Development programme

We offer ongoing support to members seeking degree awarding powers at all levels.  We convene sector experts for guidance, offer 1:1 support and connect you to peers who have recent experience of different stages of the process, including those who've recently achieved those powers. Members can also find a wide range of resources in our Members Area.

If you would like to find out more, please email Kate Wicklow, Director of Policy and Strategy.

We have now closed expressions of interest for our new leadership development pilot, co-designed and delivered in partnership with leadership specialists Gatenby Sanderson. We are currently working with participating institutions to shape the programme and will share further updates in due course.

This pilot programme offers a comprehensive and cost-effective leadership development opportunity tailored to the unique contexts of GuildHE institutions. It is designed for staff currently in leadership positions - whether academic or professional services - particularly those leading teams or strategic projects and seeking to further develop their leadership capabilities. 

We are supporting our members through transformation and efficiency conversations and working collaboratively with the UUK Taskforce. GuildHE-specific activities have included roundtables on unique challenges of rural or coastal locations, and for creative specialists. These conversations have led to the development of support and information sharing, and have fed into our wider development programme activities. 

We have also hosted a ‘Radical collaboration in higher education’ workshop, partnering with KPMG and Mills & Reeve. This interactive workshop allowed senior leaders to reflect on strategic drivers for collaboration, assess models, and consider practical steps, including identifying suitable models and key considerations for boards and senior leadership, such as regulatory requirements. We will be running this workshop again with them in summer 2026. 

We are continuing to develop efficiency-focused activities and plan further workshops on collaboration and practical efficiency steps, such as discussions on shared activities, commercialisation and partnerships. We are also working with AdvanceHE on new merger resources for the sector. We are also keen that more resources are available for other forms of collaboration across the sector, and for senior leaders and governing bodies.