Our dedicated team of experts specialises in executive search for the higher education sector. With deep industry insight and an extensive network, we connect transformative leaders with institutions to drive academic excellence, innovation, and meaningful societal impact on a global scale.
Collaborative Leadership and Innovation in Higher Education
Universities have shown great resilience in recent years and have moved quickly and collaboratively to respond to the challenges faced. Technology has enabled transformation to happen apace, with digital innovation top of the agenda for most institutions: it is innovation borne out of necessity to survive.
The pace and scope of change are unparalleled and this has required an enormous commitment from senior leaders within the sector, working closely with their teams and those of other institutions to sustain their academic and research capabilities, physical building assets, as well as support students at home and internationally, and of course continue to generate income.
Specialist leadership advisors to:
- Alternative providers
- Commercial education
- Edtech
- Research organisations
- Specialist institutions
- Universities
Our experience
For almost 40 years, we have collaborated with universities across the UK and internationally to support leadership roles. Saxton Bampfylde has extensive experience placing senior leaders across the higher education landscape, including Vice-Chancellors, Presidents, and key academic and professional roles. Over the years, we have seen Higher Education institutions evolve to stay relevant in an ever-changing world, driving innovation and diversification.
Our Clients
Meet our team
Bringing forward passionate and diverse Board Leaders
Senior board appointments require a highly targeted, personalised search to identify appropriately qualified senior leaders, and it is essential that each of them is then approached by an articulate and well-informed advisor. Through our dedicated board practice, we appoint over 250 chair and non-executive roles every year: our networks give us extensive reach across sectors, and deep insights into the challenges – and opportunities – faced by boards today.
Developing high-performing boards
Saxton Bampfylde has the expertise and experience to provide chairs with the comprehensive insight they need to run an effective board, having led governance reviews at both executive and non-executive level. Our review process is designed to be relatively light-touch, allowing boards to comply fully with governance recommended practice and providing data and practical recommendations that can be used to improve board/team effectiveness, maximise strengths, and tackle weaknesses. Our view is structured around a tried and tested model, but can be adapted to specific organisational needs.
Overseeing Overseas: International campus leadership and how to get it right
This report explores the international campus movement and takes a close look at expectations of and challenges for its leaders, and how universities can attract, retain, and develop the right talent. We have spoken to leaders across the sector to gain their insights and to understand their experiences and the challenges they have faced. Our conversations have addressed five principal areas:
- What are the essential skills and experience needed?
- How attractive are these opportunities? What are the key selling points?
- Does it need to be an academic?
- Knowledge of the institutional context vs country knowledge?
- What comes afterwards?