Issue no 85
NEWSLINK
Winter 2016
Kathy Fowler
Perspectives
Meet the new Chair of the AUA
Celebrating 20 years
AUA brand review
Equality, diversity, inclusiveness
HEFAF Annual Conference
Meet the Trustees
Communicating the AUA's position in the sector A warm welcome in South Africa
Ensuring a positive LGBTQ university experience The AUA's Trustees introduce themselves
Contents 1
Editor’s introduction
2
Chair’s column
4
20 years of Perspectives
5
John Smith Essay Prize
6
AUA brand review
7
New AUA website and CRM
8
AUA Mark of Excellence
Background to the AUA CPD Framework
10
Top Tips!
11
Change afoot
12
The AUA Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership
14
Meet the Trustees
18
Ten things to consider for a good LGBTQ university experience
20
Getting the most out of your AUA membership
22
A different continent - same higher education issues
24
AUA Study Tours
27
Research information solution implementation at the University of Nottingham
28
Meet the AUA Office
Dr Giles Brown introduces Newslink 85
Kathy Fowler writes her first column as Chair of the AUA
Dr David Law reflects and looks forward
Details of the 2017 competition
Kathy Murray discusses a journey to enlightenment
A quick look at the AUA's new online presence
A framework for professional and career development Updating the Professional Behaviours
Jan Shine shares some ideas for confident communication
Wendy Carney introduces the Scotland Network
How the course has developed over the last 15 years
Michelle Grimwood looks at how to foster positive LGBTQ learning environments
How the AUA works to connect and develop its members
Michelle Morgan reports from the HEFAF Annual Conference in South Africa
Strengthening international links
Luke Philimore reports on research activity management
Thank you to our proof-readers; Katy Beavers MAUA, Quality Officer, City University London; Liz Buckton, Student Conduct and Appeals Manager, University of Sheffield; Lisa Burton MAUA, Assistant Registrar, University of Warwick; Wendy McDonald MAUA, Executive Officer, Goldsmith's University of London
Editorial Dr Giles H Brown FAUA Editor, Newslink
The focus of this issue of Newslink is the AUA. While this might sound a little odd, I felt that the focus of Issue 85 should be recent AUA developments, since these have been numerous and significant.
This issue details all the hard work and innovation that has been undertaken by the Association, how your subscriptions have been spent and, importantly, how the Association can both benefit you as a result of these changes and further consolidate its position as an authoritative advocate and champion for the sector nationally and internationally. Significant changes to existing programmes and provision (such as the PgCert, website and other electronic offerings) have been augmented by new ventures such as the AUA Mark of Excellence, underpinned by an overarching rebranding, as seen in stylistic changes throughout this issue of Newslink. Key players in these developments have written articles for this issue, which will allow you to explore further what has been going on and to follow up on aspects which interest you. These changes have been overseen by our Board of Trustees and the AUA Office in Manchester (formerly the ‘National’ Office), and in light of this I thought it timely to present short Trustee and Office staff profiles so you can put faces to names, know who to contact about specific issues and to offer help/ volunteer for roles in the governance structure. Importantly, these profiles will also help you in approaching our Trustees and Office staff at Conference and other AUA events to say hello, share your experiences and provide feedback and suggestions. In terms of developments for Newslink, it has been my aim to include a number of shorter articles which provide ideas and guidance across a range of topics. In this issue there are two examples of this which I hope you find useful; 10 recommendations for providing a positive LGBTQ university experience and tips for confident communication. The latter is the first in a new series of bite size articles presenting top tips and developing key skills. As always, suggestions for future topics (and other content) are always welcome. I hope you find this issue helpful in updating you on recent Association developments, and directing you to the associated material and key individuals who can offer further help and advice. Newslink Winter 2016 - 1
Chair's column Kathy Fowler FAUA
Chair of the AUA and Deputy Executive Director, Aberdeen Institute of Energy, University of Aberdeen
This is daunting! – my first opportunity to speak to you as your Chair. I am deeply honoured, somewhat nervous and very excited to be writing this, my first Newslink column for you. First of all, I want to pay a heartfelt tribute to Tessa Harrison,
serve a second term. Amanda Oliver will join the Board in an ex
who has been such a wonderful exemplar of the qualities an
officio capacity as Chair of the Board of Studies. I would like to
AUA Chair should have – she has led by example, always taken
thank the selection panel who gave up their time to select the
a strategic view, been a warm and empathetic colleague, and
new Board members. This is one way in which we try to involve
passionately espoused the full gamut of AUA values. For me,
members in the governance of the AUA.
personally, she has been a constant and an inspiration on the Board since I joined it in 2011. I have worked with outstanding
For personal reasons, Tessa decided not to take up the Vice
Board members, many of whom have become friends as well as
Chair role at the end of her time as Chair. The Board approved my
colleagues and with three chairs (Chris Hallas, Matthew Andrews
recommendation that Chris Ince (SOAS) take up the role of Vice
and Tessa) since 2011 learning from them all. I promise to do my
Chair for the coming year. I am grateful to him for his support and
best not to let you, or them, down.
look forward to working with him over the next twelve months. The normal process to identify candidates for the Vice Chair/
As well as Tessa, the June 2016 Board of Trustees meeting
Chair Elect will be undertaken over the next few months, so
marked the departure of Kenton Lewis, Nigel Phillips, and John
expect more news in due course.
Ryan, all of whom have contributed to the AUA Board in so many ways. We were however delighted to welcome our new Trustees:
It was, notwithstanding the welcomes and farewells, a busy
Mark Crittenden (University of Greenwich), Sue MacGregor
Board meeting. We are looking at our own governance processes,
(University of Gloucestershire), and Andrew West (University of
especially in the light of the Kids Company review, planning for
Sheffield), and Nicola Owen (University of Lancaster) who will
the next Annual Conference (10-11 April 2017, get the dates in
2 - Newslink Winter 2016
I have always found that the AUA offers a breadth of experience, a wealth of perspectives, and a safe place to develop understanding and approaches – at this time we need that more than ever. your diaries – standard booking is still open), continuing with the
Chief Executive of HEFCE, as the speaker. This flagship event offered
refresh of the CPD Framework and the innovation of the Mark of
members the opportunity to hear a sector leader talking about current
Excellence (both of which are covered in more detail in this issue
issues such as the White Paper, the transformation of knowledge
of Newslink), and we are looking to improve your experience of
exchange, globalisation and our place in the world. The lecture
the AUA through the networks and the web presence; we are
followed our Annual Development Conference, which took place
expecting to be busy over the coming months. The Board will
during the day. Those who attended both events benefitted
review the strategy laid out by Tessa at the 2015 Conference with
from many perspectives on the sector and the challenges and
a view to ensuring we are on track to deliver against our plans.
changes it faces. This is one example of how the AUA offers the opportunity to 'step away from the day job' for a while to contemplate
I take up the Chair at a time of great change and uncertainty. The
the bigger, contextual picture together as a professional sector.
outcome of the EU Referendum was announced on the same day as the June Board meeting, and we, like the sector in general, are
The AUA is yours and I am delighted and privileged to be able to
still working to understand the implications. We know that this
serve you for the next two years. I extend an open offer to you to
will impact on members in many ways, and I can assure you that
get in touch and let me know your thoughts.
your AUA will engage in discussions, and will seek the best way to support you as the position becomes clearer. I have always
Finally, and returning to Tessa’s farewell, at the end of the Board
found that the AUA offers a breadth of experience, a wealth of
meeting, we shared a tradition I brought from Scotland, which I
perspectives, and a safe place to develop understanding and
have called home for 30 years…a dram of malt and the traditional
approaches – at this time we need that more than ever.
Aberdeen Bon Accord Toast, which sums up how I feel about the AUA, as well as my friends, Tessa, Kenton, Nigel and John…
However, Brexit is only one of the changes we face. Our Annual Lecture was on 1 December 2016, with Professor Madeleine Atkins,
Happy to Greet, Sorry to Part, Happy to Meet Again: Bon Accord
Book at aua.ac.uk
AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition
10 - 11 April 2017 Manchester
20 years of Perspectives Dr David Law FAUA
Celia Whitchurch, our first editor, advocated the establishment of the journal because she was (and is) a passionate supporter of the view that professional administrators must be heard in debates about the future for higher education. In her very first editorial she argued that we have to provide “an opportunity for practising administrators and managers in higher education to develop live topics in ways which are directly relevant to them”. This is still our firm commitment. We recently published a commemorative compilation of articles, now freely available through the Taylor and Francis website as a ‘Virtual Special Issue’ until 31 December 2016. The theme for this retrospective was the challenge of management in higher education. Celia provided a short reflective piece containing some ‘advice about expectations’ that any new colleague in a professional services role should take note of: "The profession has diversified and the career tracks of individuals
Principal Editor of Perspectives
now cross many boundaries. Individuals expect to develop a
Perspectives - Policy and Practice in Higher Education, the AUA’s quarterly journal, is celebrating its twentieth anniversary. It’s a good time to reflect on what we have achieved and how we plan to consolidate the success of the publication.
outside higher education. Lateral experience, across professional
portfolio of experience that may be accumulated both inside and spheres and even sectors, is an important component in climbing the career ladder, and can be acquired not only by job moves but by, for instance, secondments, attachments and partnership working. Increasing numbers of professional staff have qualifications, including higher degrees, matching those of their academic colleagues, working alongside them in teams on contemporary agendas such as widening participation, employability and knowledge transfer, as well as aspects of teaching and learning and the student experience." Because the AUA promotes excellence, where innovation and creativity is to be found in the work of our colleagues it needs to be shared and debated. Perspectives is a platform for the AUA membership. We want to encourage colleagues to write for their colleagues, and we want to make each issue interesting to read because the content is relevant to the membership. There will always be room for authors who are not AUA members but I would like to see more members, particularly those who are taking our own PgCert, submitting for publication. In Celia’s words, Perspectives “has given university administrators and managers a collective voice beyond the Annual Conference and, inter alia, a mechanism for recording how the profession has
4 - Newslink Winter 2016
Perspectives “has given university administrators and managers a collective voice beyond the annual conference and, inter alia, a mechanism for recording how the profession has developed and the concerns that it addresses". developed and the concerns that it addresses". For twenty years,
and engaged with key policy issues from the point of view of
the AUA has supported our journal and, through such support,
the practitioner. In the current issue you can read essays on the
has made a strong statement to the higher education community
economics of HE, summary reporting of student achievement,
in the UK and beyond. The commitment of the leadership and
leadership, the handling of student concerns, and the use
membership of the AUA has been unwavering. It is my pleasure,
of contextual information in making admissions decisions.
on behalf of the previous editors and the current Editorial
What unites the pieces in this issue is that they are all written
Advisory Board (EAB) to thank, in particular, successive Chairs of
by practitioners (and all of them are either members or close
our organisation for their support.
supporters of the AUA).
I would also like to thank, personally, my colleagues on the EAB,
Finally, I would like to congratulate the authors of the essay
including Giles Brown, Allan Bolton (two former editors), and Dr
that has won the AUA John Smith Group essay prize for 2016.
John Hogan (the current Chair), for the time, effort and wisdom
In the first issue of volume 21, we will publish 'The limits of HEI
that they freely contribute.
websites as sources of learning and teaching information for prospective students: a survey of professional staff' by Dr. Namrata
I hope that the current issue of Perspectives (20.4) will be seen as
Rao (Liverpool Hope University) and Dr. Anesa Hosein (University
a model of what this kind of journal can be: informative, readable
of Surrey).
Themed issue and 2017 John Smith Essay Prize The challenge of Brexit The Editorial Board of Perspectives invites submissions to a themed issue, 'The challenge of Brexit’, to be published in 2018. 2017 will be a year of reassessment following the 2016 referendum. Essays may choose to reflect on how the sector might respond. Institutional case studies are also welcomed. Interpretation is part of the challenge, and the main aim is to contribute to and inform policy debate. Supported by the John Smith Group, we have a £1,500 prize fund at the disposal of the Editorial Board. This may be awarded to the winning entry or split to recognise merit. Authors may opt out of the prize competition. Essay Criteria : No longer than 5,000 words The original work of the author(s) Exclusively submitted to Perspectives Focused on UK HE A short expression of interest should be submitted to the Principal Editor, david.law@edgehill.ac.uk, at any time before 18 April 2017. The closing date for full essay submissions is 18 July 2017. Full details are available on the website: aua.ac.uk
Newslink Winter 2016 - 5
The new strategy of Growth through Relevance and Engagement, which was launched by the Board of Trustees in 2015, raised some big questions about the AUA brand. Did it represent the Association today? Did it clearly communicate the AUA’s position in the sector? Did it effectively demonstrate the ambition of the Association and the path on which the new strategy would take us? Quite simply it did not, so we embarked on a comprehensive brand review project in collaboration with an external consultant, and it has been an enlightening process.
AUA brand review Kathy Murray
Head of the AUA Office First we needed to understand what the Association
the elusive potential members whom we identified
meant to the AUA community today. We needed
as those who had engaged with the AUA but not
to know what the external perception of the
crossed over to membership.
Association was, what we looked like to potential members, how our current members relate to us
The research taught us a lot about ourselves and
and whether other HE organisations were clear
enabled us to articulate what we stand for as an
about our purpose. The level of engagement in the
organisation, what our personality and values are
research stage was almost overwhelming. Nearly
and what benefits we offer to our members. It
ninety people participated in interviews, surveys or
might sound simple but defining our purpose was
focus groups and we gained valuable insight from
a revolutionary moment.
the internal and external AUA network, including
AUA brand promise
Connecting and developing higher education professionals The AUA promises to support you in articulating and achieving your career ambitions so that you can look beyond your current role and your own institution, providing the right conditions to bring like-minded higher education professionals together while at the same time giving professional credibility to both the sector and the individuals who work in it.
AUA values
Connecting Connecting individuals on three levels: to their own career, to the wider AUA network and, via this, to professional services staff working in higher education.
Professional Taking pride in being professional in everything the AUA does and modelling the professional behaviours defined in the AUA CPD Framework: staff, events, communications etc. The AUA wants to reflect the professional values of its members and how it gives professional credibility to itself, its members and the higher education sector.
New AUA website and CRM We asked those who took part in our brand review earlier this year to comment on the look, usability and functionality of our website, and many of the comments we received confirmed much of what we already knew. Our old website was dark, difficult to navigate, didn’t work on mobile devices such as phones and tablets, and provided too few reasons for members and potential members to revisit. In addition, when members logged in to the Members’ Area they were taken away to a separate website, thereby creating a disconnect from the main site. Over the summer we partnered with Birmingham-based Smile to plan, build, test and launch a brand new website at aua.ac.uk which includes many of the suggested changes and new feature requests we received. On first visit you’ll notice the website has a fresh design in keeping
Inclusive
with our updated brand, and includes our new logo and colour
Offering something of value to all professional
way around the site much easier, with content easier to find too. From
services staff within the higher education sector.
the middle of January (we’ll email to let you know!) members will be
There is an active role available for everyone in the
able to log in to unlock extra website content that’s relevant to them,
AUA no matter what stage they are in their career
and get full access to our online publications such as Newslink and
or what career they have come from. The true
Good Practice Guides. Members can also chat about what’s going on
value of the AUA network lies not in the size of its
in Geographical and Themed Networks using the user-friendly forums.
scheme. The menu structure has been simplified making finding your
membership, but in the diversity and contribution of its members.
Friendly Reflecting the friendly and welcoming nature of the AUA, and the attitude of its individuals through all the usual digital, face-to-face and communication channels.
Also launching mid-January is our new customer relationship management (CRM) system. The CRM is central to the smooth operation of the AUA and the services we provide to members. It holds your membership details, manages your renewal, records CPD hours following attendance at conferences and events, and much more. This new system will enable you to update your personal details in real time, change your preferences for membership of Themed Networks and how you’re kept up to date, and manually log CPD hours.
What we have now is a clear (visual and tonal) identity
Thanks to the CRM, members who are logged in to the website will
that confidently communicates who we are, what we
benefit from personalised content and communications, and an all-
offer and the difference we make, and invites people
round better user experience.
to join us as we continue to develop and grow. This new brand signifies only positive change for us. We
The new website is your website, and as such we’re looking to you,
might look different but our commitment to putting
our members across the UK and around the world, to contribute
our members and our team at the heart of everything
articles, photos, blog posts, video diaries, podcasts and anything else
we do remains the same as always.
you’d like to share with other members.
I really hope you like what we have done. You will
We’re confident that the new website and CRM are a massive leap
see more and more of our new look as we roll it out.
forward for the AUA and members will notice a considerable
If you have any questions, concerns or comments
improvement in the way we manage data and communication
please get in touch.
moving forward. Newslink Winter 2016 - 7
For organisations, the purpose of the new AUA Mark of Excellence is to enable higher education institutions to celebrate publicly their use of the AUA Values and CPD Framework and Behaviours. For individual AUA members whose institution signs up, it’s a very clear signal that they will be offered excellent personal and professional development opportunities to progress. The Mark will bring tangible and comprehensive professional development pathways with their own employer, aligned to the AUA, adding immediate value to their AUA membership. Committing to ‘Working Towards’ the Mark demonstrates an institution’s commitment to enabling HE professionals to
AUA Mark of Excellence
achieving their potential. It’s a very powerful signal to current
through the new Mark of Excellence” said Phil Vickerman, Director
and potential professional services staff, who sometimes feel
of Strategic Partnerships at Liverpool John Moores University.
that their achievements are not given the recognition that they deserve in comparison to other HE professionals. The Mark is
The process for achieving the Mark of Excellence is straightforward.
based on the familiar AUA CPD Framework of Behaviours, widely
Once an organisation registers for the Mark it is given the status
adopted in the sector since 2009 and entirely refreshed and
of ‘Working Towards’; a development phase during which the
brought up to date for 2016. The Framework has proved to be a
organisation works to meet the criteria, with the support of our
very powerful and versatile tool that adds enormous value, and
dedicated assessors and advisors where required. The timeframe
complements skills and competences frameworks.
for achieving the Mark is up to two years. When the organisation feels ready, it submits a formal application by self-assessment
Six institutions across the UK are already ‘Working Towards’ the
against the criteria. An assessment is then undertaken by an
Mark, with many others expressing interest.
independent assessor and ratified by a panel nominated by the AUA Board of Trustees.
“At Liverpool John Moores University we take staff development very seriously, including for our professional services staff, and we
In tandem with the Mark of Excellence, the AUA is also expanding
are really looking forward to working in partnership with the AUA
its scheme of multiple memberships. For the past year, institutions
Background to the AUA CPD Framework Since its launch in 2009, the CPD Framework has provided the basis for a common national approach to CPD for staff in UK HE. The framework has made a significant impact on the HE administration and management community, not least because of its inherent flexibility. For example: • It works equally well at individual, team, departmental and institutional levels • It is applicable to staff at all stages in their career and across the full range of diverse roles in the sector • It complements existing CPD requirements associated with some specialist roles • It may be tailored by the organisation to address specific local needs 8 - Newslink Winter 2016
The CPD Framework is underpinned by a model of nine professional behaviours, together with a range of supporting documentation, tools and case studies to aid interpretation and implementation. These Professional Behaviours have been refreshed and brought right up to date for 2016. Managing self and professional skills Being aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
At the Annual Conference in Leeds this year, the AUA launched an exciting new development, the AUA Mark of Excellence in the use of the AUA CPD Framework for the development of professional services staff in higher education. have been able to purchase multiple memberships on behalf of their staff at a discounted rate. This is now being extended, so
The first two Institutions have been
that institutions which also commit to the Mark of Excellence can
awarded their Marks and were awarded
do so at a further discounted rate. Staff at these institutions also
their certificates by HEFCE CEO Madeleine
have the opportunity to receive a discount on their applications for
Atkins CBE at the AUA Annual Lecture at the
Accredited Membership or Fellowship of the AUA.
Royal Society on 1 December. First out of
These are exciting times for the AUA, and particularly for members whose institutions choose to get involved. For those members it means ready access to a framework for professional and career development, providing opportunities to achieve recognition that are comparable to those routes already available to research staff and academics.
Bath Academic Professional Services. “We’re very pleased to be developing our partnerships with Universities and other higher education institutions. Working more closely in partnership with employers in the sector will greatly enrich professional development and networking opportunities for our members,� AUA Chair Kathryn Fowler.
Further details are available on aua.ac.uk Contact: Amanda Shilton Godwin aua@aua.ac.uk
Finding solutions
the blocks was Durham University, followed by the University of
Developing self and others
For more information, including a range of resources on the CPD Framework, and how you and your institution can
Taking a holistic view and working
Showing commitment to own ongoing
enthusiastically to analyse problems and
professional development. Supporting
benefit from using it, please see the AUA
to develop workable solutions. Identifying
and encouraging others to develop their
website or alternatively you can request
opportunities for innovation.
professional knowledge, skills and behaviours
your hardcopy guide by emailing Amanda
to enable them to reach their full potential.
Shilton Godwin aua@aua.ac.uk.
Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
Working together Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
Top tips
Confident communication Jan Shine FAUA
People Development Consultant, Paullus People Development (jan@paullus.co.uk)
These bite-size articles will encompass all levels and areas of HE professional services activity, offering key skills, top tips and even what to avoid! In the following article, Jan Shine presents her top tips for confident communication. This is the first in a new regular series from Jan in Newslink, aimed at delivering short, easily digestible and thought provoking professional development tips, ideas and skills. These bite-size articles will encompass all levels and areas of HE professional services activity, offering top tips, developing key skills and suggesting things to consider. Future articles will cover topics such as building professional relationships, how to build trust and rapport with others, and more. If you have any topics you wish Jan to cover in this series please do not hesitate to put in requests, either to Giles, Kim or directly to Jan. Confident and effective communication is not just about what and how you communicate, equally important is the way in which you cooperate, connect and interact with others. The following points capture some of the key features of applying verbal and non-verbal communication skills confidently and professionally for positive impact in the workplace. There are also many examples of effective communication behaviours embedded in the CPD Framework, particularly in the areas of Managing Self and Personal Skills, Delivering Excellent Service and Working Together.
Use positive language
Focus on positive words and messages. For example consider the different impact of the following two statements: “I’ve considered your views very carefully, but I’ve decided…” "I’ve considered your views very carefully, and I’ve decided...”
Give full attention
Focus exclusively on the interaction you are having by listening with respect and interest, by summarising when appropriate, by moving away from your PC/desk, redirecting telephone calls/ silencing your mobile devices.
Be direct
Use short, punchy sentences and clear, concise language appropriate to the context.
Demonstrate equality
Treat all parties as ‘communication peers’ regardless of structural hierarchy and relationships, for example giving equal turns and attention.
Create ease
Your posture and facial expressions can communicate confidence, for example, holding your head up and maintaining an open stance, arms hanging loosely, hands open and relaxed. Try some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, before entering a situation that makes you nervous or uncomfortable.
Take responsibility
People are more likely to take your view into consideration if you state: “in my opinion…” as opposed to presenting your opinion as a ‘fact’ or hiding behind a generic statement like “I think everyone feels…”.
Be observant
Read the messages others give out. For example, if they seem distracted, you may offer to arrange another time to speak.
Use inflection
In verbal communication emphasise certain words to add meaning to your message, for example to express enthusiasm, and use the full range of your voice.
Consider your focus Reflect on the amount of time you spend focusing on yourself during communication (e.g. expressing your opinion, disagreeing with others’ opinions, making proposals, providing information, giving advice, interrupting or talking over others) and on other people (e.g. specifically asking others for their opinions, building on what others’ say, checking understanding, and demonstrating that you value others’ contributions). An ideal ratio is 40% / 60%, though of course it will depend upon your role, the context and nature of the communication. 10 - Newslink Winter 2016
Regional issues - The Scotland Network
Change afoot Wendy Cairney MAUA
Scotland Network Coordinator and Finance Coordinator, Edinburgh Napier University
I joined the AUA in 2011 after hearing a colleague talk on ‘progressing your career in HE’ at a staff development day; little did I realise I would be writing for Newslink today! The talk was about their journey within the sector, and why they felt that being a member of the AUA had helped build their confidence and improve knowledge and skills through attending AUA training events, networking with other members, and why we should consider becoming a member of the AUA. The following year John McDermott and I took up the post as
A proposal was sent to the AUA Board of Trustees requesting
joint Branch Advocates and set about re-launching the AUA within
approval to redesign the Scotland Network. The new design
Edinburgh Napier University. The branch had little activity and no
would see a number of lead advocates help support a regional
members attended regular meetings; these were reintroduced
area, with North West (Val Inness), North East (Gillian Brunton),
and committing to regular meetings and communicating with
South West (Morag Bratchie) and South East (me) areas of
members resulted in a slow but regular increase. Improving
Scotland reporting directly to the SNC (see Newslink, Issue 84,
numbers attending the AUA’s Annual Conference and senior staff
Summer 2016). This reorganisation aims to allow the regional
buy-in helped attendance too. When John decided to move on
groups to deliver more locally based joint meetings and training,
in 2014 it was timely that I did too; I applied and was successful
facilitate easier networking, and to share knowledge and practice
in being offered the Scotland Network Coordinator (SNC) post in
at a more local level with an aim to reduce costs to all. This will
early 2015. The Branch Advocate batten was passed to Katrina
also hopefully alleviate funding issues on individual institutions
Swanton and Michelle Terrell who have continued to improve
and the costs of running events for members in Scotland.
numbers in the branch at Edinburgh Napier University and introduced other new ideas (see their article in Newslink, Issue
Information and training gained in one area of the network will be
83, Spring 2016).
rolled out across other areas of the network. It is the mid- to longterm aim to encourage further take up of AUA membership and
From a personal perspective, I knew the role of Branch Advocate
to provide other training opportunities such as sharing positive
was both rewarding and challenging, so as SNC I very much
experiences of the AUA PgCert, which in turn should encourage
wanted to look at ways to support both advocates and members.
other colleagues to take up the opportunities of AUA membership and PgCert training.
My first task in 2015 was in assisting the AUA Office to arrange a one-day Scotland Conference. This event had 61 delegates
Future events for smaller numbers, over shorter periods and
attend (a similar event in 2011 only had 34 delegates attend) with
using new and improved IT will, we hope, encourage attendance
84% saying they attended because it was ‘local’. Many attendees
and engagement with the Association. By reducing the time
said there were still issues within the network due to difficulties
spent travelling to events, and by using networks and IT more
with travel, which can be complicated and expensive in cost and
imaginatively, we hope to build on our experiences and skills.
time. Indeed, a number of attendees at the 2015 event indicated
The aim is to start by having regular webinar (or other) type
that, from both an institutional and personal perspective, travel
meetings with SNC and lead advocates meetings with local branch
around Scotland can be as expensive as travelling further to events!
advocates, which in time will hopefully encourage inter-branch and other virtual types of meetings. These will not replace face-to-
The issues facing Scottish colleagues working in HE are also
face training but aim to widen participation in events. Providing
significantly different from those in England or indeed other
different kinds of workshops or training events will help to focus
parts of the UK, including funding issues that may or may
members needs, and what they want in the future, by creating a
not occur post-Brexit. The generic personal and professional
solid foundation to work from, setting up new areas, and focusing
development opportunities provided by the AUA via the CPD
on the current Institutions to increase membership and engage
Framework are generic to all; however, the contextual issues
with current and new members. The aim of this new design will
faced by colleagues in Scotland are different. For example, the
hopefully allow the Scotland Network to reposition itself, and to
Funding Council has a different approach from other areas of
work with like-minded colleagues who are committed to the AUA
the UK as the Scottish Funding Council funds FE Colleges as
and developing their personal potential.
well as Universities within Scotland.
Newslink Winter 2016 - 11
Professional Development
AUA Postgraduate Certificate
in Higher Education Administration, Management and Leadership
Next year the AUA will be celebrating 15 years of the Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) programme. Professional development has always been at the heart of the AUA and our postgraduate award is one of the key ways we are able to realise the AUA’s mission to promote excellence within higher education (HE) management. It is a challenging but rewarding programme where participants manage their own learning and development. Through the years hundreds of participants from all across the HE sector have benefitted from the skills and knowledge gleaned from studying our PgCert; from colleagues in quality assurance to admissions, administration to graduate trainees, covering the breadth of university professional services staff. It is not only those studying the programme who are involved with the PgCert, and engagement with the programme can take many different forms and many are voluntary roles; Mentors, Assessors, Delivery Partners and members of our Board of Studies. We rely on the time and dedication of managers and administrators across the UK and ROI to act as mentors to support our participants whilst they are on the programme. Mentors find their roles a rewarding experience that also helps them reflect on their own careers and professional development. Our Programme Team is made up of specialist Assessors and Delivery Partners who facilitate the Study Days we offer, all sharing the AUA’s core values. The membership of our Board of Studies that governs the programme has provided a wealth of experience and knowledge since the award’s conception. All of these dedicated HE professionals involved in the programme have contributed to its development and enhancement throughout the years. From its conception to the structure of the AUA Postgraduate Certificate today, the programme, much like the sector, has seen many changes and developments.
12
The beginning… In 1998 the AUA membership expressed strong support for
In 2002 the OUVS agreed to validate the PgCert for a period
the introduction of a Continuing Professional Development
of three years, and the award was titled the AUA Postgraduate
(CPD) Award which would provide a formal recognition of
Certificate in Professional Practice (Higher Education
achievement through assessment of a portfolio following a
Administration and Management). The programme has
structured programme of learning and development. With a
been successfully revalidated through the years with OUVS,
CPD programme already in place, the AUA approached the Open
taking on board and responding to their recommendations to
University Validation Services (OUVS) as potential validators for
enhance the programme.
the programme to become a formally recognised award.
Changes and developments… In 2010 a specialism in admissions route was introduced
developments. So, following the next revalidation in 2012, the
following an approach by the Universities and Colleges
programme structure was modularised to two Level 7 modules
Admissions Service (UCAS) in response to applicant demand
that carry 30 credits each. This change enabled graduates to
for specialisms and to expand the careers of those working in
put the credits they had gained towards further qualifications
higher education. This route ran alongside the core programme
and also allowed participants who were not able to complete
provision and enabled participants to choose admissions-focused
the whole programme, due to extenuating circumstances, to be
assignment titles within the knowledge assignment themes.
awarded the credits for a successfully completed module. With this change came a slightly amended title in order to recognise
By 2012 the programme had reached a stage of maturity
the new modular structure.
which gave the AUA the confidence to contemplate broader
A new era… In 2014 the AUA embarked on a new relationship with
which has been a real benefit to participants. We continuously
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) who became our validators
review the programme, finding ways to enhance the participant
of the PgCert award. The programme title changed to the
experience and adapt to the changes in the sector. One
Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration,
significant decision we have made in response to participant
Management and Leadership and was to sit with a new suite of
feedback was to move the content of the programme from the
progression awards offered by Nottingham Business School;
AUA’s Participant Portal hosted in Moodle onto NTU’s Online
PgCert graduates wanting to continue their academic study and
Workspace (NOW). As a distance learning programme the need
their professional development would now be able to apply for
for a Virtual Learning Environment that is user-friendly and easy
a Postgraduate Diploma and MSc award in HE Administration,
to navigate is even more important. The move has also involved
Management and Leadership directly offered by NTU.
leaving our bespoke online assessment area to adopt NTU’s processes for online submission, a change that our assessors
The validation relationship with NTU quickly became much more
have adapted to really well. This has meant we have streamlined
collaborative with a ‘hands-on’ approach to the assessment
participants’ online experience with assessment submissions
processes and regulations. Operationally, this relationship was
and the programme content available all in one online area.
a big change to how the programme had been managed in
Developing the new ‘Learning Rooms’ within NOW for all of the
the past, integrating these changes was not an easy task. The
programme’s guidance and content was a challenging task but
AUA continues to deliver and develop the content of the PgCert
one that gave us an invaluable opportunity to review how and
award as it always has done but with the advantage of NTU’s
what information we provided to equip our participants to study
support and guidance. The move to NTU has enabled the AUA
the programme, for which the feedback on the AUA Participant
to offer its participants access to all of NTU’s student facilities
Portal from previous participants became a truly useful resource.
including their online resources and onsite library in Nottingham,
The future… Adopting NTU’s processes in the transition to NTU’s validation
experience. These improvements are already underway in
had its challenges but as we approach our third year of
line with our next revalidation review in summer 2017. It’s
validation with NTU we are now in a much stronger, more
an exciting time for the programme which will see further
stable position. With this stability, again, comes the confidence
enhancements rolling out for the next academic year.
to make more significant changes to improve the participant To find out more about participating in the PgCert programme, either as a participant, mentor or assessor please contact aua-pgcert@aua.ac.uk.
Newslink Winter 2016 - 13
Meet the Trustees Andrew West FAUA University Secretary, University of Sheffield a.west@sheffield.ac.uk
of all functions with planning and strategic
Dr Andrew West is University Secretary
support and campus-based facilities. She
at the University of Sheffield. The role of University Secretary provides advice and support to the University's Council and governance structure, working closely with the University Executive Board. Andrew is also responsible for student services within the University, with a wide remit covering student recruitment and admissions, academic services including learning and teaching support, registry and student administration, careers and employability, and a broad range of student support services. Andrew is a former Chair of AMOSSHE— The Student Services Organisation, and other previous appointments include membership of the Executive of IASAS— a global student services organisation, the HE Advisory Panel for the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, and the governing Council of Westcott House, Cambridge. Andrew's work on student affairs and management and leadership issues has been published in professional journals and other publications, including a contribution to a forthcoming global study on the role of student services in supporting academic success. Andrew has been a member of the AUA throughout his professional career. He chaired the working group which developed the CPD Framework and during 2010-11 was Vice Chair.
responsibilities. She also had responsibility for student welfare and development led the strategic and operational planning for the initial set up phase of Warwick's alliance with Monash University in Melbourne. Nicola has a BA (Hons) in Politics from the University of Nottingham and an MA (Hons) in European Integration and Cooperation from the University of Hull. Kathryn Fowler FAUA Deputy Executive Director, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen Institute of Energy k.m.fowler@abdn.ac.uk A professional university manager with more than 25 years experience of the HE system, Kathy currently holds the role of Deputy Executive Director of the Aberdeen Institute of Energy.
Head of Administration and is responsible
and strategic and institutional level support. Previously, Dawn worked at the headquarters of Connells Estate Agents and, before taking her degree, spent a year as a civil servant at Luton County Court. Dawn has an MBA from the OU and a Bachelor of Laws with honours from the University of Hertfordshire. She lives and works in Milton Keynes and is married with one daughter.
implement core elements of this, including international activity, the estates and communications strategies. Formerly the College Registrar for the College of Physical Sciences, she coordinated a team of professional human resources,
administrators). Kathy has been a member of the AUA for and became a Fellow of the AUA in 2010. She has been a deputy coordinator of the AUA Special Interest
operation of governance and support to
member of the Board of Trustees. In
Council as well as a number of other legal,
2015 she was elected as Vice Chair of the
governance and licensing roles.
AUA, becoming Chair on 1 August 2016 for a term of two years. Kathy is also a Board Member of
of Warwick. As Deputy Registrar, Nicola had
Aberdeen Performing Arts (APA), and chairs
responsibility for the effective coalescence
the Finance, Audit and Property Committee.
W rew
d
An
estates, IT specialists
and has served two terms as a
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administrators (accountants,
Group on Managing Change
14 - Newslink Winter 2016
facing operations, faculty administration
A key component of this is to develop and
As Secretary she has responsibility for the
Nicola was Deputy Registrar at the University
worked at the OU since 1998 in student
enhancement of the Institute's activities.
for a number of administrative Divisions.
Prior to moving to Lancaster University,
and for reviewing its effectiveness. She has
services are aligned to ensure continual
more than 20 years,
Services at Lancaster. As CAO, she is the
through the University’s committee structure
planning activity to ensure that administrative
Nicola Owen is the Chief Administrative
of Finance, she leads the Professional
managing the operation of governance
Kathy's role is to contribute to the
alongside generalist
University. Together with the Director
Dawn has overall responsibility for
development and coordination of strategic
Nicola Owen FAUA Chief Administrative Officer and Secretary, Lancaster University nicola.owen@lancaster.ac.uk Officer (CAO) and Secretary at Lancaster
Dawn Turpin AMAUA Head of Governance, Open University dawn.turpin@open.ac.uk
en Ow ler ow F thy
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in theatre has continued, crossing the channel several times a day in a hovercraft – not so much. Sam Bayley FAUA Timetabling Manager, University of York sam.bayley@york.ac.uk Sam is a Timetabling Manager at the University of York and has held a number
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e of positions over six years in timetabling, liff Au c accommodation and space management. He joined M
the University from a retail sales management role where
he led a £3m store. He also acts as a consultant to institutions
seeking to improve their timetabling operations. Alongside his day job, Sam sits on the College Council for Halifax College and is also deployed as a workplace mediator to help colleagues manage difficult conversations and improve their ongoing relationships. Sam is the AUA Network Coordinator for Yorkshire and the North East, and has previously held the role of Branch Advocate at the University of York. He joined the Board of Trustees in 2014 having been a member of the Board of Studies during his time as a participant on the PgCert. As a Trustee, he aims to m
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Stephen McAuliffe MAUA Academic Registrar, University of Birmingham s.mcauliffe@bham.ac.uk Stephen McAuliffe is the Academic Registrar at the University of Birmingham, where he holds a broad portfolio across Academic Registry, Library, Student ey igl
u
Q ven e t S
Services, Learning and Development, Employability and Careers, International Academy and in
partnership with each of the five Colleges
departmental and college level professional services. Prior to Birmingham he worked at the University of Essex where he held the same title and worked in some of the same areas albeit on a smaller scale. Stephen has a strong interest in transnational
champion the development of Networks, as well as increasing the relevance of the AUA to junior managers and administrators across the sector. Sam became a Fellow of the AUA in 2014. Away from work, Sam is a semi-professional football referee and is Chair of the York Referees’ Association. He also enjoys travelling the world, particularly to areas where good red wine can be found. He is married and has a lively but accident-prone cocker spaniel. Steven Quigley FAUA Academic Registrar, Regent’s University London quigleys@regents.ac.uk Dr Steven Quigley is the Academic Registrar at Regent’s University London. He serves on the Board of Trustees for both the Council of Validating Universities and the AUA; he is a Fellow of the latter. Steven acts as the AUA’s senior higher education representative on the UCAS Council. He is also a member of the British Accreditation Council’s accreditation committee and a member of the Society for Research into Higher Education. He is the institutional representative for both the Academic Registrar’s Council, and the GuildHE Quality Management Network. Steven holds a doctorate in education awarded by the UCL Institute
education developed from his time at the University of Nottingham
of Education. His research interests include managerialism, identity,
where he worked with colleagues in China and Malaysia (living in
power, management and quality; his doctoral thesis explored the
Malaysia for an extended time). He has also worked at the Kent
accountability of higher education institutional leaders. Funded by
Institute of Art and Design, the University of Kent and Canterbury
HEFCE’s leadership, governance and management fund, he worked
Christ Church University. He holds an MBA in Higher Education
with AUA colleagues as part of a project team to further develop
Management (from UCL Institute of Education), an MSc in Tourism
the AUA’s Continuous Professional Development Framework.
and Environmental Management and a BA (Hons) in History
Steven’s recent contributions to the higher education
and Geography. He has served on the boards of AMOSSHE
sector include serving on the Regulatory Partnership Group’s
(The Student Services Organisation) and AGCAS (Association
redesigning the higher education data and information
of Graduate Careers Advisory Services). He has started to enjoy
landscape project steering group, and the QAA national advisory
cycling (although only as far as to work at the moment), is a
groups for both Chapter B11 Research degrees and Part A of the
regular gym goer if only to fight off the natural by-product of being
Quality Code. Steven has also contributed to and led workshops/
a chocaholic and is an avid fan of (London) Wasps RFC. Prior to
seminars for the CVU, the AUA and QAA on collaborative
HE, Stephen worked at Sainsbury’s, then with the Marlowe Theatre
arrangements, personal development and taught degree
in Canterbury and finally with Hoverspeed in Dover. His interest
awarding powers respectively. Newslink Winter 2016 - 15
Hayley Simpson MAUA Senior International Recruitment Manager, Royal Holloway, University of London hayley.simpson@rhul.ac.uk
Joanne Payne MAUA Head of all Professional Services Finance, University of Southampton j.payne@soton.ac.uk Joanne is Treasurer as well as a
Hayley Simpson is the Senior International Recruitment Manager at Royal Holloway,
Trustee of the AUA. She is a graduate of
University of London and has overall operational responsibility for the planning and
Loughborough University and a Fellow of
implementation of Royal Holloway’s student recruitment activities across overseas
the Chartered Institute of Management
and EU target markets. Hayley is a member of both the International Association for
Accountants. Joanne joined the University
College Admission Counselling network and the British Universities’ International
of Southampton in 2006 as Business
Liaison Association (BUILA).
Accountant for Estates and Facilities.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in German and Italian at University College
She was promoted in 2010 to head up
London and having undertaken a period of time working overseas, Hayley was
the finance team for the former COO
accepted onto the first year of the Ambitious Futures Graduate Programme for
group of professional services, and then
University Leadership. Upon completing the scheme, Hayley worked in governance at
in 2015 to her current position as Head
Queen Mary University of London before moving back into international recruitment at
of all Professional Services Finance. She has previously worked in manufacturing industry for Manor Bakeries and Amphenol (engineering), and also in the retail sector for the Nuance Group (international duty and tax free retailers). Outside of work Joanne enjoys swimming, reading, eating out and going to the theatre or the cinema. She is also a member of the local Decorative and Fine Arts Society, enjoying lectures on a wide range of topics. Having been bitten by the ‘Strictly’ bug, she is learning to ballroom dance, but is equally happy to be found at
Royal Holloway. Hayley has served on the Board of Trustees for the AUA since August 2014, and was previously a student representative on the AUA Board of Studies for the PgCert. Hayley has worked with other Trustees to review and make recommendations for the AUA Annual Conference and in the development of a risk register. Hayley has also supported branch events and led conference sessions, including co-presenting the pre Conference welcome session for international delegates. Within the next year Hayley plans to focus on aligning any international initiatives and exploring potential collaborative opportunities with the AUA’s planned strategic direction, and furthermore to help advise the AUA on how it could further reach out to its wider membership in terms of additional innovative activities.
many a live sporting occasion. Chris Ince MAUA Secretary, SOAS University of London c.ince@soas.ac.uk Chris is Secretary to the Board of Trustees at SOAS and also heads up the Governance and Compliance Directorate, which includes a range of areas including information
a
Jo
compliance, diversity and inclusion, incident management and institutional projects. He has been an AUA member for over 10 years and has attended every Annual Conference since joining, making many friends along the way. Prior to SOAS, Chris has worked at both Kingston University and Imperial College London. More excitingly, if that is possible, he also spent two years testing computer games – a job that is a lot more tedious than it sounds. By background he has a BSc and PhD in Chemistry and fondly remembers days spent in the laboratory making potions and crystals. His greatest achievements, ignoring any cheesiness about offspring, are cycling to the AUA Conference in Manchester in 2014 and being a volunteer at the Olympics in 2012. His hero and inspiration is Malcolm Tucker. 16 - Newslink Winter 2016
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a number of regional institutions to promote the Association and has run a number of events for current and prospective members to support their development. Some of the most notably events have been, Women in HE Leadership, How I Got where I am Today, Studying While Working, n
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the Annual Post Conference event and Christmas Quiz. In his spare time, Mark often reads books exploring
psychological studies and their real world applications,
might be found working on and learning to sail a small boat owned by a friend, or rock climbing where he says that: “the key is to attempt to solve as many of the problems on the wall, fall off as little as possible but importantly don’t be disparaged when you fail – just get back up and start again.” Sue MacGregor FAUA Director of Governance and Registry Services, University of Gloucestershire smacgregor@glos.ac.uk
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Sue MacGregor is Director of Governance and Registry Services at the University of Gloucestershire where she has led faculty based and
centralised teams for five years. She is especially pleased that the University has become one of the early adopters of the AUA’s Mark of Excellence scheme and is project lead for their work towards this accreditation. A graduate of the University of St Andrews, Sue is a Fellow of the AUA, a Fellow of CIPD and is a Companion Member of the Institute of Customer Service. She is also an Affiliate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. After working in a range of organisations outside HE, Sue entered the sector in 2005 and has also worked at Cardiff Metropolitan University and the University of South Wales. It did not take her long to recognise the cultural peculiarities associated with working in Universities and Sue’s academic interest and sometime doctoral studies have related to perceptions of power and status in higher education administration.
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Mark Crittenden MAUA Student Centre Coordinator, University of Greenwich m.crittenden@gre.ac.uk Mark graduated from the University of Leicester with a degree in Psychology in 2006 and soon found his way into the beginning of his career in higher education. Having worked in HE for nine years, Mark currently manages one Student Centre on the University of Greenwich’s Medway campus and has shared management responsibility for one of the London campuses (Avery Hill). Having joined the AUA early in his career, Mark has been Branch Advocate since 2012 and also the AUA’s Anglia and London
As an escape, Sue likes to hill walk, sail when possible and has completed two marathons and four half marathons in the two years since she took up running. Amanda Oliver FAUA Director of College Operations, Brunel University amanda.oliver@brunel.ac.uk Amanda’s career in education extends over 30 years in roles that span the breadth of professional services functions within a university; she has been in her current role as Director of College Operations at Brunel University London for two years and prior to this was Head of Business Operations at Kingston University/St George’s, University of London. As an AUA Fellow and a new member of the Board of Trustees she brings extensive sector knowledge and experience along with substantial experience of involvement with the AUA over many years. Additionally, she has been an Assessor for the AUA PgCert since the programme was introduced; a member of the Board of Studies for several terms and has been very involved with the evolvement of the PgCert over recent years. She starts her new role as Chair of the Board of Studies with the prospect of further embedding the close working relationship with Nottingham Trent University (our validating partner) and preparing for revalidation of the programme next summer. Sue is greatly looking forward to her new roles as a member of the Board of Trustees
Network Coordinator since January 2013.
and Chair of the Board of Studies and the opportunity to promote the AUA values and
As Network Coordinator, Mark has visited
influence the work of the AUA at a time when the sector is continuing to evolve.
Newslink Winter 2016 - 17
10 Feature article
things to consider
for a good LGBTQ university experience Michelle Grimwood
Department of Family Care and Mental Health, Faculty of Health and Education, University of Greenwich
Universities pride themselves on creating positive learning environments which value equality and diversity and promote inclusiveness, in terms of both student and staff populations. The result is a culture open to
When thinking about inclusive practice for LGBTQ youth and
the nature of debate and the
the university environment, research has been carried out by
richness such diversity brings
the University of Greenwich, in collaboration with the METRO
to higher education. However,
charity. METRO is a leading equality and diversity charity,
while many lesbian, gay, bisexual,
providing health, community and youth services across London
transgender and questioning
and the South East, plus national and international projects.
(LGBTQ) young people report a positive experience at university,
METRO works with anyone experiencing issues related to gender,
others continue to be concerned about homophobia, transphobia
sexuality, diversity or identity. More information can be found at
and discrimination on campus. This short article aims to inform
www.metrocentreonline.org. The research has highlighted ten
and support those interested in, and responsible for, cultivating
practical things which can be considered when thinking about
a positive learning environment which considers equality and
how to foster a good practice approach in order to provide a
diversity principles and practices that relate to LGBTQ students.
positive LGBTQ university experience.
...while many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people report a positive experience at university, others continue to be concerned about homophobia, transphobia and discrimination on campus. The University of Greenwich undertook research into the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, in collaboration with METRO in 2013. The headline summary of Youth Chances (METRO, 2014) findings was first published in 2014, but as researchers continue to explore the extensive data collected from over 7,000 young people, new findings emerge which give valuable insight into the experiences of this often hard to reach group. One article that gives further insight into the experiences of LGBTQ young people in a university setting, which may be of interest to those wishing to develop further understanding in this area, can be found in Perspectives: Policy and Practice in Higher Education: What do LGBTQ students say about their experience of university in the UK? (Grimwood, 2016), which is available online via the members' section of the AUA website. Reference: METRO 2014. Youth Chances Summary of First Findings: the experiences of LGBTQ young people in England. London: METRO
1
2
Monitoring
An LGBT+ group
Monitoring systems that include sexual orientation and
Having an LGBTQ society or group is important for many students.
gender identity are an important element to consider when
This gives a strong message that LGBTQ students are included and
thinking about demonstrating good practice for LGBTQ students.
considered by the university. In addition, such groups can provide
Currently only 35 universities in the UK have monitoring
support to students in a number of ways, such as developing a
systems which means that 78% of universities are missing
sense of connectedness, creating cohesion, combatting isolation
out on finding out about their LGBTQ student population.
and helping to build academic and social experiences.
3
4
Promoting your LGBTQ group
Inclusive visibility
Promoting an LGBTQ society or group on the university
Posters and visibility initiatives should include LGBTQ
website and in prospectus material is a great way to reach
diversity and inclusion routinely, regardless of the topic
potential students. LGBTQ students report that they will
of the initiative. This can help challenge heterosexism, for
often look for evidence of inclusion of LGBTQ students on
example by including LGBTQ people, pictures or symbols
a website when considering which university they apply to.
(such as the rainbow) on posters and displays.
5
6
Role models
Staff training
Setting up a network of LGBTQ champions is a great way to
Empowering staff to be confident in talking about LGBTQ
promote an inclusive environment. Some universities have
issues and challenging discrimination is essential in developing
appointed student hate crime champions and others have
an inclusive and positive environment. Training, workshops,
supported members of staff to be visible and proactive in
seminars and online modules are good ways to do this. Local
promoting LGBTQ equality and inclusion. Developing role
LGBTQ organisations can often help and including the topic
models and ‘straight allies’ helps with visibility as they
in professional development courses and other training can
can also act as mediators and mentors.
be a good way of monitoring engagement.
7
8
Including and mentioning LGBTQ issues
A culture that challenges
Explicit inclusion of LGBTQ issues gives an important
Research indicates that students are far more likely to
message to LGBTQ students that issues relating to them
challenge homophobia, biphobia and transphobia (HBT)
are raised and not ignored on campus. It also helps
than staff at university. All staff and tutors need to be
heterosexual students appreciate ‘difference’ and
proactive in identifying and challenging HBT and be
understand the inclusive culture of the campus.
aware of formal and informal ways to challenge it.
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Develop local links
Reporting systems
Links to local LGBTQ groups and affiliations are a good way
Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic incidents can manifest
of demonstrating LGBTQ inclusivity. They can give valuable
themselves in many ways, for example via both physical and
information about the nearby gay scene, which may include
verbal incidents, either overt or subtle. LGBTQ community
safe spaces and an LGBTQ community. These can often
organisations have been raising awareness of HBT as hate incidents
provide social and support opportunities outside the
and/or hate crimes, with many developing third party reporting
university, which are important to the student experience.
systems and centres. Having an accessible policy and process for reporting hate incidents on campus and online is an excellent way of demonstrating that LGBTQ student and staff safety is taken seriously. Responding to and monitoring all hate incidents, as well as joining local reporting systems, is a good way to do this. Newslink Winter 2016 - 19
Getting the most
out of your AUA membership Our aim at the AUA is to connect and develop our members and the higher education sector. Membership, accreditation and awards The AUA community is made up of around 3,500 members from over 330 providers and organisations across the world. With a membership population as diverse as ours, employed across a wide variety of roles, in a frequently and rapidly changing sector, there are many interesting stories and achievements that
You can also share your HE stories, achievements or opinion pieces with the AUA membership through articles on the AUA website, as a new edition in our Good Practice Guide series, in Perspectives-Policy and Practice in Higher Education our academic journal, or here in Newslink.
deserve to be shared, recognised and rewarded.
If you wish to contribute, contact Kim Mellor, Communications
It’s good to share
further. Alternatively, do feel free to approach one of the Editors
Much of the engagement between members is informal. An email to AUA colleagues at your institution, a post to one of our new web forums or an email to a JISC list are all ways to connect you to what you want to know.
Officer (aua@aua.ac.uk), in the AUA Office to discuss options (David Law for Perspectives, perspectives@aua.ac.uk or Giles Brown for Newslink, newslink@aua.ac.uk), either at an AUA event or by e-mail.
Recognising your CPD
If you are looking to redraft a policy, revisit your programme
We exist for the benefit of our members and accordingly, when
regulations or rethink your organisation’s approach to planning,
our members make significant contributions to their own
chances are, across our membership, someone else has had the
development and that of the sector, we want to recognise that.
same problem. By reaching out you are broadening your own
Our membership accreditation scheme gives you the opportunity
knowledge base, but also contributing to the Association; it is
to have your CPD formally accredited by the Association.
remarkable how reassuring it can be to know that colleagues in other organisations are experiencing the same issues.
As an AUA member you can apply to become an Accredited Member and later, a Fellow. Both membership categories require
For more information about our forums and JISC lists head to:
evidence that you have met specific requirements in the following
aua.ac.uk
areas: CPD, Professional Capability and Professional Reflection.
Rewarding your achievements
Each year at the Annual Awards, we recognise contributions that members and volunteers have made to the AUA. Our achievements as an Association are worth shouting about and this is your opportunity to let everyone know about your achievements as an AUA member, or to nominate your AUA colleagues. Nominations in the following categories are open now: AUA Member of the Year This is our opportunity to celebrate the contribution of an individual member. It might be an advocate who has shown a high level of commitment and dedication to the AUA. Perhaps a Network Coordinator has gone the extra mile to help you, or maybe their work has raised the profile of the AUA. It could be a member who has utilised or adapted our CPD Framework, and any of its related resources, or the PgCert, to support the career development of themselves and others. AUA Networks Team Award Making connections and helping people work together is what the AUA does best. In this award we want to recognise the teams of network volunteers who work together to get you connected. You might want to nominate a team behind your Geographic or Thematic Network, or a team of advocates at your institution. Lifetime Achievement Award The Lifetime Achievement Award is our chance to say a big thank you to a longstanding member whose sustained and significant contribution to the development and leadership of the AUA has helped advance professionalism and promoted excellence across the HE sector.
20 - Newslink Winter 2016
Networking Networking is the easiest way to get your AUA membership working for you. There is no other HE body that gives you the reach across the
Mark White
AUA Member Mark White has been awarded an OBE for his services to education. Here Mark reflects on his career and the role the AUA has played in it. Congratulations to Mark on this major recognition of his contribution to the sector.
sector as the AUA does.
Are you local? We think the first step is to find members at your institution or at institutions near you. There are frequent get-togethers, lunch sessions and interesting talks arranged by our local volunteers. Even within your institution, it is all too easy to become isolated from your colleagues and these free events are there to encourage members to break down the silos, share their expertise and enjoy being part of the HE community. Your local AUA Branch Advocate is the best person to contact in order to get
I joined the Association of Polytechnic Administrators in 1982 soon after starting work at Teesside Polytechnic (after six years as a student and as Students' Union President). Throughout the next 34 years as my career developed in higher education the AUA (as it became) was an invaluable professional body. Its conferences, staff development programme and publications have been part of my career
involved. You can find their details at aua.ac.uk.
through all those years.
All organisations are assigned to one of our
I retired from Teesside University (as Head of the Vice Chancellor's Office
Geographic Networks. The scale means there is more knowledge and expertise for you to engage with and as a result, a wider range of larger activities can be arranged. Our Geographic Networks frequently arrange one day conferences, which represent a great opportunity for you meet members outside your institution, without having to travel too far from your base. You can have your say here too: each Network is guided by a Network Coordinator who is there to develop and organise activities across the geographic region. If you think there is potential for an event on a particular topic, or if you would like help in recruiting more members at your institution, pop over to your network page and contact your Coordinator.
Targeting your networking
and Secretary to the Board of Governors) on 29 February 2016. In the last few years of my time there I was enormously proud to become an Accredited Member of the AUA. The designation AMAUA is so important to me even as a retired member of our Association. On the last Friday in April 2016 I got a very official looking letter from the Cabinet Office and six weeks later I was awarded the OBE for "services to education particularly in Teesside". That recognition thrilled and humbled me beyond measure and I see it very much about all the colleagues that I have worked with for all my years in Teesside. I am particularly proud of a number of things in my time in higher education: being part of the transition from Teesside Polytechnic to Teesside University; helping to gain significant powers from the then Council for National Academic Awards to the Polytechnic; playing a key role in community engagement between the University and the towns that comprise the Tees Valley; supporting our two Chancellors since 1992 - the late Lord Brittan of Spennithorne and Lord Sawyer of Darlington; supporting four Vice Chancellors' and being a part of building a successful, thriving University; and, in a small way, contributing to the management and administration of our higher education sector.
AUA members work across all areas of HE administration and can have diverse
The AUA was a part of all of this throughout.
professional interests. Our Themed Networks enable you to pick the areas that interest you
Retirement is busy! I am the Chair of Governors of Stockton Riverside College,
and build links with the experts who will best aid
of Abingdon Primary School and of the Darlington School of Mathematics and
your development.
Science. I am a Board member of the Association of Colleges (AoC) and Chair of the AoC Governors' Council; a Trustee and Director of the Education and Training
Our Themed Networks support large and small
Foundation and a Governor of North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust.
events, but also operate online, allowing members
I'm also about to start a part-time, postgraduate distance learning course at the
to share ideas and best practice through forums
University of York; so I will still be supported by AUA members!
and email lists wherever they are. Professional management and administration in higher education is more Like Geographic Networks, Themed Networks
important than ever and we are lucky to have the AUA. The AUA can only be as
are guided by a Network Coordinator, to contact
strong as its members and we have outstanding members.
a Themed Coordinator head to aua.ac.uk.
Mark White OBE DL AMAUA Newslink Winter 2016 - 21
International issues
A different continent
same higher education issues Michelle Morgan FAUA
Learning and Teaching Coordinator, Kingston University
The AUA has reciprocal agreements with other university administrative organisations across the world, which allows AUA members to benefit from attending partner conferences, and vice versa. It is a fantastic arrangement which provides the opportunity for administrators and managers to share ideas and discuss the similarities and differences facing our higher education sectors.
level study, it was agreed that I should do a keynote presentation on ‘fees, retention and the student experience’. Before I went, I looked at the student
In May 2016 I represented the AUA at the Higher Education
population of many South African Universities, which
Faculty Administrators Forum (HEFAF) Annual Conference which
showed diversity. With my presentation prepared, my
is the South African equivalent of our UK Annual Conference and
passport in hand and a mix of clothes in my suitcase to dress
Exhibition. I had no idea what to expect from the conference,
for South Africa’s changeable winter season, I headed off to
which was being hosted in Cape Town. It was my first time
Heathrow Airport for my overnight flight.
in South Africa and before going my overriding images and memories were of Table Mountain, the struggle against
On landing the next morning, I met the HEFAF organisers (Peet
Apartheid, rugby and watching Nelson Mandela walk free in 1991
du Plessis and Sonja Oliver) at Cape Town airport and we made
after 27 years in jail.
our way to the hotel where the conference was being held. Having settled in, we sat down to talk about the conference.
Apartheid is an Afrikaans word meaning 'separateness', or 'the
I asked what they wanted me to do, if they wanted any
state of being apart' and was a system of racial segregation
assistance with the conference and who my audience would
in South Africa, enforced through legislation by the governing
be. I was thrilled that they were happy for me to help out on the
National Party from 1948 to 1994. Even though democracy was
registration desk because it was a perfect way to meet other
achieved in 1994 with Nelson Mandela becoming President, I
delegates and get a sense of the conference spirit. However, I
wondered if I would still find separateness, not only socially, but
was not expecting the response I got to my question of ‘who are
also educationally. My trip proved to be not only one of the most
my audience’.
memorable and personal experiences of my life so far, but a higher educational eye-opener, and this is why.
The response was that many of the delegates were traumatised and under extreme stress due to the student protests against
As soon as I contacted the HEFAF team, they were keen
fees. I was told that many delegates had had to withdraw at
to get me involved. In the past few months, as in the UK,
the last moment to deal with serious issues happening on their
Parliament in South Africa has been talking about raising higher
campus. Immediately I thought about the protests in the UK and
education tuition fees. With my extensive work in the field of
wondered what could be so bad and causing the distress? And
the undergraduate and postgraduate student experience and
then I was told. The protests had escalated to student violence,
my recent research into the impact of fees on postgraduate
with damage being done to statues and artworks, confrontations
22 - Newslink Winter 2016
of delegates in terms of ethnic groups and different African languages. After my presentation, I was able to relax and participate in the conference. For AUA members the Annual Conference is a fantastic way of recognising that the issues in your university are not unique. I have attended many an AUA event and breathed a sigh of relief that others have the same issues as I do. During the HEFAF conference, I often found myself smiling as I listened to the comments made by some of the delegates. The UK and South Africa maybe approximately 6,000 miles apart and on different continents, but HEFAF colleagues could have been sitting in an AUA conference sharing the same frustrations, concerns, hopes and dreams for their institutions, students and the sector. occurring with security staff and police, plus the burning of buildings and brutal clashes
Like colleagues in the UK, the HEFAF delegates are worried about staff losses, bureaucratic and costly processes, university services acting in silos, the impact of reduced funding and the increase in student fees and debt. However, thankfully, AUA
between student factions.
members do not have to witness the destruction of learning
The reason wasn’t just
spaces once considered ‘safe’ and an attack on what Nelson
conflict over tuition fees,
Mandela considered to be one of the most powerful weapons
but the shortages of
in the world – education. It is important to remember that it
student accommodation,
is the minority who are taking direct action, but when I asked
low-paid staff and issues
colleagues if they knew why some students were resorting to
about the language of
such violent action and destroying their own future as well as
instruction. Staff from one
that of others, the response was "they don’t believe they have a
day to the next didn’t know if
future so what have they got to lose?"
trouble would erupt on their campus, or if it had, whether
My trip to Cape Town has left me with indelible memories. The
or not it was safe enough to go
South African people I met were happy, relaxed and passionate
to work.
about their country. They have embraced democracy and I witnessed real integrated diversity and education, rugby and
So the challenge for me as someone
Nelson Mandela’s legacy helping to bond that diversity. Even
from a different country and one not
amongst the trials and tribulations they are experiencing, there
experiencing these traumas was
is hope and tenacity. The HEFAF team was incredibly welcoming
getting the balance right between a
and helpful, and the delegates were keen to learn and to share
response that was caring, but not trite or
ideas and experiences. There are many things they can teach us!
disingenuous. As it turned out, the delegates guided me in my response. As I worked with Sonja on the registration desk, I saw the passion, dedication, commitment and determination of the administrators. I also experienced the diversity
I left South Africa a more reflective individual. It was an inspiring trip and Cape Town is a remarkable city. Next year, I encourage you to apply to attend HEFAF, represent the AUA and your university and have a life changing experience.
Newslink Winter 2016 - 23
International issues
AUA Study Tours
The AUA's International Higher Education Network (IHEN) arranges international Study Tours on an annual basis for the benefit of AUA members based in the UK, and to strengthen international links between the AUA and similar overseas organisations, higher education institutions and other groups with an interest in HE. Recent Study Tours have visited Poland, Japan, South Africa, The Netherlands, New Zealand and Brazil and past Study Tours Reports are available to read online on the AUA's website. In this issue of Newslink we are very excited to announce the destinations of the next two Study Tours: The 2016/17 tour will go to Germany/Switzerland and the 2017/18 tour will visit North America (the US and/or Canada). One of the issues under discussion will no doubt be the post-Brexit landscape.
Benefits Participating in a Study Tour can be a truly rewarding experience and can have personal, professional and institutional benefits: • Learn about an overseas higher education system • Enhance your skills and knowledge • Increase your knowledge and understanding of overseas practice • Exchange ideas and good practice • Build your confidence • Broaden your experiences • Enhance your career • Explore working collaborations The International Higher Education Network (IHEN) encourages awareness amongst AUA members of the international dimension to higher education. This group provides an ideal opportunity to get involved in the international work of the AUA and develop your personal knowledge in the area. The IHEN is specifically designed to be a group for anyone working in any capacity that has an interest in how HEIs operate in different national and international contexts. Enthusiasm and a willingness to bring ideas for activities inside and outside of the UK and Ireland are the most important qualities of IHEN members! If you want to be involved or join the International Higher Education Professional Network, please email aua@aua.ac.uk.
24 - Newslink Winter 2016
This is what participants had to say about recent Study Tours: It is one of the fastest and most enjoyable ways to learn about “international higher education and as the themes are decided collectively, you'll be able to focus on some aspect of professional relevance. You will not leave a Study Tour without thinking about several aspects on higher education differently. I would urge AUA members to consider applying to join or lead future tours. Andrew Tuson MAUA, Consultant and Interim Manager,
”
Study Tour Coordinator to Poland
Tours offer valuable learning experiences in overseas HEIs “andThegiveStudy you an opportunity to challenge yourself and your knowledge whatever your role is – it’s not just for managers. ” Marie Holmes MAUA, Quality Secretary, Faculty Disability Liaison Officer, University of Hull, Study Tour Participant to Poland
a lot about Polish HE of course, but it made me appreciate “andI learned understand UK HE more too; I appreciate the staff development opportunities we have in the UK (e.g. one of the top universities had no staff development provision to speak of); and hurrah for the AUA!
”
Angela Pater MAUA, Head of Secretariat, University of Bath, Study Tour Participant to Poland
Not only is it a chance to learn so much about the country and “organisations you visit, it is also a fabulous opportunity to get to know lots about colleagues and their institutions from the UK as well, and I found it has provided me with such a rich seam of insight into many different aspects of higher education management. John Baker MAUA, Corporate and Business Planning Manager,
”
London South Bank University Study Tour Participant to the Netherlands/Belgium
Newslink Winter 2016 - 25
In 2015, the AUA organised a Study Tour to the Netherlands/Belgium. It seems timely to catch up with the organiser of the tour, Els Braeken, Team Leader, University College London: Andrea Williams (IHEN Coordinator*): Can you describe the Tour briefly? Els Braeken: The tour is organised by the AUA’s International Higher Education Network, mainly to strengthen international links between the AUA and overseas organisations, but also to provide a learning opportunity for its members. The Study Tour covered three cities in the Netherlands and one city in Belgium. We visited the University of Leiden, the Free University (VU) Amsterdam, the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the Delft University of Technology (TUD) and the University of Antwerp. The tour finished with a breakfast and feedback meeting in Antwerp. The Study Tour team comprised delegates from six institutions in the UK which was split into three working groups; participants worked in pairs exploring three specific topics: the internationalisation of higher education, the impact of research, and changes in research funding on HE and managing student employability. The themes were chosen in consultation with participants, the International Network Coordinator and with input from the host institutions.
AW: What was the highlight of the tour? EB: We were privileged to receive a very warm welcome from the host institutions in the Netherlands and Belgium. They generously gave their time to be with us for a half or full day, showing us around their campuses, delivering presentations, exploring the topics with us and inviting us to beautiful lunches and dinners.
AW: What have you learnt? EB: The Study Tour made me realise that it is definitely a challenging time for the HE sector. There are constant and fast changes in the HE landscape and major shifts in policy and funding, both in the UK and abroad. Administrators and managers have to navigate through very complex systems. There are more and more regulations, globalisation and internationalisation, global competition and an increased digitalisation in the sector.
AW: Would you do it again? EB: Yes, definitely. It was a very rewarding experience, and I would like to express my gratitude to the Study Tour team who worked very hard and contributed enormously to the success of this Tour, each from within their own professional background.
AW: Would you recommend AUA members to go on future Study Tours? EB: The objectives of the AUA International Study Tours are to investigate major trends in the sector, to look at the provisions of HE in other countries, and to explore similarities and differences between HE institutions in the UK and abroad. These Study Tours are an excellent opportunity for participants to gain a better insight into the delivery of HE in a European or international context. Participants have the chance to work with colleagues from across the sector in the UK and to share ideas and practices with overseas colleagues. Institutions are often willing to support staff members in taking part in the AUA International Study Tours, both in terms of time away from the office and financial support for the trip, as the Tour can be a valuable tool for sharing knowledge and good practice. Participants often value this experience both from personal and professional perspectives and as a career enhancement.
* Andrea is currently on maternity leave and David Law is the new IHEN Coordinator.
26 - Newslink Winter 2016
Research information solution implementation Luke Philimore MAUA
AUA Advocate and Student Administration Manager, University of Nottingham The University of Nottingham AUA Branch Advocates organised an event for AUA members on 15 May 2016, with colleagues in attendance from the University of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent University, Napier University, De Montfort University and University of Cardiff amongst others. AUA member Jonathan Hollands, Research Manager in the School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, gave an excellent presentation on how the University is implementing a Research Information Solution to manage the full range of research activity. Historically, the University of Nottingham has suffered from having disjointed systems meaning that the management of research data and project management was extremely difficult. Therefore, the project has six objectives: • Improved research decision, making at all levels and lifecycle stages;
• Improved research data management; • Researcher networking facility;
• Reduce administrative burden, primarily on academics to allow them to focus on research, not process, whilst also making process flows more rational and integrated;
• Research income and performance management; and • Enhanced management of research knowledge to enhance external promotion of successes.
The University is proud that it is taking a lead in this area and is the first in the sector to be implementing a system delivering such an ambitious set of objectives. Jonathan has kindly agreed to come back and give an update on the project in 2017.
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Meet the AUA Office Kathy Murray Head of the AUA Office My role is to oversee the operations of the AUA Office and to contribute and support the AUA Board of Trustees on the Association’s long term strategies and plans, which means I enjoy a varied and challenging role that keeps me very busy! Highlight of 2016 so far: Most definitely delivering the new brand and two weeks in France celebrating my Mum’s 70th with my husband and two children, my three brothers, three sister-inlaw’s, four nieces and two nephews.
Mairi Palmer Head of Finance I look after all things financial for the AUA and the other sector associations that we provide support for. It’s a busy and varied role that can stretch from VAT returns to negotiating prices with suppliers to registering delegates at our Annual Conference. Highlight of 2016 so far: Knocking another three countries this year off our family's quest to see as much of Europe as possible. In 2016 we've managed Spain, Denmark and Sweden and given this year's referendum result we feel like we're now up against the clock and will have to fit in some more in 2017!
Amanda Shilton Godwin Head of Professional Development I lead on all things professional and developmental, so in practical terms at the moment this means content for conferences and seminars, the AUA CPD Framework and the Mark of Excellence. I also manage the PgCert team. Highlight of 2016 so far: I’ve had two work and two personal highlights: the work ones were the Leeds Conference, and then the launch of the Mark of Excellence which is a 28 - Newslink Winter 2016
really exciting development for the AUA. Personal wise, I cycled up Mont Ventoux this year and learned that I am going to be a granny; both very exciting!
Jane Reid Project Officer: Professional Development My role is to manage the Postgraduate Certificate in HE Administration, Management and Leadership programme. As well as overseeing the day to day running of the programme, I also make strategic decisions on how the PgCert is developed for the future. As this is a distance learning programme with both a programme team and students based all around the country, a lot of my time is spent responding to emails, liaising with the programme team, maintaining our online resources and coordinating development meetings and Boards to ensure that discussions and decisions are considered in line with the AUA’s values, our validator’s recommendations and the overall direction we want the programme to take. Highlight of 2016 so far: Successfully developing and moving to NTU’s online workspace to house the guidance and content of the programme.
Fiona Ramsay PgCert Programme Administrator The main purpose of my role is to support the AUA PgCert programme and I am usually the first point of contact for existing and prospective students. On a day to day basis I respond to queries about the programme, normally by email, and keep in touch with students about forthcoming study days and assessment deadlines. When assessments are submitted, I manage the process of allocation to assessors and moderators and collate results for the Programme Manager, Jane Reid, to ultimately send to the Board of Examiners. A major element of my role is the handling of applications for the PgCert
programme which takes place twice each year when we have up to 40 new students per cohort. Every student on the programme is allocated a mentor and I look after this area of work. This includes maintaining the database of mentors and allocating mentors to new students when they commence the programme or finding a new mentor when a replacement is required. Highlight of 2016 so far My work highlight of the year is the AUA Annual Conference and in particular the graduation of PgCert students.
Matthew Ward Membership and Administrative Assistant Membership mastermind and first point of call for members contacting the Association. I also work closely with my colleagues in regards to the Geographic Networks as they have become complimentary to each other. Highlight of 2016 so far: AUA Annual Conference and Exhibition 2016
Matt Maloney Project Officer: Membership and Networks I’m responsible for the wide range of AUA activity that falls under the membership and networks umbrella. A huge chunk of my role is to support our amazing network of volunteers: I help the volunteers develop your AUA on a local and personal level. I also lead on the development of our member experience; this means understanding who you are, what you need, and how we can deliver it. In practice, I spend a lot of time listening to our volunteers and interpreting our membership data to identify the areas where we can target more support and extend the reach and impact of the AUA. Highlight of 2016 so far: The highlight of my year has to be a week spent in Tuscany over indulging in wine, cheese, and prosciutto.
Bryan Archer Project Manager I am here to organise the procurement and implementation of two systems central to the successful operation of the AUA for its members, the customer relationship management system (CRM) and the AUA website. After many years designing and implementing systems for the NHS, it is a refreshing change to work within an academic environment, especially as I attended the University of Manchester.
Kim Mellor Communications Officer My role as Communications Officer is really a two-sided coin; I look after the AUA publications Newslink, Perspectives, the Good Practice Guides and any ad hoc publications such as the Conference handbook, but also, coordinate the sponsorship and exhibition for the AUA Annual Conference and our third party
Highlight of 2016 so far: Delivering the projects on time and to budget.
Highlight of 2016 so far: My highlight from 2016 has to be passing my Trainer and Assessor training with SkillsActive. This has enabled me to deliver dance fitness training courses across the country this year – and for 2017, hopefully off into Europe!
Graham Holland AUA Web Development Officer I oversee our website aua.ac.uk and liaise with my colleagues in the AUA Office and across the UK to ensure the content is accurate and up to date. In recent months I’ve been working closely with Bryan Archer, our Project Manager, to manage the procurement, building, testing and launch of our brand new website in conjunction with the team at Smile. I also manage websites on behalf of UHR and ARC, two of our third party clients. My role includes taking an overview of the AUA’s online profiles, including Twitter and LinkedIn, and ensuring the Association’s social media output is in line with our social media policy and our new brand guidelines. I act as the go-to person for advice on the use of technology both online and offline. Highlight of 2016 so far: My highlight has to be seeing the new website going live for the first time. So much hard work has been put into it by the teams from Smile and the AUA over many months, and it’s satisfying knowing that we now have a website fit for 2016 and beyond that provides information in an accessible format and delivers better online services for our members.
Chloe Duxbury Events and Administration Assistant I have been with the AUA for a year now and have recently changed roles from the AUA Events Assistant to the Events and Administration Assistant. My new role means that I now work with our third party clients coordinating their smaller events and their large Annual Conferences.
client conferences.
Ric Carr Events Officer My role changed to become the Events Officer towards the end of 2015. I oversee all events offered to members and to our third party clients, whether its sourcing venues, generating financial forecasts/budgets, scoping specifications for our new CRM system or speaking with members on the telephone, the days just fly past! Highlight of 2016 so far: My wife and I recently moved house to accommodate the arrival of our second daughter who is now seven months old. It’s been tough adjusting to a very sparse sleeping pattern once again, however the combined effect of a supportive family, great colleagues and plenty of coffee have definitely helped power me on.
Highlight of 2016 so far: I would have to say either seeing Coldplay at the Etihad in June or attending Creamfields Festival in August.
AUA starters
Hannah Windham Placement Events Assistant I am currently on placement from Manchester Metropolitan University at the AUA. I am helping to organise small one day conferences as well as the Annual Conference and helping with the administrative side of events. Highlight of 2016 so far: My surprise 21st night out organised by my friends, they blindfolded me and took me to the top of The Hilton Hotel!
Beth Haworth Finance Assistant I’ve just joined the AUA team as the new Finance Assistant. I will be assisting Mairi with the maintenance of the AUA’s financial records, as well as dealing with members’ finance-related queries. Highlight of 2016 so far: My highlight of 2016 was a trip to the Isles of Skye and Raasay in Scotland in September, where I managed to make it to the peak of the Old Man of Storr (part of the Cuillin mountain range).
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
The views and opinions expressed in Newslink are
enhance careers, boost your job prospects and create valuable networking
those of the authors and do not necessarily represent
opportunities. In short, we empower our members to take control of their
the views of their institutions, or of the Editor, nor
career development.
should they be considered as expressions of opinion or official policy of the Association of University
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