Why and how to move into a senior leadership role in HE

Leadership in HE can take many forms. Hearing stories from others about their transitions into leadership roles can help you work out what is best for you. The Job Shadowing HE series shares authentic leadership stories from across the HE ecosystem. Hear from Vice-Chancellors (Bristol, Birmingham City, Buckinghamshire New University) on strategic vision, student experience, finances, and culture change. Meet Pro Vice-Chancellors, Heads of School, and other senior leaders discussing policy, values, change leadership, and balancing strategy with operations. Episodes feature sector CEOs, governance leaders, and executive search experts revealing insights on senior appointments and key skills.

Ideal for established researchers eyeing senior roles, these podcasts offer real reflections on leadership paths, challenges, and essential capabilities. They could help you to gain insights into navigating complex institutions, build alliances, enhance your leadership identity, broaden your strategic view, and inform your career decisions.

What will you take forward?

One thing to consider: What kind of influence do you really want to have in your institution, and which leadership pathways might realistically support that?

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