Discover and share good practice for smarter working universities

Procurement: a guide for governors

In order to achieve a successful procurement model it is important to win over not only those who work in procurement but all employees in an organisation. This guide examines the role of governors in in overseeing procurement, part of their responsibility in ensuring universities achieve value for money.

EDITORIAL. Never Alone: Universities’ key role in supporting students’ wellbeing and mental health

Among the many issues universities are currently concerned about, students’ mental health and wellbeing have become a core concern. According to a YouGov’s survey (2016) a quarter of our students suffer mainly of depression and anxiety, or, mostly, both combined. The need to perform, financial worries, and being in a different and new social environment can all contribute to making students feel overwhelmed at times. The IPPR study Not by Degrees (Thorley, 2017), however, paints an even more disturbing picture.
British Universities Finance Directors Group

Introduction to Higher Education Finance

BUFDG's free e-learning module Introduction to HE Finance includes tackling questions such as where universities' money comes from and how it is spent. It has been will made available to professionals working outside finance departments to complete the course who don't have a full BUFDG account.

Procurement as a strategic asset – report for Efficiency Exchange – July 2013

Report commissioned by the Efficiency Exchange to gather material to showcase the strategic value of procurement to the sector and how it can raise its profile, especially at senior leadership levels.

Managing university performance: is there a better way?

Treating professionals as stewards of their disciplines and setting clear goals can both contribute to effective performance.
Lab condenser

Sharing research equipment: how can we do it better?

Last year staff from Jisc set out to better understand institutional and researchers' needs around sharing research equipment. Senior co-designer Daniela Duca reveals the team's findings.

Schools Planning Framework for Academic Leaders

The Schools Planning Framework project funded by the Leadership Foundation for Higher Education, seeks to explore the development of a practical application of a performance management tool, aimed at academic units. The report sets out the findings of the project as a case study based at the University of Lincoln.
Report of the Universities Scotland Efficiencies Taskforce 2015

Scottish efficiency strategy ‘on course’ says taskforce chair

The second three-year efficiency strategy for higher education in Scotland is on course and already delivering results, Professor Sir Ian Diamond says in a document marking the end of the strategy’s first year.

Shared services – Out of Hours Helpline – case study – June 2015

A subscription-based, shared service providing first and second line support with IT and library queries to students and staff.

N8 highlights the impact of asset sharing across UK universities

The report, which reveals asset sharing's role in delivering innovation, increased productivity, and maximum value for public investment, helped to shape Thursday's Efficiency, Effectiveness and Value for Money report by Universities UK.