University leaders address challenges facing sector at Swansea conference

Higher education leaders from across the UK met at Swansea University to discuss the key issues and challenges facing the sector.

The representative body for senior university managers, the Association of Heads of University Administration (AHUA), held its spring conference at the Great Hall on the Bay Campus.

High-profile speakers included Swansea University Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle and Welsh finance minister Mark Drakeford.

During the two-day event delegates attended sessions examining leadership and culture, data, digital and technology and issues of governance and policy.

They also enjoyed a dinner in the Sir Stanley Clarke Auditorium which featured local distilleries, Penderyn and Drop Bear Beer providing samples of their Welsh products.

The conference was supported by the University’s Event Services team, which worked alongside Your Vision Events. As the AHUA is committed to making its events as sustainable as possible, guests stayed on-site in campus accommodation, using carefully sourced environmentally friendly products, as well as minimizing paper usage and waste by utilising an app for all elements of the conference including the programme.

Event host Swansea University Registrar and Chief Operating Officer Niamh Lamond said:
“It has been a privilege for Swansea University to host this year’s AHUA spring conference, and we have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming colleagues from across the UK and overseas to our Bay Campus for the event.

“This year’s conference came at a challenging time for the higher education sector with institutions across the country navigating financial challenges and growing global uncertainty. These challenges require not just resilience, but collaboration, innovation, and bold leadership, so the open discussions and shared insights we enjoyed were invaluable.

“Over the past few days, we have been learning from experiences across the UK and overseas and exploring solutions that can strengthen the long-term sustainability of our institutions. A strong Welsh theme has run throughout the event, from food and drink and Welsh language to political discourse and after-dinner speaking.

“It has been a pleasure to welcome everyone here, and to be part of what has undoubtedly been a thoughtful and invigorating few days.”

Image – Swansea University Registrar and Chief Operating Officer Niamh Lamond, Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Boyle,  Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Welsh Language Mark Drakeford, leader of Swansea Council Rob Stewart and James Owen, Chief Operating Officer, Medr