This project explored transforming organisations from the perspective of different stakeholder groups, and consider how our HEI’s can bring about authentic strategic and cultural change.
While we know that HE institutions are in different places strategically, the most common feedback we hear at the moment is the need to review, stress test or re-evaluate the strategy in the light of the disruption caused by the pandemic. Although on the whole HE leaders feel that their purpose remains extant, how the strategy is delivered might need to look and feel very different as the landscape continues to change. Engaging all stakeholders in visioning and owning the transformation required, and making them feel aligned with shared values, aids the holistic realisation of change and delivery of the strategy.
An Advance HE member benefit
The project is an Advance HE member benefit and is open to colleagues at Advance HE member institutions.
We will be considering three key ingredients in transforming organisations:
- Co-creation, clarity and shared understanding of the vision
- Authentic conversations and two-way communication, recognising the centrality of dialogue to support transformation, and
- Joined up, inclusive and collaborative implementation in which everyone involved feels a part of and takes responsibility for making happen.
Blog: Transforming organisations: from student to board
After two turbulent years as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic leading to rapid change, organisations need to review their purpose, vision and strategy. In this blog, Advance HE Senior Consultant, Kim Ansell, introduces the Transforming Organisations project.
Transformative Conversations
We know that at challenging times emotions are heightened and conversations can become fractious. However, transforming conversations has been an ongoing theme in our culture reviews and leadership development at Advance HE. Having transformative conversations requires personal self-awareness and the ability to create authentic two way conversations and communication.
At a system level, changing the narrative across HE is something that Advance HE has been consistently working on for some time as part of our Integrated Thinking and Reporting initative.
Transformative conversations enquiry framework
This enquiry framework offers a series of generative questions in order to plan and develop authentic and transformative conversations which will support the needs of individuals and institutions. It consciously takes a positive approach because focusing on weaknesses typically narrows our thinking and doesn’t change the conversation, performance or lead to transformative outcomes. Download the framework below. The related blog can be found here.
“Every good conversation starts with listening” – how conversations can support organisational transformation
Colleagues at Advance HE share insights, experiences and tips to frame and hold transformative conversations.
Webinar - Transforming Organisations
On 17 May senior leaders from across the sector shared their experience and stories of transformation, and their reflections on engaging all stakeholders in transformation in the Covid world and beyond.
Holding up a mirror on Transforming organisations from student to board – Media Guide
We created a report that reflects on the visioning activity, insights and some examples and tips to bring it to life. This will be a resource to help take forward transformation in your own organisation.
Related programmes and events
Below you will find information on Advance HE programmes and events which relate to the member benefits listed above.
GDP: Understanding and assuring academic outcomes and the student experience
Providing assurance about academic governance and the student experience is a core function of the governing body, yet we know that governing bodies can lack confidence in this area and huge changes in approaches to teaching and learning as a result of Covid-19 means that performance may be even harder to gauge.
Strategic Leadership Programme
The programme has been designed as a learning space that confronts and considers issues such as 'systems thinking', complexity, holistic approaches to organisational development, leadership in the face of wicked problems and the containment of organisational and system dynamics.
Related services to support your institution
Below you will find information on Advance HE consultancy and enhancement services which relate to the member benefits listed above.
Reframing organisations, strategy and culture
Our support encourages institutions to examine and reframe their organisational cultures to enable performance through staff expertise, supporting student success and aligning to shared strategies and goals
Services for governing bodies
We can provide tailored services to universities, private providers or further education colleges offering HE to ensure that Governors and governance professionals have the resources they need to promote good governance in their institutions.
Advance HE Connect
Advance HE Connect our online network that is open to all those who work in HE providing a space where the sector can share, connect and collaborate in one place with 21,000 HE peers from 100 countries around the globe. The platform features special interest groups, events and collaborative projects.
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