you can help with this, or with the special themed issues that we plan. We want Perspectives to be a journal for the AUA and with articles written by members of the AUA. What we publish projects that will interest the membership. The journal will
o the Editorial p! (. . . int three – jum One, two, ?) Third Space
ive
we are looking for authors who have first-hand experience of
should address, in a practical way, challenges, issues and
CONTENTS
In addition to Newslink, the AUA publishes a quarterly journal
AUA members, according to our recent reader survey, value
UCATION HIGHER ED IN E IC T C A D PR POLICY AN
es perspect iv IN HIGHER D PRACTICE POLICY AN
David Law
s e v i t c e p pers
mber 1 2013
PERSPECTIVES David Law, Principal Editor Perspectives and Edge Hill University
Nu Volume 17
versities Perspective nning in uni strategic pla Renewing uncertainty at a time of ah Mahsood Sh seration Perspective and commi munication erations in Context, com ctical consid ical and pra log cho Psy nagement change ma Hugh Clarke
To those of you who find us too academic, we would say,
thrive if the membership reads it, uses the content, and contributes their own work. I also want to stress that members of the Editorial Board are happy to support and mentor new contributors. Please get in touch with me about this. My aim, in this short piece, has been to prompt those of you who can write a good ‘everyday’ article to do so. We certainly agree that more should be done to encourage a wide range of contributors. As one
17
colleague said: “there are quite a few people who 24
would like to [contribute], but they think they don’t have anything to write about or would not be
30
108
ISSN: 1360-3
37
‘permitted’ to do so”. To such people, we say ‘give it
that this publication “helps to improve my understanding of
please help us to change. We do not want to be ‘academic’,
a try!’ – Nobody is stopping you. The only way to be
HE management and administration”. Together, we owe a
if by this you mean ‘not practical, too theoretical’. We want
an author is by writing.
significant debt both to Giles Brown, the current Newslink
to receive more submissions that have a practical focus and,
editor, and Celia Whitchurch.
although many did say that “there is a good balance”, we
Book review
would like to extend our coverage. We certainly agree that we Both previous editors, over fifteen years, established
should be publishing interesting papers from anybody who
Perspectives as a journal that the AUA can be proud of. There
is “capable of writing to the required standard”. The same
are nearly seventy back issues available on-line to members via
individual wrote that “the slightly highbrow academic content
the AUA website. This is a tremendous resource available to
could be relaxed a little” and, in each edition, there might be
The Development Conference and the Annual Lecture
The Annual Lecture is an exclusive member event and
professional services staff working in the sector. We encourage
one or two ‘everyday’ articles.
on Tuesday 4 November are in the historic city of Oxford.
an integral benefit of your membership. Places are
The Conference Programme at Lady Margaret Hall
limited and allocated on a first come first served basis
will inspire your passion for learning and intellectual
so don’t delay in making your booking.
you to fish for ‘food for the mind’ when you have to embark on a new project. More than this, I want to invite members to
In the current issue we have five papers, mainly contributed by
keep the pool stocked!
members of the AUA. Together, they speak to some big issues of practical concern to the sector: professional leadership (with
THE DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE AND 17th ANNUAL LECTURE
development. A number of leading speakers will contribute to the dynamic theme: Leading through changing landscapes.
In a rapidly changing sector, Perspectives can only maintain
recommendations for ensuring that administrative staff are
its value if it keeps up-to-date. We need more articles, from
appropriately valued); constructions of professional identity;
members, written from a practitioner point of view. To a large
student induction; support for international students in a UK
The 17th Annual Lecture complements the programme.
extent, it is our practicality that makes us distinctive.
university; and, internationalisation discourse (contributed by an
Vice-Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University, Professor
Israeli academic). We do try to incorporate a global perspective
Janet Beer will lead a lecture on Diversity in Leadership
in each issue.
at the RIBA Award winning John Henry Brookes Building.
indicated that many of you particularly value authors who can write
In 2015 we plan to run two themed issues: one on the
“The Annual Lecture is one of the highlights of the year
engaging articles that make use of their own experience as
internationalisation of our universities, and what this means
for the AUA. I am delighted that we have been able
project leaders or team members.
for all branches of management and administration, and the
to secure Professor Janet Beer for this year’s Lecture.
other on ‘place and purpose’. The latter, we envisage, will
Previous years’ Annual Lectures have been unmissable
We do require our authors to meet scholarly standards that we
include pieces on devolution and what makes HE distinctive
opportunities to hear from leading HE figures and I am
set through peer review and we ask that they set their work
in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Also we hope that
sure Professor Janet Beer will both offer perceptive
in a context, paying attention to previous major contributions to the
English colleagues will offer their ideas on how the mission of
insights and provoke us into a fruitful discussion. It will
field in which they work. However, the most important thing for
the university is influenced by location.
be another AUA event not to miss!”
There is certainly space for debate on major policy issues, but we also welcome case studies. Indeed, our reader survey
Tessa Harrison, Vice-Chair AUA and Registrar
any author is to be clear about what you want to say to your readers, and to do this with enthusiasm.
Another innovation that we plan to establish in 2015 is a series
Southampton University
Professor Janet Beer
of pieces that reflect on the contrasts between higher education
24 - Newslink Summer 2014
Newslink Summer 2014 - 25
FEATURE ARTICLE
In parallel to these political changes there had also been
unlikely given the opinion polls, but perhaps a little more likely
administrative changes. Responsibility for funding of Scottish
without Scottish voters.
HE had been transferred to the Scottish Office in 1992, with
THE FUTURE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IN SCOTLAND Author: Dr Bruce Nelson FAUA, College Registrar, College of Science and Engineering, University of Edinburgh
Resources, attention and innovation that should go into student education and research and scholarship are instead being used for peripheral activities Dr Bruce Nelson
the Scottish Higher Education Funding Council (SHEFC) being
None of the possible outcomes would necessarily be easy for
established as an intermediary body, similar to HEFCE and
Scottish HEIs – and the Scottish Government – to cope with.
HEFCW. And there was a further change in 2005 when SHEFC
With both countries in the EU, RUK students would acquire
and its sister body for further education were merged to form
the same rights to equal treatment on tuition fees as students
the Scottish Funding Council.
from elsewhere in the EU – they would be entitled to the same treatment as Scottish students. If Scottish governments were
One final point on politics, as it is relevant to the discussion
to maintain the current system under which they pay tuition
on the impact of independence. To the surprise of the
fees for Scottish and EU students, Scotland may then become
sector, tuition fees were a major issue in the first Scottish
a very attractive destination for RUK students seeking to avoid
Parliament election campaign in 1999. The year before, the
paying fees in their home country. The Scottish Government
Blair government had abolished student grants and introduced
argues that retention of tuition fees for students resident in the
a £1000 means-tested tuition fee. In their election campaign,
RUK would be appropriate and necessary to ensure access to
the Scottish Liberal Democrats made abolition of fees a “non-
higher education for Scottish students, but it’s not certain that
On my bookshelf I have a yellowing and dusty copy of the
there be a separate Scottish HE sector responsible to a Scottish
negotiable” element in their manifesto. To finesse this issue
this would survive legal challenge. So it’s an ironic possibility
1985 report of the Scottish Tertiary Education Advisory
Parliament, but that Scotland would be about to vote on
when the programme for the first coalition was negotiated, the
that an independent Scotland would be forced to align its
Council (STEAC). Published shortly after Sir Keith Joseph’s
whether it should depart the United Kingdom it’s been part of
Cubie Committee was established. This duly recommended
approach to tuition fees much more closely with England’s
UK White Paper The Development of Higher Education into
since 1707. And few believed that the system would enter a
the abolition of student payments towards fees, but with a
than it has to at present, to prevent large numbers of students
the 1990s, it likewise attempted to address a world in which
period of seemingly inexorable expansion. By 2012/13 Scotland
Graduate Endowment contribution due once students earned
crossing the border.
student numbers were expected to fall, with the post-Robbins
had 215,000 students, and over 17,000 academic staff, and a
more than £25k per annum. The Graduate Endowment was
expansion likely going into reverse and some institutions
sector delivering £1.3 billion in export earnings.
abolished by the SNP in 2008, leaving Scottish students
Scotland remaining in, or quickly rejoining, the EU but with
needing only to repay any maintenance loans.
the RUK leaving could also be challenging, most so for those
necessarily closing or merging.
universities with large student populations from elsewhere
In the mid-1980s, there appeared to be little prospect of STEAC suggested possible new structures for planning for
devolution in Scotland. While a small majority had voted for
So what would be the challenges if Scotland voted for
in the UK. If the RUK becomes ‘overseas’ for fees charging,
this decline, including mechanisms which would for the first
a Scottish Assembly in the 1979 referendum, devolution was
independence in September? Most obvious areas would
it would seem very likely that this market would disappear
time bring together decisions on planning and funding for all
lost because the required threshold of 40% of the electorate
be student and staff recruitment, with both complicated by
overnight. (Just under 10% of new entrants to Scottish HEIs
of Scottish tertiary education. Responsibility was then split
was not reached, and the Conservative governments of 1979
uncertainties over EU membership, for Scotland itself and for
come from England). Why would students from elsewhere in
between the University Grants Committee for universities and
– 1997 were strongly anti-devolution. But by 1989 a Scottish
the remainder of the UK (RUK).
the UK be prepared to pay fees around double what they would
the Scottish Education Department for central institutions (the
Constitutional Convention was established, with representation
pay in a home institution? Of course the Scottish Government might see this as an opportunity to create more places for
precursors of the polytechnics) and the colleges of education.
from civic society as well as Labour and the Liberal Democrats,
The SNP government asserts that as a stable democracy which
At that time Scotland had eight universities, seven colleges
and it published a blueprint for devolution on St Andrew’s Day
is already part of the EU, Scotland will retain membership,
Scottish students, but there would be a price, and HEIs would
of education, and 12 central institutions, with between them
in 1995. When Labour was elected in 1997, it established the
albeit after a negotiated transition process. Opponents of
take a substantial income hit if replacement students came at
77,400 FTE students of which 60% were in the universities.
Scottish Parliament which first met in 1999. This was elected
independence argue that this will not be automatic, and that
the current fees-only rate of £1820.
under a proportional representation system designed to make it
there are political reasons relating to independence movements
Academic staff totalled 7518, with 60% in the universities.
difficult for any party to get an overall majority. It was therefore
elsewhere in the EU, notably in Catalonia, why this is not so.
Scottish HE would also face challenges in research funding.
STEAC’s suggestions for planning structures - either a Scottish
a surprise when the minority SNP government which had
But given the inexorable expansion of the EU, it would seem
Scotland currently punches above its weight, winning 13.1% of
Higher Education Planning Council or Planning and Funding
been elected in 2007 to replace two Labour-Liberal Democrat
unlikely that Scotland would not be a member, albeit that
Research Council funding despite its population share of 8.4%.
Council were rejected by the HE sector, which argued strongly
coalitions was re-elected in 2011 with an overall majority, and a
there might be challenging accession negotiations (e.g. on
The SNP government has argued that Scotland would continue
that it was part of a UK-wide system and that planning and
mandate for an independence referendum.
membership of the Euro). But the EU situation may be just as
to participate in the current UK common research area, arguing
funding decisions should be made for that system as a whole.
challenging for Scotland if the RUK votes to withdraw from the
Scandinavia as an example of how this could work. It asserts
It then seemed inconceivable that 30 years on not only would
EU in a possible referendum in 2017, something which seems
that this would benefit both Scotland and the RUK, and further
26 - Newslink Summer 2014
Newslink Summer 2014 - 27
AUA NEWS
REFLECTING ON #AUA14CYCLATHON Chris Ince and John Baker, two very dedicated AUA members, took on the challenge of cycling from London to Manchester for the Annual Conference and Exhibition 2014 to raise funds for the AUA. When they arrived in Manchester the challenge didn’t stop there; they delivered a session on their experience, giving some excellent examples of how the AUA professional behaviours can be used in personal development. Setting off on Saturday 13 April and cycling 210 miles over two days, John and Chris tackled high winds, punctures, the hills of the Peak District and the reality of life outside London to raise over £500 to support AUA professional development. Using the AUA CPD Framework, John and Chris tackled their puncture ‘using resources’, tweeted throughout their journey ‘finding innovative solutions’ and used their map-reading skills to ‘provide direction’. They were determined on ‘achieving results’ and arrived in Manchester in time for the Sunday Social
Feeling inspired? If you’re interested in joining the peloton for
at Albert Square Chop House.
the Nottingham Conference contact Chris and John through the members list on the members’ website: members.aua.ac.uk,
argues for Scotland retaining access to a joint REF. It addresses
None of these are insurmountable challenges, and some argue
Read the full account of their journey at:
and you can still donate to Chris and John’s #AUA14Cyclathon
the funding issues by saying that Scotland would pay its way.
that HE would prosper in an independent Scotland. Relatively,
www.aua.ac.uk/news-97-Reflecting-on-AUA14-Cyclathon-.html
at www.aua.ac.uk.
However, UK Ministers have suggested that there would be no
HE is a bigger industry in Scotland, and maintaining a successful
common research area. And even if there were, it would surely
system is vital to the country’s future prospects. Past strong
be impossible for RUK ministers to resist the temptation to redirect
support for Scottish HE by successive governments, nearly
the current ‘subsidy’ to Scotland to the benefit of their HEIs.
100 mentions of the sector in the independence White Paper,
WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST NETWORK COORDINATORS
and the recent publication by the SNP government of a paper
Welcome to our newest Network Coordinators, Christopher Costigan FAUA, BPP University, who has taken on the role of
The SNP government has responded that it will “in all
attempting to provide reassurance on research funding post-
North Wales and North West Coordinator and Nick Allen MAUA, University of Northampton, and Sandra Mienczakowski MAUA,
circumstances guarantee no adverse funding impact from
independence all suggest continued strong support for the sector.
University of Nottingham, who have jointly taken on the role of Midlands Coordinator.
Scotland’s transition to independence”. This could be an
Christopher said: “As an academic and an administrator I know
Sandra said: “I am delighted to be joining Nick Allen as Joint
that professional administration is crucial to a University’s success
Midlands Regional Coordinator. I am looking forward to an
and so I am delighted to be taking on the opportunity to serve the
opportunity to build on my previous experience as an Advocate
North Wales and North West as the AUA Network Coordinator.”
at the University of Nottingham, and to be working with
expensive commitment, given that Scottish universities
Despite a steady reduction in the anti-independence vote in
win nearly £130M per annum RCUK funding in excess of
the opinion polls over the last six months, they still suggest
population share. To put this in perspective, SFC block grant
a no vote most likely. But that won’t mean the status quo.
for research and knowledge transfer is expected to be £296M
Legislation has already been passed which will give the Scottish
next year. Some opponents of independence argue that it
Parliament responsibility for additional taxes, increasing the
Nick said: “I am delighted to take joint responsibility for the
would be unrealistic to expect Scotland to continue to fund
percentage of tax collected in Scotland going to the Scottish
Midlands Network with Sandra Mienczakowski and to provide
what’s virtually the highest Higher Education Research and
Government from 6% to 15%. (They are responsible for 60%
ongoing assurances to the Board of Trustees of the effective
Interested in joining our networks? See if there are any Network
Development spend in the OECD.
of government spend in Scotland). The three unionist parties are
operation of the networks in the Midlands.”
Coordinator vacancies in your area at www.aua.ac.uk.
colleagues across the network to build on previous successes and innovations within our network.”
all promising further devolution, with the most radical being the And there might be one further challenge to Scottish HEIs in an
Liberal Democrats’ long-standing commitment to a federal UK.
independent Scotland. While we boast in Scotland of the quality
Quite what will emerge is unclear, but the direction of travel for
of our HE sector, and it is undoubtedly worth celebrating a
greater divergence between Scotland and the RUK will continue.
country of only 5 million having five world top 200 universities, we undoubtedly benefit from the Great Britain brand. While
So what of the future for HE? The 30 years or so since STEAC
some changes in policy post-independence might make Scotland
suggests further change, and quite possibly unpredictable
more attractive to international students – notably the SNP’s
change. Demand for HE in Scotland, and expectations from the
promise to allow international students to remain in Scotland
sector, will continue to increase, creating interesting challenges
post-graduation to work – it seems very possible that some
for professional services staff. But let us hope that these are
international students will prefer to go to a British university
not the challenges of the Chinese Curse “May you live in
rather than a Scottish one. And so might international staff.
interesting times!”
28 - Newslink Summer 2014
Christopher Costigan
Nick Allen
Sandra Mienczakowski
Newslink Summer 2014 - 29
UPCOMING AUA EVENTS
OCTOBER 2014 M
T
NOVEMBER 2014
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
M
T
W
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
11
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
17
18
27
28
29
30
31
24
25
26
3
4
5
MEET THE AUA NATIONAL OFFICE
DECEMBER 2014 T
F
S
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
6
7
8
12
13
14
15
16
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
19
20
21
22
23
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
27
28
29
30
29
30
31
Partnerships Conference
Development Conference, 17th Annual Lecture
Introduction to Higher Education: A toolkit for new professionals
JANUARY 2015
FEBRUARY 2015
MARCH 2015
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
S
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
2
3
4
9
5
6
7
2
3
4
9
5
6
7
13
14
15
16
17
18
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
21
26
27
28
29
30
31
APRIL 2015
6
T
7
16
17
18
19
20
23
25
26
27
28
Electric Paper Conference, Scotland Conference, AUA/ARC Aspiring Academic Registrars
Midlands Conference
M
15
MAY 2015 M
T
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Annual Conference & Exhibition 2015 JUNE 2015
W
T
F
S
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
W
T
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
12
13
14
15
16
17
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
24
25
26
27
28
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
11
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
22
23
27
28
29
30
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
29
30
Annual Conference & Exhibition 2015
South Wales and South West Conference
Introduction to Higher Education: A toolkit for new professionals, Anglia and London Conference
JULY 2015
AUGUST 2015
SEPTEMBER 2015
M
T
W
T
6
7
13 20 27
F
S
S
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
21
22
23
24
28
29
30
31
S
Ahsin Ali
Laura Ashcroft
Laura Berraies
Jane Bevan
1
12
22
There are a few new faces in the team, so we thought we would re-introduce ourselves.
M
W
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
T
W
T
F
S 1
2
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
7
18
19
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
25
26
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
T
F
S
I joined the AUA National Office in February 2014 as a Web and e-Services Project Officer. This is my first role in HE. My previous role was based in the NHS as a web manager. My role involves keeping all of the AUA’s web services alive and also to support the National Office with any sort of I.T. related issues. When I have time outside of work I enjoy both playing and watching football. Yes, I am a Manchester United supporter! I also love to watch movies and play as many video games as possible. Laura Ashcroft, Project Officer (Membership and Networks) I work on membership and network-related activities and projects. This includes recruitment and retention, membership profiling, member communications, network activities and development, and ensuring our member database is accurate and up-to-date.
This year I attended my first Annual Conference which I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the debate! It is not often that I can’t decide which argument to side with, the logic and reasoning of the panel members were so compelling. I left feeling utterly enthralled. It made me want to get out my politics text books all over again (for a moment or two). My part-time role gives me the perfect, much needed work-life balance. When I am not busy signing up new members, I have a 3 year old to entertain! Jane Bevan, Executive Officer (Communications and Operations) I joined the AUA National Office in April to cover Kathy Murray’s maternity leave. I’m working in the office three days a week and this is my first role in the HE sector. I previously worked for Sodexo based in London and latterly in Salford and have held roles in IS&T, finance, operational support and communications. One of my main roles will be to plan the Annual Conference 2015 in Nottingham and we are busy getting the wheels in motion for this.
T
M
Ahsin Ali, Project Officer (Web and e-Services)
S
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering. When I’m not working very hard for the AUA, I enjoy dance classes, running, music and reading. This year I’m planning trips to India, Portugal and, hopefully, Brazil.
Outside of the office, I enjoy going to concerts (my last concert was Prince) and also being mum to my two year old daughter, Florence.
Laila Berraies, Finance and Membership Assistant I joined the AUA as Finance and Membership Assistant in December 2013. Since graduating in 2006, I have been employed in the Further and Higher Education Sector.
`
31
Managing Change Open Forum We are busy finalising the upcoming event calendar and the dates of these events will be available soon. Events in bold are confirmed, the dates for other events in the calendar will be confirmed in the near future. Please check www.aua.ac.uk for further details and announcements about these events.
30 - Newslink Summer 2014
Newslink Summer 2014 - 31
Richard Carr, Third Party Services & Communications Officer
Mairi Palmer, Executive Officer (Finance) I joined the National Office almost a year ago in August 2013 and I work in the office two and a half days a week looking after all things financial for the AUA. It is a very busy role, but I absolutely love it! The team are amazing and the Annual Conference was a great opportunity to put my calculator down and meet some of the members that we support.
Well hello! I have been working for the AUA for over 5 years now and have worked within the HE sector for over 15 years in total. I am Third Party Services and Communications Officer and work with our third party clients providing event, financial and administrative support to coordinate each client’s flagship annual conferences, as well as ensuring our contracted service
Richard Carr
When not at work I enjoy spending time with my family and have recently become a dad (and have the eye bags to prove it!). My wife and I have a beautiful 7 month old baby daughter called Molly who certainly keeps us very busy. I have a passion for music, cars and my beloved football team Manchester City. Natalie Hall, Events Assistant I am the current events assistant for the AUA and on placement from Leeds Metropolitan University, where I am studying for a degree in Events Management. The year has flown, however the knowledge and experience I have gained from the organisation will stay with me when I progress in my future career. I have thoroughly enjoyed my year at the AUA, through the events and the people I have worked with.
Natalie Hall
I have worked in HE for the last 14 years and am a librarian by trade! My last role was at Sheffield Hallam University, where I supervised a team of six people across two campuses, delivering a busy document supply service. Prior to that, I worked at the University of Manchester in various library roles. I worked on several sites over the years, including the John Rylands Library, Deansgate, which I absolutely loved. I have also worked in public libraries (whoa!). Outside work I have a busy family life and enjoy walking and D.I.Y.
32 - Newslink Summer 2014
Brenda Sanderson, Project Officer (Professional Development) I have worked at the AUA for over 5 years and I am currently the Project Officer (Professional Development). My role as Programme Manager for the AUA’s Postgraduate Certificate involves the day to day management of the qualification and facilitating strategic development of the programme. In addition, I am involved in a number of other professional development projects as required. My role is varied and challenging (in a good way!) and I thoroughly enjoy working with the participants of the PgCert, my AUA colleagues, and the membership.
Brenda Sanderson
Outside of work, I enjoy exploring new places, meeting new people, socialising and going to lots of music gigs. After coming to the UK as a backpacker, I still love to travel and am fortunate enough to visit lots of new destinations.
I’m currently planning a year abroad in Australia, Fiji, America and the Caribbean once I’ve finished my degree, so I can see more of the world and other cultures. Hopefully it will be the trip of a lifetime and if I grow to love a place then I may even stay out there, who knows where it will take me. Pamela Johnson I am the newest recruit in the AUA office. Everyone has made me welcome and the team has been patient answering my many questions.
Mairi Palmer
I have been an accountant for nearly eighteen years now and outside of work I am a school governor, scout group treasurer and taxi driver to Adam aged 12 and Rose aged 10.
level agreements are met.
Pamela Johnson
Amanda Shilton-Godwin, Executive Officer (Professional Development) I joined the National Office in April this year working two days a week on strategic content for programmes. It’s an interesting and challenging role and I’m really enjoying working in the sector again after a few years’ absence and at such a time of huge change. I worked at Chief Executive Level in Students’ Unions and at NUS Services for twelve years. I aim to bring that independent view to bear in helping to shape the content of our programmes.
Kathy Murray
My life outside work is no less hectic, as I’ve just been elected as a Local Authority Councillor here in Manchester. So fitting it all in and still making time for family - well, it’s all work in progress!
Amanda Shilton-Godwin
Kathy Murray (Executive Officer Communications and Operations) and Noreen Muzaffar (External Relations Officer) are both currently on maternity leave.
Noreen Muzaffar
The AUA exists to advance and promote the professional recognition and development of all who work in professional services roles in higher education, and to be an authoritative advocate and champion for the sector. As an organisation, we exist for our members. We offer support to help you enhance careers, boost your job prospects and create valuable networking opportunities. In short, we empower our members to take control of their career development.
Feeling inspired? If you would like to submit an article for future issues of Newslink or recommend areas you would like to see covered, please get in touch with us at: aua@aua.ac.uk Follow @The_AUA on Twitter and join our members group on LinkedIn for all our latest news. We appreciate your thoughts and feedback on Newslink and your comments help us to develop future issues. If you would like to provide any comments or feedback, please send to: aua@aua.ac.uk
The views and opinions expressed in Newslink are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their institutions, or of the Editor, nor should they be considered as expressions of opinion or official policy of the Association of the University Administrators (AUA). AUA National Office The University of Manchester, Sackville Street Building, Sackville Street, Manchester, M60 1QD +44
(0)161 275 2063
aua@aua.ac.uk
Design and layout: coppermedia.co.uk