Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

HEPN SOUTH 2023 AGENDA

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.

HEPN South 2023

23rd - 24th November, Radisson Blu, Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow

Day 1
Day 2

16 March 2023

8:00 am - 8:45 am

Main Room

Registration
8:45 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Chair's Opening Remarks

Chris Green

Chief Digital Officer
University of Lincoln

Welcome to the Higher Education Partnership Network (HEPN)
8:50 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Increasing the value of the UK HE offering

Sir Timothy O’Shea

Emeritus Professor of Digital Education and former Principal & Vice Chancellor
University of Edinburgh

Against the backdrop of a testing economy, rising tuition fees, increased competition for international students, and changing regulatory frameworks are just some of the issues that UK higher education institutions must navigate…

Against the backdrop of a testing economy, rising tuition fees, increased competition for international students, and changing regulatory frameworks are just some of the issues that UK higher education institutions must navigate…

HE leaders recognise the need for revival. This scene setting panel will explore the key challenges facing the HE sector in 2023 and discuss possible solutions to ensure its continued success and. We will reveal the best practices and new strategies, from fostering innovation, promoting diversity and inclusivity, to enhancing global partnerships, and embracing emerging fields and technologies. By prioritising these initiatives, UK universities can reclaim their position as premier educational destinations, offering an enriching and globally competitive educational experience for students worldwide.

• How can education leaders build on the strengths of all parts of the UK higher education sector when institutions are faced by sharp financial constraints, increased regulatory burdens and political upheaval?

• In 2023, our system is too large, plural, how can we work towards a better relationship between the government and higher education, more joined-up engagement across institutions’ education, research and global partnerships and ultimately more common goals?

• How can HE leaders foster innovation, embrace the right technologies? While promoting diversity and inclusivity?

• Despite it likely being calmer than the 12 months gone by, with a general election looming, what should HE leaders be prioritising in 2023?
9:10 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Budgeting and forecasting: keeping up with fast-paced change

Julie Charge

Director of Finance
University of Salford

Rita Akushie

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Finance and Operations
University of London

By embracing flexibility and adopting forward-thinking budgeting practices, universities can navigate uncertainty, optimise resource allocation, and ensure financial resilience in the face of constant change.

The session will emph...

By embracing flexibility and adopting forward-thinking budgeting practices, universities can navigate uncertainty, optimise resource allocation, and ensure financial resilience in the face of constant change.

The session will emphasise the importance of collaboration between finance teams, academic departments, and leadership in aligning budgetary decisions with institutional priorities. We will also explore agile budgeting approaches, leveraging scenario planning, data analytics, and proactive financial modelling.
9:40 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Headline Sponsor Presentation - Google for Education
10:00 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den

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

Coffee Break 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 - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Assuring competence and confidence for employability

Martin Perfect

Director of Student Employability
University of Gloucestershire

This presentation delves into the strategies that institutions can employ to ensure the competence and confidence of students for successful employability. It will explore practical approaches, including experiential learning opportuniti...

This presentation delves into the strategies that institutions can employ to ensure the competence and confidence of students for successful employability. It will explore practical approaches, including experiential learning opportunities, career development programs, industry partnerships, and skill-focused curriculum design.

How can we equip students with the necessary competencies and instil confidence, ensuring our graduates can excel in the competitive job market and thrive in their chosen careers?
12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Gold Sponsor Presentations
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Widening access to education

Maggie Leggett

Director of External Relations
Queen Mary University, London

By actively working towards widening access, universities can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive higher education landscape, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.

This session...

By actively working towards widening access, universities can contribute to a more diverse and inclusive higher education landscape, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.

This session highlights the importance of addressing barriers, promoting equal opportunities, and providing tailored support to disadvantaged students.
1:15 pm - 1:55 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.
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm

Main Room

Platinum Sponsor Presentation
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm

Main Room

Embedding sustainability throughout the university

Kelly Williams

Executive Head of Operational Estates and Facilities
University of Wales, Trinity Saint David

Mohammed Aufogul

Head of Technical Design and Delivery
University College London

How can we embed sustainability principles throughout universities, with a focus on carbon reduction, energy consumption, and minimising environmental impact?

Fostering a culture of environmental stewardship can help to make subst...

How can we embed sustainability principles throughout universities, with a focus on carbon reduction, energy consumption, and minimising environmental impact?

Fostering a culture of environmental stewardship can help to make substantial strides in creating a greener, more sustainable future while inspiring the next generation of eco-conscious leaders.

We will explore practical strategies to integrate sustainability into campus operations, curricula, and student engagement initiatives.
2:50 pm - 3:10 pm

Main Room

Gold Sponsor Presentations
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Main Room

Coffee Break 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.
4:35 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

How do we build a global strategy?

Dr Tola Adesina

Associate Provost (Global Engagement)
University of Derby

Join us in this dynamic presentation as we delve into the critical realm of global strategy for UK universities.

We will explore strategic leadership of global engagement, emphasising vital aspects such as cultivating internation...

Join us in this dynamic presentation as we delve into the critical realm of global strategy for UK universities.

We will explore strategic leadership of global engagement, emphasising vital aspects such as cultivating international partnerships, fostering global impact initiatives, nurturing recruitment collaborations, and empowering transformative global mobility experiences.

How can we ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment that enriches a student’s academic journey and foster lifelong connections between them and our institutions?
5:00 pm - 5:25 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat on meaningful AI

Mal Allerton

CIO & Executive Director of iSolutions
University of Southampton

Steve Booth

CIO
Coventry University
5:25 pm - 5:55 pm

Main Room

Wellbeing workshop: a personal resilience journey

Prof. Arad Reisberg

Professor of Corporate Law and Finance
Brunel University, London

What are the benefits of a Trust-based system? This session will explain why a group of schools working together in a school Trust is so much more than simply the changing of the legal structure of the school.
5:55 pm - 6:00 pm

Main Room

Chair's Closing Remarks
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Main Room

Hotel Check-in/Free Time
7:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Main Room

Drinks Reception & Networking Dinner
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Breakout Room 1

The ripple effects of the digital economy

Ariel Ezrachi

Director
Oxford University Centre for Competition Law and Policy

The digital economy is a central driver for present and future prosperity. It has transformed market dynamics, business models and innovation. Alongside the many benefits, these changes also present new challenges related to competition,...

The digital economy is a central driver for present and future prosperity. It has transformed market dynamics, business models and innovation. Alongside the many benefits, these changes also present new challenges related to competition, welfare, and user autonomy.

The presentation will explore the ways in which changes in market dynamics and power, led to the rise of business models and innovation that may undermine user welfare. We will discuss user manipulation, data harvesting and targeting, and the way these strategies are pursued despite their impact on autonomy, attention, decision making and mental health.

For universities, countering these effects requires innovation in teaching, examining and student support.
12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Breakout Room 2

Extending our international reach

Jonathan Sabarre

Director of Marketing
Newcastle University

This session will explore practical approaches to extending international reach, including targeted digital marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships with recruitment agencies, and leveraging alumni networks.

By implementing eff...

This session will explore practical approaches to extending international reach, including targeted digital marketing campaigns, strategic partnerships with recruitment agencies, and leveraging alumni networks.

By implementing effective marketing techniques, universities can attract a wider pool of international students, foster global collaborations, and strengthen their position as sought-after educational institutions on the global stage.

17 March 2023

9:00 am - 9:05 am

Main Room

Chair's Opening Remarks
9:05 am - 9:25 am

Main Room

Elevating international student experience

Chris Wigginton

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global and Academic Partnerships
Sheffield Hallam University

John Schless

Head of Student Experience
Royal College of Arts

Drawing on successful initiatives, the session will explore strategies such as mentorship programmes, cultural integration activities, language support, and international partnerships.

Implementing these approaches can allow unive...

Drawing on successful initiatives, the session will explore strategies such as mentorship programmes, cultural integration activities, language support, and international partnerships.

Implementing these approaches can allow universities to create a welcoming and enriching environment that fosters cross cultural understanding, supports academic success, and strengthens their reputation as premier destinations for international students.
9:25 am - 9:45 am

Main Room

Platinum Sponsor Presentation
9:45 am - 10:05 am

Main Room

Using AI to personalise learning

Prof. Sarah Jones

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic Enhancement and Research
University of Gloucestershire

Vicky Gosling

Director of Digital Experience
Falmouth University

We will delve into how universities can offer personalised learning experiences to meet the unique needs and aspirations of students, and explore innovative approaches, including adaptive learning technologies, competency-based education...

We will delve into how universities can offer personalised learning experiences to meet the unique needs and aspirations of students, and explore innovative approaches, including adaptive learning technologies, competency-based education, and individualised learning pathways.

The emphasis will be the importance of leveraging student data, utilising learning analytics, and integrating student feedback to inform instructional design.
10:10 am - 10:55 am

Main Room

Gold Sponsor Presentations
11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Coffee Break 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 - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Leveraging AI to support student success

Denise Whitelock

Director, Institute of Educational Technology
The Open University

What are the practical applications of AI?

Adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and personalised feedback mechanisms can all be enhanced through AI.

This session will highlight the role of AI tools, su...

What are the practical applications of AI?

Adaptive learning platforms, intelligent tutoring systems, and personalised feedback mechanisms can all be enhanced through AI.

This session will highlight the role of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, in unlocking new possibilities for fostering student engagement, improving learning outcomes, and creating a more efficient and effective educational environment.
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Panel Discussion: Student engagement: managing the changes in expectations

Prof. Sarah Jones

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic Enhancement and Research
University of Gloucestershire

Prof. Mohammad Ali

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean
Anglia Ruskin University

Emma Adamson

Director of Learning Services
University of South Wales

Gunter Saunders

Associate Director of Digital Engagement and Library Services
University of Westminster

How can we effectively manage the evolving expectations of students, encompassing teaching and learning quality, educational outcomes, and future employability prospects?

This closing panel will delve into strategies that foster a...

How can we effectively manage the evolving expectations of students, encompassing teaching and learning quality, educational outcomes, and future employability prospects?

This closing panel will delve into strategies that foster active student participation, collaborative learning, and inclusive educational environments.

By prioritising student engagement, universities can cultivate a vibrant educational ecosystem that empowers students, encourages personal growth, and prepares them to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
1:15 pm - 1:20 pm

Main Room

Chair's Closing Remarks
1:20 pm - 2:00 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

Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

Delivering Tangible Solutions For Real-World Issues

HEPN SOUTH 2023 AGENDA

HEPN South 202323rd - 24th November, Radisson Blu, Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow

16 March 2023

8:00 am - 8:45 am

Main Room

Registration

8:45 am - 8:50 am

Main Room

Chair's Opening Remarks

Chris Green

Chief Digital Officer University of Lincoln

8:50 am - 9:10 am

Main Room

Increasing the value of the UK HE offering

Sir Timothy O’Shea

Emeritus Professor of Digital Education and former Principal & Vice Chancellor University of Edinburgh

9:10 am - 9:40 am

Main Room

Budgeting and forecasting: keeping up with fast-paced change

Julie Charge

Director of Finance University of Salford

Rita Akushie

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Finance and Operations University of London

9:40 am - 10:00 am

Main Room

Headline Sponsor Presentation - Google for Education

10:00 am - 10:40 am

Main Room

Dragons' Den

10:45 am - 12:00 pm

Main Room

Coffee Break and Business Meetings

12:05 pm - 12:25 pm

Main Room

Assuring competence and confidence for employability

Martin Perfect

Director of Student Employability University of Gloucestershire

12:30 pm - 12:50 pm

Main Room

Gold Sponsor Presentations

12:55 pm - 1:15 pm

Main Room

Widening access to education

Maggie Leggett

Director of External Relations Queen Mary University, London

1:15 pm - 1:55 pm

Main Room

Networking Lunch

2:00 pm - 2:20 pm

Main Room

Platinum Sponsor Presentation

2:20 pm - 2:40 pm

Main Room

Embedding sustainability throughout the university

Kelly Williams

Executive Head of Operational Estates and Facilities University of Wales, Trinity Saint David

Mohammed Aufogul

Head of Technical Design and Delivery University College London

2:50 pm - 3:10 pm

Main Room

Gold Sponsor Presentations

3:15 pm - 4:30 pm

Main Room

Coffee Break and Business Meetings

4:35 pm - 5:00 pm

Main Room

How do we build a global strategy?

Dr Tola Adesina

Associate Provost (Global Engagement) University of Derby

5:00 pm - 5:25 pm

Main Room

Fireside chat on meaningful AI

Mal Allerton

CIO & Executive Director of iSolutions University of Southampton

Steve Booth

CIO Coventry University

5:25 pm - 5:55 pm

Main Room

Wellbeing workshop: a personal resilience journey

HEPN South 2023

23rd - 24th November, Radisson Blu, Edwardian Hotel, Heathrow

Chief Digital Officer
University of Lincoln

Emeritus Professor of Digital Education and former Principal & Vice Chancellor
University of Edinburgh

Director of Finance
University of Salford

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Finance and Operations
University of London

Director of Student Employability
University of Gloucestershire

Director of External Relations
Queen Mary University, London

Executive Head of Operational Estates and Facilities
University of Wales, Trinity Saint David

Head of Technical Design and Delivery
University College London

Associate Provost (Global Engagement)
University of Derby

CIO & Executive Director of iSolutions
University of Southampton

CIO
Coventry University

Professor of Corporate Law and Finance
Brunel University, London

Director
Oxford University Centre for Competition Law and Policy

Director of Marketing
Newcastle University

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Global and Academic Partnerships
Sheffield Hallam University

Head of Student Experience
Royal College of Arts

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic Enhancement and Research
University of Gloucestershire

Director of Digital Experience
Falmouth University

Director, Institute of Educational Technology
The Open University

Pro-Vice Chancellor, Academic Enhancement and Research
University of Gloucestershire

Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean
Anglia Ruskin University

Director of Learning Services
University of South Wales

Associate Director of Digital Engagement and Library Services
University of Westminster