HEPN NORTH 2025 AGENDA

Delivering tangible solutions for real-world issues

HEPN is a unique, two-day learning and networking event which brings together the most inspirational leaders and transformational suppliers in the Higher Education sector to share cutting-edge insight, knowledge and experience. Our agenda is carefully curated to address the most relevant and emerging challenges in the sector.

20 - 21 May 2025, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

Day 1
Day 2

20 May 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration
9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Welcome to the Higher Education Partnership Network (HEPN)
9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel – Unlocking innovation amid financial constraints

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Megan Kime

Director, Digital Education Service
University of Leeds

Laurence Eagle

Independent Consultant
Advance HE

We are here to talk real strategy for surviving and thriving in difficult times. With financial pressure intensifying, universities must innovate fast – and work smarter together. This opening keynote panel will discuss how institution...

We are here to talk real strategy for surviving and thriving in difficult times. With financial pressure intensifying, universities must innovate fast – and work smarter together. This opening keynote panel will discuss how institutions are delivering impact through cloud migration and automation, while unlocking new revenue through online learning, lifelong education, and international partnerships. We will also address the need to break down barriers to collaboration – from supplier relationships to shared services – and what it takes to lead with both agility and collective purpose.
9:55 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

Student living, an untapped source of insight for HE

As the UK and Ireland’s leading independent student accommodation provider, with over 40,000 university students living with us each year from all over the world we are focused on ensuring they thrive during their higher education journey. Managing properties from Aberdeen to Plymouth, Dublin to Norwich (and almost everywhere in between) our teams who deliver a best-in-class experience, are committed to supporting wellbeing, and are continuously innovating.

Lee Rawlinson

Director
Homes for Students

With over 20 years of experience in student housing and data insights, Director at Homes for Students Lee Rawlinson dives into the world of student living. He will explore how data analysis and corporate partnerships can help to not only...

With over 20 years of experience in student housing and data insights, Director at Homes for Students Lee Rawlinson dives into the world of student living. He will explore how data analysis and corporate partnerships can help to not only improve a student’s accommodation experience, but also keep institutions ahead of the curve when it comes to trends and changing behaviour patterns. According to his unique insights, what will the student of 2030 look like and how can universities and the wider property sector be best prepared for their arrival?
10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
...

Our signature ‘Dragons’ Den’ session provides each solution provider with an opportunity to deliver a short pitch, explaining why they are here and how their services can help tackle some of the sector’s ongoing challenges.
10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
12:05 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat – AI that pays off

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Andrew Gill

Deputy Director, IT & Digital Services
Teesside University

How can artificial intelligence deliver real, measurable returns – not just excitement? This fireside chat will discuss the use of AI to automate time-consuming administrative tasks, reduce staff workload, and unlock cost savings a...

How can artificial intelligence deliver real, measurable returns – not just excitement? This fireside chat will discuss the use of AI to automate time-consuming administrative tasks, reduce staff workload, and unlock cost savings at scale. We will feature a case study from Teesside University on now they are upskilling both staff and students to confidently engage with AI tools – as well as effectively tracking the impact of innovation across the institution. A practical look at AI as a workforce enabler and a strategic asset.
12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

New Horizons of Creativity

Adobe gives everyone – from emerging artists to global brands – everything they need to design and deliver exceptional digital experiences. We’re passionate about empowering people to create beautiful and powerful images, videos, and apps, and transforming how companies interact with their customers across every screen.

Niels Stevens

Principal Solutions Consultant, Education
Adobe

As demand grows for AI literacy in careers, students need the skills to express their ideas and deliver standout work using both industry-leading apps and new AI-powered tools. Hear how Adobe is equipping the next generation of creative ...

As demand grows for AI literacy in careers, students need the skills to express their ideas and deliver standout work using both industry-leading apps and new AI-powered tools. Hear how Adobe is equipping the next generation of creative professionals, faculty and staff with cutting-edge creative technology and responsibly designed, commercially safe generative AI.
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.
1:50 pm - 2:10 pm

Main Room

A Day in the Life of Data: Unlocking Efficiency Across the Academic Operating Model

TimeEdit specialises in providing tailored software solutions exclusively designed for the Higher Education sector. Established in 1996, we’ve forged partnerships with over 200 academic institutions, solidifying ourselves as a trusted and experienced partner. Our mission is to empower universities with an advanced Academic Operations Platform, streamlining operations from Workload and Curriculum Management to Scheduling and Student Engagement. Our mission is to elevate the experience of your students and staff whilst optimising resource allocation from a single, unified source of truth. At the heart of our approach, we believe that close collaboration with our clients is the cornerstone of mutual success.

Matt Dalton

UK Commercial Director
TimeEdit

TimeEdit specialises in providing tailored software solutions exclusively designed for the Higher Education sector. Established in 1996, we’ve forged partnerships with over 200 academic institutions, solidifying ourselves as a trusted and experienced partner. Our mission is to empower universities with an advanced Academic Operations Platform, streamlining operations from Workload and Curriculum Management to Scheduling and Student Engagement. Our mission is to elevate the experience of your students and staff whilst optimising resource allocation from a single, unified source of truth. At the heart of our approach, we believe that close collaboration with our clients is the cornerstone of mutual success.

Maija Ahokas

Vice President Sales
TimeEdit

Join TimeEdit for an insight-led breakout session where we’ll explore how smarter management of your Academic Operations can simplify and connect the often convoluted processes of curriculum management, academic planning, scheduling, w...

Join TimeEdit for an insight-led breakout session where we’ll explore how smarter management of your Academic Operations can simplify and connect the often convoluted processes of curriculum management, academic planning, scheduling, workload, and evaluation. By managing these critical operations through a single system, institutions can drive efficiencies, deliver more staff- and student-centric experiences, and achieve more with less.
With stories from universities already transforming their academic operations, this session is ideal for senior leaders looking to streamline processes, improve cross-functional collaboration, and bring clarity to the complex world of academic delivery.
If you’re rethinking how your institution operates at every level — from planning to execution — this one’s for you.
2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Exploring new revenue streams through online learning

Scott Farrow

Head of Digital Learning
Edge Hill University

As the demand for online learning grows, how can universities retain control and ensure long-term value? In this case study from Edge Hill University, we will explore the move away from external OPM partnerships toward building internal ...

As the demand for online learning grows, how can universities retain control and ensure long-term value? In this case study from Edge Hill University, we will explore the move away from external OPM partnerships toward building internal online capacity. Learn about the strategic drivers behind this shift, the challenges and lessons along the way, and how this approach is strengthening brand, capability, and financial sustainability in an increasingly competitive higher education market.
2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat – How on-demand access to digital course materials has transformed the student experience and the value proposition

Perlego is a digital learning platform that improves the learning experience and makes knowledge more accessible.
Our unlimited access subscription model levels the playing field by providing students from anywhere in the world with access to a comprehensive catalogue of high-quality resources, reducing barriers to learning, driving personal development and improving workforce readiness. For university staff, Perlego offers simplicity with unrestricted access to thousands of publishers in one place.
Perlego advances strategic initiatives at institutions, from employability to equity and inclusion, providing insights based on years of experience with hundreds of universities and a deep knowledge of our catalogue.

Katharine Templeton

Head of UK Partnerships
Perlego

Adrian Ellison

Pro-Vice Chancellor - People and Digital
University of West London

Join Adrian Ellison, Pro Vice-Chancellor for People and Digital at the University of West London, for an insightful fireside session exploring how they are driving out value, navigating the financial landscape and boosting student succes...

Join Adrian Ellison, Pro Vice-Chancellor for People and Digital at the University of West London, for an insightful fireside session exploring how they are driving out value, navigating the financial landscape and boosting student success through digital transformation.

Find out how providing every student, including those overseas, with access to over a million e-textbooks, has not only enhanced teaching and learning, but driven out value, and strategically aided international recruitment and partnership development. Another real-world example of delivering more with less amid the evolving pressures of the HE-sector.
3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
4:20 pm - 4:40 pm

Main Room

Engaging people in transformation: engaging stakeholders at all levels

Laura Milne

Head of Digital Education
University of Chester

Even the best strategy will fail without people behind it. This session will focus on how to build genuine engagement across all levels – from front-line staff to senior leadership – to ensure transformation efforts succeed a...

Even the best strategy will fail without people behind it. This session will focus on how to build genuine engagement across all levels – from front-line staff to senior leadership – to ensure transformation efforts succeed and stick. Through the lens of cultural change, collaborative design, and experience-led communication, we will examine how to overcome resistance, align priorities, and turn your community into active participants in digital evolution.
4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote panel – Building a data-driven university

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Matthew Holden

Head of Educational Technology
University of Salford

Laurence Eagle

Independent Consultant
Advance HE

Data is not just a by-product of operations – it is a strategic asset. This closing panel explores how institutions are using data and predictive analytics to drive smarter decisions, improve student engagement, and achieve academic an...

Data is not just a by-product of operations – it is a strategic asset. This closing panel explores how institutions are using data and predictive analytics to drive smarter decisions, improve student engagement, and achieve academic and operational gains. Our panellists will share practical examples from across the sector, showing how universities are overcoming silos, embedding analytics into everyday practice, and using insight to fuel performance, accountability, and institutional resilience.
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel check-in / free time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks reception & networking dinner

21 May 2025

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Malvina Gooding

Former Interim Chief Information Officer of IT
Goldsmiths, University of London
9:10 am - 9:55 am

Main Room

Open but secure: rethinking cyber security strategy in higher education

Malvina Gooding

Former Interim Chief Information Officer of IT
Goldsmiths, University of London

Craig Clark

Chief Information Security Officer
University of East London

Chris Haigh

Assistant Director and Head of IT PMO
University of Wolverhampton

How can universities maintain the openness essential to academic collaboration while defending against increasingly persistent and sophisticated cyber threats? This panel will address the tension between academic freedom and institutiona...

How can universities maintain the openness essential to academic collaboration while defending against increasingly persistent and sophisticated cyber threats? This panel will address the tension between academic freedom and institutional security – and how best to manage it. Reflecting on cyber recovery following an actual attack and how it informs approaches to proactive threat detection to resilient planning, our panellists will share strategies for balancing transparency with protection and building a security culture that enables innovation without compromise.
10:00 am - 10:20 am

Main Room

Threat-Centric Cyber Security: Keeping Systems Running Whilst Securing the Environment

Quorum Cyber is on a mission to help good people win. Founded in Edinburgh in 2016, we’ve become one of the fastest-growing cyber security companies, protecting over 400 customers across four continents. We deliver tailored, threat-led cyber security services that empower higher education institutions to stay ahead of attackers, align security with strategic goals and budgets, and thrive in an unpredictable digital world.

As a Microsoft Solutions Partner for Security, our expertise runs as deep as our commitment to better cyber security outcomes. We are building a future where security and efficiency go hand in hand, allowing authorities to concentrate on what truly matters – transformative work that benefits the community

Ryan Standbridge

Senior Incident Responder
Quorum Cyber

This session explores the limitations of conventional cyber security strategies and explains why a threat-led approach will significantly reduce risk for the higher education sector. Drawing on operational technology practices, this appr...

This session explores the limitations of conventional cyber security strategies and explains why a threat-led approach will significantly reduce risk for the higher education sector. Drawing on operational technology practices, this approach promises a greater return on investment for any organisation. The presentation will provide valuable insights from real-world examples within the current threat landscape. It will also cover the evolution of malware found in the wild and its impact on the education sector, emphasising why it’s essential to implement adaptive security measures today.
10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

An Evolving Relationship: OPMs, HEIs, and the rise of Unbundled Services

For more than 30 years, we’ve partnered with top-tier academic institutions around the world to design best in class learning experiences and online program management solutions. When it comes to online education, we keep learner success at the heart of everything we do and work hard to deliver positive learning experiences that empower career outcomes.  And now, after launching more than 450 online programs we have helped some 17,000 learners begin their journeys and serve a student body representing more than 150 nations.  Partner with us, and we’ll advance the future of learning — together.

Joel McConnell

Senior Director, Portfolio Management and Growth
Boundless Learning

The landscape of online and digital education is rapidly evolving, and so are the relationships between leading universities and their external partners. Online Program Managers (OPMs) are also adapting the ways they support academic ins...

The landscape of online and digital education is rapidly evolving, and so are the relationships between leading universities and their external partners. Online Program Managers (OPMs) are also adapting the ways they support academic institutions. For over 30 years, Boundless Learning has been a pioneering partner in helping higher education institutions build their online programs. Today, the company is expanding into unbundled services, offering a more flexible, fee-for-service model alongside its traditional full-service approach. Join this session to explore how OPMs are evolving to better support top institutions like yours.
10:45 am - 11:45 am

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

15 minute meetings with suppliers who are offering solutions most relevant to your challenges. Please check the schedule on the back of your delegate pass for your meeting timings.
11:50 am - 12:10 pm

Main Room

Personalised support for student success

Prof. Cassie Wilson

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Student Experience
University of Bath

How can universities ensure every student leaves prepared for the world of work – not just some? This session explores how tailored support, internal internships, and personalised guidance are helping students build confidence, cla...

How can universities ensure every student leaves prepared for the world of work – not just some? This session explores how tailored support, internal internships, and personalised guidance are helping students build confidence, clarity, and career readiness. From alternative pathways to practical placements, you will hear actionable strategies for embedding employability into the student experience and driving outcomes that matter to learners, institutions, and employers alike.
12:15 pm - 12:55 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote panel – What’s next? Redefining the value of higher education

Malvina Gooding

Former Interim Chief Information Officer of IT
Goldsmiths, University of London

Megan Kime

Director, Digital Education Service
University of Leeds

Prof. Cassie Wilson

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Student Experience
University of Bath

As funding tightens and global mobility shifts, the next two to five years will redefine what universities offer – and how they deliver it. This closing panel will form a robust debate on the future of UK higher education set against t...

As funding tightens and global mobility shifts, the next two to five years will redefine what universities offer – and how they deliver it. This closing panel will form a robust debate on the future of UK higher education set against the backdrop of lifelong learning, digital delivery, and emerging business models like micro credentials and transnational provision. Does the current turmoil in the US market present an opportunity to drive internationalisation? Our panellists will offer a candid look at how we can evolve fast enough to meet demand – and lead in a more competitive, connected landscape.
12:55 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

Chair's closing remarks
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

An opportunity to connect with your peers and suppliers to talk over the learnings from the event. Lunch is served buffet style and a range of options are available to cater for different dietary requirements.

Day 1
Day 2

HEPN NORTH 2025 AGENDA

Delivering tangible solutions for real-world issues

20 - 21 May 2025, Hilton Deansgate, Manchester

20 May 2025

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Main Room

Registration

9:00 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Chair's opening remarks

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer University of London

9:10 am - 9:50 am

Main Room

Opening keynote panel – Unlocking innovation amid financial constraints

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer University of London

Megan Kime

Director, Digital Education Service University of Leeds

Laurence Eagle

Independent Consultant Advance HE

9:55 am - 10:15 am

Main Room

Student living, an untapped source of insight for HE

Lee Rawlinson

Director Homes for Students

10:20 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den - Speed presentations

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

12:05 pm - 12:35 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat – AI that pays off

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer University of London

Andrew Gill

Deputy Director, IT & Digital Services Teesside University

12:40 pm - 1:00 pm

Main Room

New Horizons of Creativity

Niels Stevens

Principal Solutions Consultant, Education Adobe

1:00 pm - 1:45 pm

Main Room

Networking lunch

1:50 pm - 2:10 pm

Main Room

A Day in the Life of Data: Unlocking Efficiency Across the Academic Operating Model

Matt Dalton

UK Commercial Director TimeEdit

Maija Ahokas

Vice President Sales TimeEdit

2:10 pm - 2:30 pm

Main Room

Exploring new revenue streams through online learning

Scott Farrow

Head of Digital Learning Edge Hill University

2:35 pm - 2:55 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat – How on-demand access to digital course materials has transformed the student experience and the value proposition

Katharine Templeton

Head of UK Partnerships Perlego

Adrian Ellison

Pro-Vice Chancellor - People and Digital University of West London

3:00 pm - 4:15 pm

Main Room

Networking and business meetings

4:20 pm - 4:40 pm

Main Room

Engaging people in transformation: engaging stakeholders at all levels

Laura Milne

Head of Digital Education University of Chester

4:45 pm - 5:30 pm

Main Room

Closing keynote panel – Building a data-driven university

Richard Michel

Chief Information and Digital Officer University of London

Matthew Holden

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Director, Digital Education Service
University of Leeds

Independent Consultant
Advance HE

Director
Homes for Students

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Deputy Director, IT & Digital Services
Teesside University

Principal Solutions Consultant, Education
Adobe

UK Commercial Director
TimeEdit

Vice President Sales
TimeEdit

Head of Digital Learning
Edge Hill University

Head of UK Partnerships
Perlego

Pro-Vice Chancellor - People and Digital
University of West London

Head of Digital Education
University of Chester

Chief Information and Digital Officer
University of London

Head of Educational Technology
University of Salford

Independent Consultant
Advance HE

Former Interim Chief Information Officer of IT
Goldsmiths, University of London

Former Interim Chief Information Officer of IT
Goldsmiths, University of London

Chief Information Security Officer
University of East London

Assistant Director and Head of IT PMO
University of Wolverhampton

Senior Incident Responder
Quorum Cyber

Senior Director, Portfolio Management and Growth
Boundless Learning

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Student Experience
University of Bath

Former Interim Chief Information Officer of IT
Goldsmiths, University of London

Director, Digital Education Service
University of Leeds

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Student Experience
University of Bath