Appointing PVCs: are universities getting maximum bang for their buck?
A desire to bring in fresh blood is encouraging universities to turn to executive search agencies for Pro Vice Chancellors. But Sue Shepherd argues that this is neither a good use of resources, nor effective in achieving the ambition of reaching the widest possible pool of candidates.
HE’s got talent: managing the sector’s workforce
The challenge of sustaining an effective and flexible workforce will be covered by Professor Sir Ian Diamond in his review of efficiency in higher education. Ahead of the launch of Sir Ian’s report, Helen Fairfoul of the Universities and Colleges Employers Association (UCEA) looks at how universities are approaching talent management.
Operational efficiency or ‘how I became a Bollywood stuntwoman’
Operational efficiency or Bollywood stunts? In this post on the AHUA blog you will get more of the former than the latter from University of York's David Duncan who shares his advice on maintaining an efficient and effective administration.
‘Do different things and do them differently’ – complexity and culture in workforce efficiency
The HE workforce workstream of the Diamond review was led by a partnership including UUK, HEFCE, University Human Resources, UCEA and the Leadership Foundation. Gwen Wileman provides a brief snap shot of some of the huge achievements in workforce efficiency that are being made across the sector.
Taking a high level view at the University of Cumbria
Janet Whitworth talks about adjusting to her new role as chief operating officer at the University of Cumbria with the requirement for good diary management - and a pair of wellies.
Measuring up the higher education workforce
Analysis of higher education staff data provides insights into how university workforces are evolving to ensure student achievement and satisfaction, as well as research and teaching excellence, says Amy Norton of Hefce.
Three award-winning projects that you need to know about
The Times Higher Leadership & Management Awards earlier this month saw thirteen universities win awards for their work. Three of these universities have recently been featured in Efficiency Exchange discussing aspects of their work.
Developing the next generation – Brunel University
A guidance and good practice resource for the leadership development of early career researchers and academics, based on a research project funded by the Leadership Foundation's Innovation and Transformation Fund.
Evidencing the benefits of a business improvement project from the start
Following the launch of the University of Strathclyde's Guide to Evidencing the Benefits of Business Process Improvement in July 2015, Nicola Cairns shares an example of how this approach can be seamlessly integrated into existing business improvement projects.
More than half of university spending on staff, HESA data shows
Staff costs make up more than half of the £31.2bn total expenditure of higher education providers, the 2014/15 finance figures from the Higher Education Statistics Agency reveal. The figures, which are presented in an interactive dashboard, also show a total income for the sector of £33.2bn
