Introduction
Welcome to the 2023 Higher Education edition of CANVAS. The years since the pandemic began in 2020 have seen universities innovate, take risks and embrace new modes of working, as they respond to major and shifting challenges within an ever constrained funding and regulatory environment. This trend is only partially true when it comes to the selection of leaders for senior roles. Some university panels have – perhaps understandably – taken a more cautious approach to selection, whereas others have embraced a level of risk and made out-of-sector appointments or backed potential over experience. It has been fascinating to observe this trend through our work.
There is perhaps more of an appetite now to test other talent pools for senior roles in higher education than ever before. Shortlists for senior roles are becoming more sector-diverse, and, encouragingly, more diverse in general. These trends will lead us as a sector to richer senior teams with more leadership breadth, and a wealth of experience to call upon. Adjacent sectors will also benefit from the cross-pollination of talent, and it is possible that higher education and its myriad external partners, stakeholders and collaborators will benefit enormously in the long run. This could add resilience in the face of the increasing headwinds in our sector.
CANVAS
Edition Overview
CANVAS - Higher Education Edition 2023
The years since the pandemic began in 2020 have seen universities innovate, take risks and embrace new modes of working, as they respond to major and shifting challenges within an ever constrained funding and regulatory
Read moreWise counsel: bringing an external perspective to Higher Education
Interview with Grainne Brankin, College Secretary and General Counsel, Imperial College London
Read moreLooking through a different lens: a scientific scope from academia to government
Interview with Professor Jas Pal Badyal FRS – Chief Scientific Adviser, Welsh Government
Professor Jas Pal Badyal was appointed Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA) to the Welsh Government in January 2023. In this interview he shares his hopes and ambition to share the positive impacts of science to the
Read moreView from the river: team insight
Meet Dr Eugenia Gonzalez, Consultant and Partner in our Higher Education Practice
Read moreHigher Education Board Appointments
A selection of recent board appointments in higher education from those within or joining the sector, advised by Saxton Bampfylde.
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