The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme

Applications now closed

Please click here to register your interest in future Aspiring Registrar and COO Programmes

Who Should Attend

The Aspiring Registrar and COO Programme is aimed at individuals actively considering a move into the most senior Professional Services position in the university, a role which may be titled Registrar, Chief Operating Officer, Head of University Administration, or University Secretary. It offers participants a unique opportunity to explore this diverse and challenging role, and to reflect on their readiness for this, or indeed other leadership positions.

The programme is suitable for those currently working at the level of Director/Head of any of the principal Administrative and Professional Service functions or Deputy Registrar. The nature of this programme means that it will appeal to those wishing to take stock of their career and maximise their potential.

Participants are likely to have been operating at their current level for 3 to 5 years, be reporting to the Registrar / COO and be on the cusp of applying for a more senior role.

Programme Focus

  • Understanding the variety of ways in which the Registrar role is carried out across the sector and the opportunities this presents;
  • Assessing your readiness for such a leadership position and the importance of having the right ‘fit’ in terms of role and institution;
  • Exploring the complex set of relationships between senior figures in the university structure;
  • Increasing your self-awareness and the understanding of your strengths and development needs.

Programme Includes

  • A development one-to-one session with a Programme Director at both the start and finish of the programme;
  • A residential programme with both practical input and space for reflection;
  • Contributions from both newly appointed and more experienced AHUA members (COOs, Registrars, University Secretaries), as well as a Vice Chancellor and Chair of Council, to provide a rounded view of what to expect in these roles;
  • Four full-day action-learning sessions – facilitated by an experienced coach;
  • A workshop on preparing to apply for your next role in order to maximise your chances of success.

Programme Structure

The programme takes place across 7.5 days over 12 months. It begins with an introductory meeting with all participants, followed by a one-to-one meeting with a Programme Director (who is also a professional coach), providing the chance to prepare for the programme and explore your specific development needs. This is followed by a residential programme, four action learning sets and a workshop dedicated to equipping participants for the appointment process.

Dates of the 2025 Programme

We have adjusted the program schedule for this year to reflect previous feedback and, importantly, to try to reduce additional costs for participants. We have slightly increased the use of online content for the action learning sets to reduce the amount of time away from the office and the costs of traveling to and from venues. We have retained the core residential and workshops as being in person as we know that participants value the chance to have more interactive elements and to establish in person networks.

  • Welcome session: online. Wednesday 22 January 2025, 14.00 – 16.00.
  • One-to-one session: a two-hour session online, w/c 24 February 2025, times to be agreed.
  • Residential programme: in person, at the Edgbaston Park Hotel and Conference Centre. Tuesday 25 March 2025, 13.00 to Thursday 27 March, 16.00. Overnight accommodation and dinners are covered by the Programme fee.
  • Four action learning sets:
    • Wednesday 30 April 2025, 9.30-13.00, online
    • Wednesday 25 June 2025, 9.00 – 16.00, location tba
    • Wednesday 10 September, 9.30 – 13.00, online
    • Wednesday 14 January 2026, 9.00 – 16.00, location tba
  • Workshop: in person, Shakespeare Martineau, Birmingham. Wednesday 12 November 2025, 9.00 – 16.00, with dinner the night before (dinner and overnight accommodation to be paid for by participants).
  • One-to-one session: a two-hour session online, w/c 19 January 2026, times to be agreed.

Bursaries for Black/Global Majority/Diaspora members of staff

The AHUA is offering two members of staff, who identify as Black/Global Majority/Diaspora, the opportunity to receive a bursary of £2,000 (realised as a reduction in the course fee).

 

What previous participants have said…

The networking was fantastic, and the training and discussion topics were incredibly relevant – every minute was valuable! I felt supported by an amazing group of people and trainers who truly understood our needs. Since then, I’ve confidently stepped up to a higher-level role.
Anna Dulic-Sills, Chief Operating Officer (Interim), St George’s, University of London
The programme was highly valuable with a clear focus on understanding what it means to be a COO/Registrar and how to get there. The learning set groups were cohesive and excellently facilitated. Two years after finishing the official programme our group of varied participants still meets regularly. The programme has enabled me to work closely with my line manager and COO as well as being a more efficient member of the University Executive Group.
Thomas Veit, Director of External Relations, University of Dundee
I found the programme a fantastic opportunity that prepared me for the role of Registrar and Secretary/COO through meaningful development of my knowledge, skills and behaviours. It gave me access to high quality expertise and insights that included the course leaders and guest speakers. The programme challenged and supported me as well as providing me with the head-space to reflect and grow outside of my existing ‘day job’. The peer network that I established became a group of valued and trusted colleagues that still provide support and encouragement, four years on. I highly recommend it.
Andrea Bolshaw, University Secretary and Registrar, Newman University
The programme was one of the most useful professional development programmes I have ever undertaken. The insights into what it is like to be at the next level were invaluable and the networking was really useful. The course was engaging and expertly facilitated. I have made connections which I am certain will support me throughout my whole career.
Joanne Cooke, Associate Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director of Student and Academic Services, De Montfort University
From a University point of view, I feel the programme has helped our participant to reflect and develop as a leader in a way that has led to him being able to make an even more effective strategic contribution to the work of the University Executive Group and has enhanced his capacity to support and deputise for me as Secretary and COO.
Jim McGeorge, University Secretary and Chief Operating Officer, University of Dundee

Programme Fee

AHUA member institutions
£5,950
(VAT exempt)
Non-member institutions:
£6,950
(VAT exempt)

Learn more from programme facilitators: Kim Newton-Woof and Rachel Holmes

 

Related Resources

AHUA Development Programmes Terms and Conditions

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