CANVAS HIGHER EDUCATION EDITION - WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE HIGHER EDUCATION INSIDE AND OUT - Cordiner King
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CANVAS
HIGHER EDUCATION EDITION
WINTER 2018
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
HIGHER EDUCATION INSIDE AND OUT
CANVAS
HIGHER EDUCATION EDITION
BY PANORAMA
WELCOME
Welcome to the Summer 2018 edition of CANVAS, the
sectoral insight update from Panorama’s global partners.
CANVAS is a platform to share interesting thoughts and perspectives
on topics and issues that are relevant and current in your sector.
We very much welcome any thoughts, comments,
or inputs you would like to share.
We hope you enjoy this edition!
CONTENTS
SPARKING THE CREATIVE FLAME: IN THE NEWS
Pg 4 Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul, Pg 12 We provide a brief insight into key news
Vice-Chancellor, University for UCA items that are causing a stir locally and globally
THE EDUCATIONAL EVOLUTION: KEY APPOINTMENTS
Pg 8 Interview with Martin Bean, Vice-Chancellor Pg 14 An update of recent global leadership
of RMIT University, Melbourne appointments in the sector
LOOKING BEYOND THE INDIVIDUAL VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Pg 11 Hamish Laing from Saxton Bampfylde provides Pg 15 Team Insight: Sarah Magnell, Partner in
insight on the benefits of leadership services Panorama at Cordiner King, Australia
2 CANVAS
EDITION OVERVIEW
EDITION OVERVIEW
STEPHEN BAMPFYLDE
Chairman, Saxton Bampfylde & Panorama
m stephen.bampfylde@saxbam.com
T
he outside perspective should “We should always be Arts. Looking at his varied life and career,
not be underestimated. It can he explains why a strong relationship
looking beyond our
bring clarity to confusion and between the arts and academia can foster
innovative thinking to a traditional
boundaries, both physical a wealth of opportunities for so many.
approach. In the higher education sector, and self-imposed, to see
both in the UK and internationally, where we can be learning We also talk to Martin Bean who, after
this outside-in, and indeed inside-out, or collaborating better to more than 20 years working outside
view assists an evolutionary process Australia, has returned to his hometown
bring improved outcomes
and encourages the sector to move as Vice-Chancellor of Melbourne’s
away from isolation to collaboration.
for as many as possible.” esteemed RMIT University. In a career
that has always had education at its heart,
When we look at how higher education is Martin explains why it is so important
developing right across the world, we see particularly the impact it can have for the sector to embrace the benefits of
a greater variety of institutions, disciplines in higher education and beyond, we technology and industry partnerships,
and models being introduced. No longer bring you this edition of CANVAS. and bring them to wider society.
purely the preserve of the academic, we
are witnessing a spirit of partnership and We have the pleasure of including two In addition, we include insights from
cooperation that is spreading across many profile interviews, following different Hamish Laing at Saxton Bampfylde
different sectors. This positive collision beginnings and career paths, but both about the importance of looking beyond
and cohesion of different disciplines is offering hugely interesting insights and the individual to an organisation’s
not only enhancing the modern learning innovative approaches to evolving higher collective goal to help to identify,
experience, but greatly improving the education, its wider context in the UK and nurture and strengthen the best leaders
wider political, economic, cultural and internationally. Firstly, we talk to Professor within the higher education sector.
physical world in which we live. Bashir Makhoul. Born in Palestine and Finally, we welcome Sarah Magnell,
originally coming to the UK speaking very Partner at Cordiner King, one of the
We should always be looking beyond little English, he has spent 26 years here firms in the Panorama network, for
our boundaries to generate improved studying and working. An internationally our team profile and to offer insight
outcomes for as many as possible. In the renowned artist, Bashir is also an academic on the HE sector in Australia. C
spirit of collaboration and the chance and last year was appointed as Vice-
to learn from outside perspectives, Chancellor of the University of the Creative
CANVAS 3
SPARKING THE CREATIVE FLAME: Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul
SPARKING THE
CREATIVE FLAME
Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul, Vice-Chancellor,
University For The Creative Arts
4 CANVAS
SPARKING THE CREATIVE FLAME: Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul
Looking back at his formative years
in Palestine, Professor Bashir
Makhoul reflects on what experiences,
attitudes and outside influences have
contributed to his remarkable journey
from work on a building site aged 13
in Galilee to becoming Vice-Chancellor
of a specialist arts institution in the
UK. An artist and an academic, his
joined-up vision of these two worlds is
highlighted throughout this interview:
particularly their importance in an
international context to allow for greater
collaboration and encourage a stronger
spirit of entrepreneurialism, growth and
understanding of other cultures.
T
ell us about your upbringing The kindness of the people I met on Iona – a moment when I fully understood the
and how it has influenced you convinced me that the UK could have a very contribution universities can make to
as an artist and as an academic. special role to play in my development as an furthering understanding of our culture.
I grew up in the tiny village of artist. I was shocked at just how politically
Makhoul in Galilee, Palestine/Israel, and aware the residents were, and at how As a successful practitioner
was one of ten children being raised in a much they knew about the issues faced and academic, why choose
two-room home by a widowed mother. I was by Palestinian villagers such as myself. academic leadership as well?
always instinctively drawn to making things. I was fortunate enough to benefit from
Even in those early years, I would collect I sold everything I had, and with the help highly personalised support during
stones from the rubble of a bombed-out of a scholarship was able, aged 25, to my own education, which has led me
village nearby and carve small figures using commence a BA at Liverpool Polytechnic. to become a passionate advocate for
our family’s knife – the only one we owned. The work ethic instilled in me by my mother engaging with students on an individual
led me to achieve a first within two years, level. Nowhere is this more important
While I didn’t know any artists as such whilst simultaneously studying English than in specialist arts institutions where
when I was growing up, I was surrounded and holding exhibitions of my work. students should be encouraged to
by people who valued creativity and develop their own unique practice.
were incredibly resourceful. My mum’s I intend to make it my mission to ensure
attitude and her faith that tomorrow that as many people as possible benefit
could bring better things than today “Wherever they from a personalised creative education.
influenced us all. She instilled a work Wherever they may be in the world,
ethic and passion for creativity that I may be in the wherever their interests may lie, everyone
continue to draw on to this day. world, wherever has their own forms of expression. This
should be celebrated because it has
When I reached the age of about 13, I their interests may the potential to enrich all our lives.
took up paid work on a building site to
supplement my schooling. It was tough
lie, everyone has Leading a university and having such an
physical work, but I was determined to their own forms of impact on a new generation of creative
educate myself. I left school with the
academic credentials needed to attend
expression.” professionals is a huge responsibility and
honour. As a practicing artist, it seems only
university, but unfortunately without the natural to want to shape and influence
financial means. I took a job working in a creativity in some way. Education opens
carpentry shop, sweeping floors and tidying so many doors for so many people
the workshop – later, my boss discovered and I want to ensure that it becomes
I could draw and started taking me along Further scholarships enabled me to achieve increasingly accessible in a way that benefits
on jobs. Eventually, he also discovered an MA and then a PhD at Manchester creative generations of the future.
my passion for carving and gave me Metropolitan. I’ll be honest: I didn’t even
the opportunity to get involved with the know what a PhD was before I came to What attracted you to UCA and
production process. Eighteen months Britain. But the support I received, the what are the opportunities
after starting out in the lowliest role, I way I was encouraged to explore my for it internationally?
was made manager of the workshop. Palestinian heritage and engage with issues As a practicing artist, I was of course
of culture and identity, was revelatory. attracted to an institution that values
I was incredibly grateful for this opportunity, creativity and has such a strong track
but the desire to continue both my Mine was the first PhD to meld the record of nurturing creatives who go on
education and my artistic practice never practical and theoretical. I interviewed to be leading practitioners in their fields.
left me. Working as an instructor for a many Palestinian artists, and I was
summer school on the Sea of Galilee encouraged to use my explicit knowledge UCA is as an institution united by its diversity
brought me to the attention of a Scottish of making and doing to further explore with unique creative and intellectual
clergyman who invited me to the Isle of Iona artistic responses to the political assets across each of its campuses. The
to design and install a public sculpture. context. It was a turning point in my life substantial collective strength in the
CANVAS 5
SPARKING THE CREATIVE FLAME: Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul
structure of the university is provided by the for delivering education that supports messaging and causes it to resonate with
unique strengths of each campus. At the growth – through working with international different regions and in different contexts.
same time, it is a structure which is ideally governments, as well as public and private
suited to flexible and creative expansion sector organisations – is enormous. What is your perspective on the
both regionally and internationally. creative arts in the UK, and what
it needs to do to maintain and
Essentially, UCA is a university without develop its global status?
borders that is simultaneously able to The UK is a leading force behind the global
maintain strong regional identities and roots, creative industries. In the UK, the creative
provide world class education to the regions “Education opens so industries are growing at almost twice the rate
and attract world class students and research. many doors for so of the wider UK economy and in particular,
British contemporary art is world-leading.
Our ambition is to establish strong many people and I
international partnerships with long-
term sustainability, and we are already
want to ensure that it Maintaining our international status goes
hand-in-hand with increasing accessibility
working collaboratively with many becomes increasingly to creative education. I am very aware that I
countries to ensure that students from a
range of different locations, cultures and accessible in a way benefitted from a UK education during an era
when overseas students were greeted with
backgrounds are able to access the world- that benefits creative open arms. I will never cease to be grateful
class creative education provided by UCA. for the kindness and opportunities extended
generations of the to me, and I’m all too aware of how different
The global UCA experience means future.” my life could have been had I not received
providing a diverse curriculum that is support at key moments. That’s why I’ve been
based on international creativity, working saddened to witness the increasing barriers
collaboratively on research and other implemented by successive Governments in
projects with governments, industries the UK. Today, a driven Palestinian villager is
and institutions, as well as enhancing very unlikely to have the same opportunities
student mobility. The opportunities and as I had – a state of affairs that I’m
possibilities for an international, creative UCA has just launched its own Business determined to challenge as a Vice-Chancellor.
education are incredibly exciting. School for the Creative Industries, which
builds on our long tradition of collaborating
Where do UK universities, and in with employers to cultivate leadership,
particular specialist institutions like entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills.
UCA, lead? And what can they learn
from its peers internationally?
There is growing recognition that creativity
and innovation in businesses depends on the
“British universities
For the last 150 years, UCA has been skills and attitudes that specialist universities are not open enough
equipping students with the skills they need such as UCA have taught for many years
to thrive in the creative industries. From as part of a creative education. These internationally. They
architects to animators, and fashion designers approaches to innovation, creativity, and ideas have educational
to artists, specialist institutions such as UCA, generation have been ignored by business
equip students with a versatile set of skills education – but now they are increasingly integrity, but they
and offer important connections to industry.
UCA instils creative thinking within their
seen as integral to growth and success. aren’t agile enough and
students, which is a highly valuable asset that Tell us about your work at the interface they don’t think like
is extremely sought after by businesses. UCA
doesn’t just offer a skills-based education,
of academia with other sectors
internationally, and its benefits.
businesses.”
it encourages risk-taking within creativity. My work has always centred around
conflict. It is such a deeply personal issue
UK universities, while being world-leading, can that transcends an array of academic
learn a lot from their peers internationally. fields and sectors. It resonates with so
Apart from research, British universities are many people and societies around the A creative education can help power the
not open enough internationally. They have globe due to the profound way that economy by preparing generations of young
educational integrity, but they aren’t agile it affects different communities. people to enter today’s workplace. We have
enough and they don’t think like businesses. a responsibility to place employability at
The majority of UK institutions offer a very Being able to communicate important the heart of all programmes we deliver,
linear, traditional education and are risk- issues and raise questions through art gives both at home and internationally, which
adverse, which means that there is plenty that people the opportunity to stop and think means we must create partnerships with
can be learned from overseas universities. about their answers for a moment. I want employers to ensure that we are helping
to draw people in with the aesthetic of the students develop the skills needed to
The Australian approach to education imagery and then confront them with deeper power the economy of tomorrow.
is completely different to the UK’s, for issues, such as nationalism and religion.
example, and there is tremendous focus on The international nature of my work, and the Making that distinctive connection between
investment and collaboration. Scandinavian visibility it gains through global exhibitions, the creative arts and industry is crucial
universities, meanwhile, give creative provides a strong platform to instigate to maintaining our international position.
subjects an equal footing and contribute discussion on such important topics. Acknowledging the enormous value and
in a much greater extent towards design. Using an aesthetic sensibility that is attractive contributions the creative arts make across
Specialist institutions in the UK tend to and engages people with these complex the board, and ensuring that we continue
be small in size and this can make them issues is important. By universalising to develop and shape a workforce capable
vulnerable, particularly when there is location, my work transcends language of breaking boundaries, solving problems
constant changing and shifting in higher barriers. The issues conveyed in the art and keeping pace with industries as they
education policy at government level. affect nearly everyone in some way, but transform and grow, is paramount to
the careful choice of where I hold these maintaining our global creative arts status.
The potential that these institutions have exhibitions seeks to personalise the
6 CANVAS
SPARKING THE CREATIVE FLAME: Interview with Professor Bashir Makhoul
“Universities need to
stop being used for
political games if they
are to maintain their
global status.”
Tell us about how you produce your Universities need to stop being used for
art and its transnational nature. political games if they are to maintain
I have always maintained my art practice
alongside working in academia, because
their global status. The government must
establish a sense of stability in order
Professor Bashir
fundamentally it is who I am and what for universities to get on with the job of Makhoul
I have strived to achieve. How could I providing world-leading education.
support and influence creative education Maintaining an international profile also BIOGRAPHY
if I stifled my own creative instincts? means recognising and meeting the
needs of businesses. We must listen to
Bashir Makhoul is Palestinian, born in
I maintain a studio in Beijing, and work with the direct requirements of industries
Galilee. He is an artist and academic
themes that create universal connections and match the demands of the economy,
and has been based in the United
with people. Issues such as migration, for so that every person who enters higher
Kingdom for the past 26 years. During
example, affect all nations. I use an ideas- education to increase their skillset or
this time, he has produced a body of
driven approach to production, which develop their artistic practice leaves with
work based on repeated motifs which
means that I can plan work in advance the ability to contribute to the rapidly
can be characterised by their power
and even test it, sometimes through digital growing creative industries, or with the
of aesthetic seduction. Economics,
simulation, before it is produced. Sometimes creative know-how to work innovatively
nationalism, war and torture are
components for my work are manufactured in creative and non-creative roles.
frequently woven into the layers of
away from the studio due to the scale
Makhoul’s work and often the more
or nature of the materials being used. We need to appreciate that academic
explicit the material, the more seductive
disciplines are never fixed. Take design
the surface. He completed his PhD
I’ve exhibited at many locations worldwide, for instance. In recent years we have seen
in 1995 at Manchester Metropolitan
some of which have included the Hayward perceptions of design shift dramatically.
University in the UK. He has exhibited
Gallery, Tate Liverpool, 2013 Venice A generation ago ‘design’ referred to the
his work widely in Britain and
Biennale and the Aichi Biennale in Japan. I creation of objects that could be touched
internationally.
currently have work on show in Australia, and felt. But with the advent of the digital
Liverpool and Beirut, and a large exhibition age the discipline is now being interpreted
In April 2017 he became Vice-Chancellor
in Mexico is planned for next year. far more broadly, to encompass not just
at the University for the Creative Arts.
objects, but experiences. The websites
Prior to this he was the Deputy Vice-
For me, my art has been a way of opening we view, the apps on our phones – these
Chancellor at Birmingham City University
a dialogue on my own Palestinian heritage, have been crafted as diligently as any
and a professor in art and design.
connecting people through discussions sculpture or piece of textile art.
on refugees and war-torn nations and
Previously he was Head of Department
offering exposure to some of the most Disciplines and creative outputs evolve all the
of Art and Design and the Director of
harrowing humanitarian issues. time, but the creative mind-set that powers
the Research Institute of Media, Art and
these changes is essentially timeless – adding
Design at the University of Bedfordshire,
How would you describe the UK value that transcends time and place.
where he was also the founding Head of
higher education sector at the
the School of Media Art and Design. He
moment and what do we need The most important factor in maintaining
was also the Rector of the Winchester
to do to ensure its position as an our position as a global leader is ensuring
Campus and Head of Winchester School
international leader is protected? that we aren’t closing doors to international
of Art. Additionally, he is the founder
Higher education in the UK is world-leading students, researchers, businesses or
and Co-Director of the Winchester
but maintaining its position on the global partners. Universal collaboration generates
Centre for Global Futures in Art Design
stage requires the backing of politicians growth. Ensuring that the UK is enabling,
and Media.
– keeping university doors open should rather than stifling, growth should be a
be a priority for the UK government. top priority for the UK government. C
CANVAS 7
THE EDUCATIONAL EVOLUTION: Interview with Martin Bean
THE EDUCATIONAL
EVOLUTION
In a career that has traversed three continents, with the intersection of technology and
education at its heart, Martin Bean CBE really exemplifies international experience
and perspective. A native Australian, we talk to him as he enters his third year as Vice-
Chancellor at RMIT in Melbourne, looking ahead at the country’s continuously evolving
higher education system and the opportunities afforded it through greater international
and industry partnerships, as well as the eager adoption of technology for learning.
8 CANVAS
THE EDUCATIONAL EVOLUTION: Interview with Martin Bean
T
ell us what led you to become who may not have traditionally participated at Are you able to give us examples of
a Vice-Chancellor in the UK and a tertiary level. What was even more special your experience recruiting from outside
then return to Australia to take was that RMIT is a dual sector institution the higher education into university
up the leadership of another offering Vocational Education or VE (Further leadership roles?
university? Education in the UK) all the way up to PhD I have tried to strike a healthy balance on my
The focus of my working life has always been level, making RMIT a very powerful institution Executive Team at RMIT, with some coming
about the intersection between technology for the future world of work. from higher education and others from a
and education and I have been lucky enough more commercial world. Ultimately, early on
to work in this area across three different The challenge was fantastic, how could I help in any conversation with a potential candidate
continents. a 130-year-old institution, based on traditional I look at their motivations for wanting to join
learning methodologies, really embrace us. I look for a common ingredient, no matter
My degree is in education, but I began technological innovation to benefit students, where they come from – the motivation to join
working for IT companies early in my career, staff, the Institution and the communities they a mission-led organisation. I look for people
looking primarily at how technology can be serve? A challenge too good to be true, and I who truly believe in the power of education
used in learning. It’s been amazing to see how now find myself back in my home city in the and want to wake up every day identifying
much has changed in such a short period of beautiful Australian sunshine. with an organisation that makes a difference
time. With the arrival of the internet it was in the world.
very clear to me that at least one of the game
changers had arrived for education. “I look for people who If you go looking for that drive and attitude,
rather than having conversations around
At its inception the internet was largely about truly believe in the compensation, seniority, or job title you not
content, but that quickly morphed into a social power of education and only can attract brilliant talent, but also ensure
platform, making it much more powerful for they are really comfortable working inside
education, and more recently it moved into want to wake up every a university. In many ways, it eliminates the
the early days of personalisation and analytics day identifying with concern that they may not fit or be able to
for learning. My job with Microsoft spanned make the transition.
the primary, secondary and tertiary spectrum an organisation that
and was focused on improving learning
outcomes for students everywhere in the
makes a difference in A specific area of focus in your previous
roles was the enhancement of learning
world, particularly those who needed it the the world.” through technology. Thinking about
most. Technology was the common factor; this specifically in relation to higher
it was opening up quality experiences to so education, how is technology changing
many more people on the planet and it was and shaping the future of this sector?
democratising education. Can you tell us what you learned I have always believed that technology impacts
moving from a leadership role at industries most at the point of consumption.
My work at Microsoft exposed me to open Microsoft to the Open University? How When you look specifically at higher
education resources and the application of did this influence your approach to and education there is an excellent opportunity
technology to drive access to almost unlimited vision for RMIT? for technology to help transform the way we
content. It was an amazing journey and I was I was very lucky to have had the opportunity teach, increase accessibility and improve the
working with some remarkable people. It was to work at Microsoft, particularly in the role overall experience. The rise of MOOCs and
with some surprise that The Open University I had. I worked alongside the Foundation third party organisations delivering micro
in the UK approached me to be their next and had the opportunity to think about how credentials has impacted expectations of
Vice-Chancellor. I’d been working with them technology could improve education as a students and employers considerably.
to explore how technology could power social sector. The experience, perspective and skills
learning and I soon realised what a wonderful I developed made the transition to the Open More recently, personalisation, machine
institution it was. It remains one of the great University not as different or as complicated learning, artificial intelligence, and augmented
success stories of how to open up education as you might think. and virtual reality have contributed to the
through innovation. Starting in the very early modularisation of tertiary education. In other
70s, the OU had embraced every step change The Open University is all about helping words, the packages of learning which we call
in technology and I couldn’t think of a better people get access to high quality education the degree or the diploma etc. are likely to
place to put my strategy into action. at a distance using technology. In many ways, be further broken down and be much more
an extension of the work I had undertaken flexible and increasingly industry aligned in
Fast forward to 2012 and the Massive Open at Microsoft. Obviously, there are very big the future.
Online Course (MOOC) phenomena took hold differences managing people in the United
where some of the best universities in the States versus the UK, but that’s one of the At RMIT we started investing in online
world began giving away their courses for free; things I really enjoy about being a global education over 20 years ago and student
another massive step change in the evolution leader; how you can embrace the different demand for online learning is soaring. In
of access to quality education. cultures and ways of working and still be Australia online education is set to be a $3.3
successful. billion industry by the end 2018, and expected
It was at this point that Simon Nelson and to continue to grow significantly over the next
I, with the backing of The Open University, I think one of the biggest challenges moving five years.
started FutureLearn - effectively the UK’s from a technology firm to a university, no
response to the US MOOC phenomena. I’m matter how close you are to the education But it’s not a question of e-Learning versus
so proud to see the way Simon and his team sector, is the shift from being an advisor face-to-face learning. We need to embrace
have evolved FutureLearn, far exceeding to being a practitioner. It was no longer the best that both can offer and ensure
our original ambition. Again, somewhat by theory, best practice, or advice. I had to we create the best contemporary learning
surprise, I was invited back to my home town wake up every day and think deeply about experiences possible. The higher education
of Melbourne to be considered for the role the success of our students. It is something sector needs to act in a much more agile
of Vice-Chancellor at the Royal Melbourne that I thoroughly enjoyed and have gone on way and move to be more demand side in
Institute of Technology (RMIT), an institution to develop even further at my role at RMIT our thinking – focus more on students and
that is over 130 years old, and deeply – helping our students get ready for life and employers needs rather than what we want
committed to opening up education to those work. to deliver.
CANVAS 9
THE EDUCATIONAL EVOLUTION: Interview with Martin Bean
“There is an excellent
opportunity for
technology to help
transform the way
we teach, increase
accessibility and
improve the overall
experience.”
With your knowledge of both the of Melbourne is that it has always been, and partners provides real and authentic
UK and Australian higher education will continue to be, one of the great cultural experiences and gives students the
sectors, what would you highlight as melting pots of the world. We have a vibrant experience and credentials they need to
key similarities or differences between international cohort and we’re proud of the supplement their academic programmes.
the two? Are there lessons that could be role those students play in the life of the city
learnt and adopted by either to enhance and state. At RMIT we are unashamedly committed
their respective systems overall? to two key drivers – getting our students
Overwhelmingly I would say there are many More widely, across the HE sector in Australia, ready for life and work and making sure our
more similarities than there are differences international students allow us to be part of research has real world impact. It’s a brilliant
between overall systems and approach. the growth phenomena in the Asia-Pacific role being a Vice-Chancellor and I’m so proud
region. For a smaller, geographically remote to be able to lead RMIT at this amazing and
However, there are certain areas that strike nation like Australia, to be part of this growth challenging time. C
me as different. One of the key things I have through our learning and teaching, and also
reflected on since I arrived back in Melbourne our research, brings amazing opportunities.
is the localised nature of higher education in We can capitalise on these opportunities
Australia versus the UK. Students here tend to enhance our growth, but also, very MARTIN BEAN CBE
to go to university in their home town, very importantly, we are tackling some of the
few leave to go elsewhere and that lowers challenges which come with growth – whether BIOGRAPHY
the overall cost of participating in higher that be climate change; sustainability; building
education for students and their families. vibrant and contemporary sustainable cities; Martin Bean CBE was appointed as
or enriching communities through healthier Vice-Chancellor and President of RMIT
I also believe there is a larger appetite in lifestyles etc. in January 2015. Prior to this, he held
Australia for the development of offshore the position of Vice-Chancellor at The
campuses. How important do you consider to be Open University – the largest academic
the connection between business and institution in the UK and a global leader
A great example of this are RMIT’s very commerce and the higher education in the provision of flexible learning.
successful campuses in Vietnam, where we sector? Should there be a greater
have been since the early 2000s. In Singapore, transference of skills, knowledge and He previously held executive leadership
approximately 1% of the entire population employees between these two sectors? positions in a number of organisations
has studied at RMIT over the last 30 years. RMIT’s strategy has a clear statement where he was responsible for
We have become part of the fabric of the to ensure that ‘industry is embedded in integrating technology and learning
Singapore and Vietnamese HE sector and we everything that we do’. Without a doubt this is systems. This includes a role as General
very much think and act as a global university. one of the biggest challenges for universities Manager of the Microsoft Worldwide
like RMIT, but one that we have embraced Education Products Group. In 2012
On the other hand, I believe the UK is leading wholeheartedly. Martin launched FutureLearn, which
Australia in their intense focus on the quality was the first at-scale provider of
of the overall student experience. This Industry is demanding different attributes Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)
began in the UK several years ago with the from graduates - they don’t just want in the UK.
introduction of the National Student Survey, academic grades or discipline expertise, they
a spotlight on the overall student experience, are increasingly looking for what is often Holding a Bachelor of Education from
and learning and teaching outcomes. I’m described as ‘21st century competencies’. the University of Technology Sydney
delighted to see that we are more focused in However, the collaboration between industry (UTS), Martin was awarded an Honorary
that area now and I look forward to being part and universities can’t be just a default Doctor of Laws from the University of
of the response. position of work placements, it has to be London in 2013 and he was officially
based on everything from instructional design named as a Business Ambassador by
How important is the international to practice based teaching and real-world the UK Prime Minister in 2014. Martin
market for the higher education research. This approach is reflected in our has won numerous awards in both the
sector in Australia? What are the partnerships with Apple for example, to US and the UK for his contribution to
key opportunities that you see from deliver app development courses based education, including a Commander of
internationalisation in the next five to on the tech giant’s Swift curriculum. This the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
ten years? demonstrates how our vision and strategy are award for services to higher education
The international student population is coming to life. in the 2015 United Kingdom New Year’s
incredibly important in Australia and to RMIT. Honours list.
One of the great characteristics of the city Delivering these programmes with industry
10 CANVASLOOKING BEYOND THE INDIVIDUAL
LOOKING BEYOND
THE INDIVIDUAL
Hamish Laing, Head of the Higher Education practice group
at Saxton Bampfylde, looks at why a broad institutional-wide
approach to finding, developing and nurturing executive
and governing leaders in the higher education sector is so
important and can deliver the most successful results.
Saxton Bampfylde has been engaged in celebrate these divergent viewpoints. achievement of strategic goals. This is
finding leaders in higher education for It is also vitally important that they analysed through detailed and tailored
over 30 years. In this time, the sector embrace a more diverse candidate assessments, including:
has experienced much change which pool in order to promote collaboration,
has delivered affirmative traction with consensus and effective working • coaching;
regards to positive working cultures, practices. • on-boarding;
staff development, greater diversity • board skills appraisal;
of thought and background, and an The accountability of both executive • and assessment
integrated sense of collaboration. and non-executive functions continues
to attract greater scrutiny than ever. Our work in this capacity, with a range
As universities further expand and In this regard, we pride ourselves of higher education institutions, has
cultivate differing perspectives on being trusted advisors long after evidenced the added value offered by
on internationalisation, industry the appointment process has been these broader services. Having worked
partnerships and commercialisation, it completed. Our focus is on much with University of Surrey on a range
is essential that executive teams and more than just the individual; it is of searches for academic and non-
non-executive boards understand and on the organisation as a whole. We academic leadership posts, we were
focus on the structures surrounding delighted to lead a series of workshops
the appointment, the dynamics of the on career progression in 2017 as part
team concerned, the ‘unwritten rules of Surrey’s Athena SWAN action plan.
of the game’ in terms of culture, and
the over-arching strategic goals of the Sector guidelines and codes of
organisation. practice continue to place ever
greater importance on executive and
Our specialist in-house team of non-executive effectiveness reviews.
consultants and psychologists ensure The latest Scottish Code of Good HE
that not only the right person for the Governance recommends regular
role is appointed, but that they will reviews, stating that each university
enable and encourage cultural governing body ‘is expected to review
accord, constructive team its own effectiveness each year and
dynamics and the collective to undertake an externally facilitated
evaluation of its own effectiveness and
that of its committees, including size
and composition of membership, at
least every five years’. Our expertise in
analysing and promoting productive
team and individual working practices
can be invaluable here.
GET IN TOUCH
If you would like to know more
or discuss these services contact
Hamish Laing.
m hamish.laing@saxbam.com
CANVAS 11IN THE NEWS
IN THE NEWS
We provide a brief insight into key news items
that are causing a stir locally and globally.
UK Research and
Innovation Launches
On 1 April 2018, UK Research and Innovation innovation talent in the UK. It will provide up Chair - EPSRC; Professor Jennifer Rubin,
(UKRI) was formalised. The result of significant to seven years of funding, for at least 550 Executive Chair – ESRC; Dr Ian Campbell,
reorganisation of the UK’s research funding early-career researchers and innovators, Interim Executive Chair – Innovate UK;
system, UKRI brings together the seven with outstanding potential in universities, UK Professor Fiona Watt, Executive Chair - MRC;
Research Councils, Innovate UK, and the registered businesses, and other research Professor Mark Thompson, Executive Chair –
newly formed Research England. Its overall and user environments including research
STFC; and Dr Marta Tufet, Executive Director
aim is to bring a new level of cohesion councils’ institutes and laboratories.
– UKCDS.
and future collaboration amongst the UK’s
science sector to ensure the sustainability This new structure has already gained much
and development research and innovation in recognition and continues to develop at pace. Non-Executive Directors, UKRI:
the UK. Under the direction of Professor Sir Saxton Bampfylde have been delighted Sir John Kingman; Fiona Driscoll; Mustafa
Mark Walport, former Chief Scientific Advisor to assist in the appointment of a number Suleyman; Sir Peter Bazalgette; Professor
to the government, UKRI will oversee the of positions within UKRI including: Julia Black; Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz;
distribution of £6 billion in funding each year. Lord (John) Browne of Madingley; Sir Harpal
Sir Professor Mark Walport, Chief Kumar; Professor Max Lu; Professor Sir Ian
One of the first initiatives being implemented Executive, UKRI; Ian Kenyon, CFO, UKRI; Diamond; Professor Alice Gast; Vivienne
by UKRI is the Future Leaders Fellowship
Professor Melanie Welham, Executive Chair, Parry; Lord (David) Willetts; and Professor
scheme (FLF) with the key ambition of
BBSRC; Professor Lynn Gladden, Executive Dame Sally Davies
developing and retaining research and
Sector leaders
push for Europe- HESA data made publicly
wide excellence available
initiative The latest data from HESA has
been made publicly available
for free for the first time, under
Leaders at universities across Europe are pushing a Creative Commons licence.
for the implementation of a new ‘excellence Detailed extracts from HESA’s
initiative’, which they argue would help increase student data collection has been
the competitiveness of higher education systems. made available as open data
Having been initially discussed at a strategy day as part of a push by HESA to
for European university leaders held in January encourage reuse of data.
2018, the proposed ‘European Excellence
Initiative’ would see the European Union provide The data has been presented
institution-level funding. according to a number of
key themes, including: who’s
It would be up to each EU member country to studying in higher education;
choose whether to participate in the initiative, what they’re studying; where
which would primarily be funded by national they come from; where they
funds and money from the EU structural funds, study; and student progression
supplemented with finance from the EU research rates and qualifications.
and innovation programme. Similar initiatives
have already been implemented successfully in
countries such as Germany and China.
12 CANVASIN THE NEWS
EVOLVING &
THRIVING
In early 2016 Saxton Bampfylde
launched a piece of research looking
at the changing role of the Chair in
the higher education sector: Evolve
or die? A view from the chair on the
changing face of the university council.
Over the past two years, we are
delighted to have had the chance to
host a total of 104 senior figures in
the sector, including 45 Chairs, 40
Vice-Chancellors and 14 Registrars at
a series of 12 events held across the
country.
Nothing artificial about it
In March 2018 Dr Jennifer Barnes, through higher education, ensuring their
Partner for Global Higher Education contributions to society go above and
and Arts and Culture practices, was beyond AI.
the Chair and moderator at a higher
education symposium held in Oman. Jennifer is a member of the International
The theme of the event was the future Advisory Board made up of leaders in
of higher education in the age of artificial higher education strategy from around
intelligence: its potential impacts, and the world who advise the Omani
the corresponding need for continual government on the developments of the
development of the next generation forthcoming University of Oman.
During these events, discussions Leadership Foundation to develop
were held about the pertinent
issues facing the sector: governance, diversity principles framework in
internationalism, diversity, funding
and value for money. partnership with search firms
Download our research at:
www.saxbam.com/thought-leadership
Consultation
underway
on draft CUC
remuneration
code
Earlier this year the Leadership Foundation diversity. The project will be informed by
(now integrated into Advance HE) a report published in March 2017 by the
announced its intention to develop a Leadership Foundation, titled ‘Increasing
The Committee of University Chairs is framework outlining ‘diversity principles the diversity of senior leaders in higher
due to complete consultation on a draft in practice’ to support higher education education: the role of executive search
remuneration code for the higher education institutions to increase the diversity of firms’.
in mid-March 2018. The code has been their boards. The framework is intended
drafted in response to calls for transparency to help institutions meet HEFCE’s target of The proposed framework is part of a
over senior university staff members’ pay. achieving 40 per cent women on boards broader project commissioned by the
by 2020 but will also look at diversity in a Higher Education Funding Council for
Universities UK stated that the code would broader sense. England, the Higher Education Funding
provide “important guidance for university Council for Wales and the Department for
remuneration committees to ensure senior The organisation is working in collaboration the Economy in Northern Ireland, which
pay decisions are fair, accountable and with leading executive search firms for includes a number of intended outputs
justified whilst recognising that competitive the sector, including Saxton Bampfylde, to aimed at increasing the diversity of higher
pay is necessary to attract first rate leaders”. look at the role they can play in challenging education governors.
the higher education sector’s approach to
CANVAS 13KEY APPOINTMENTS
KEY APPOINTMENTS
KEY APPOINTMENTS
Saxton Bampfylde and its partners around the world through Panorama advise many leading
universities and higher education organisations. We are delighted to share with you a
selection of some of the roles that we have been privileged to work on recently.
PROF. SUE RIGBY PROF. GILL VALENTINE JANE SHAW
BATH SPA UNIVERSITY SHEFFIELD UNIVERSITY HARRIS MANCHESTER
Vice-Chancellor Provost & DVC COLLEGE, OXFORD
Professor Sue Rigby Professor Gill Valentine has Principal
commenced her role as been appointed Provost and Harris Manchester College
Vice-Chancellor of Bath Spa University on Deputy Vice-Chancellor of University of Sheffield. has elected Jane Shaw to be the new
22 January 2018. Previously she was Deputy She was previously Head of the Faculty of Principal from October 2018. A distinguished
Vice-Chancellor for Student Development Social Sciences since September 2012 having historian of Christianity and respected leader,
at the University of Lincoln. Sue is a previously worked at the University from 1994 to Professor Shaw has been at Stanford since
palaeontologist by background. After being 2004 as a lecturer, senior lecturer and professor 2014. Prior to going to Stanford, she was the
an academic at Cambridge, Leicester in the Department of Geography. From 2004, Dean of Grace Cathedral in San Francisco and
and Edinburgh she moved into senior she served as Head of the School of Geography before then, taught history and theology at
management, first as Assistant Principal at the University of Leeds where she also the University of Oxford from 1994 to 2010,
and then Vice-Principal at the University of Director of the Leeds Social Science Institute. In first as a Fellow of Regent’s Park College and
Edinburgh. She is an HEA Principal Fellow. addition, Professor Valentine has held academic subsequently as Dean of Divinity and Fellow
She is Chair of the HEFCE Learning Gain posts at the Universities of Manchester and of New College. During that time, she also
project and a member of the Scottish Reading. served as Canon Theologian of Salisbury
Funding Council QA review group. Cathedral and was an honorary canon of
Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford.
SYLVAIN
PROF. RUFUS BLACK
CHARBONNEAU
UNIVERSITY OF
UNIVERSITY OF
TASMANIA
OTTAWA
Vice-Chancellor &
Vice President, Research
President LOUISE DUNN
Sylvain Charbonneau has been appointed as
Professor Rufus Black has been appointed RMIT UNIVERSITY
Vice-President, Research, at the University
as the new Vice-Chancellor and President at Deputy Pro-Vice-
of Ottawa. Sylvain joined the Institute for Chancellor, International,
the University of Tasmania. Professor Black
Microstructural Sciences at the National
was previously Master of the University of College of Business
Research Council (NRC) in 1988. At the
Melbourne’s Ormond College and Deputy RMIT University has announced the
NRC, he led a number of research and
Chancellor of Victoria University. He is appointment of Louise Dunn as Deputy
development initiatives, including the
a Principal Fellow in the Department of Pro-Vice-Chancellor, International, College
Canadian Photonics Fabrication Centre and
Management and Marketing in the Faculty of of Business. Louise was previously Director,
the Printable Electronics flagship program.
Business and Economics and Principal Fellow Capability Development at Asialink Business.
In late 2000, he co-founded Optenia Inc.,
in Philosophy at the University of Melbourne. Prior to this she held senior position at
an NRC spinoff in the communications
He is co-founder of the Wade Institute for UoM Commerical and IDP Education. She
technology sector. He has published over 180
Entrepreneurship and a Director of the Walter commenced her career at KMPG Consulting.
papers and has 17 patents and licences in the
and Eliza Hall Institute for Medical Research. Louise holds a Bachelor of Arts, Chinese
fields of photonics, nanotechnology and ICT.
He holds degrees in law and politics from (Honours) from University of Melbourne and
University of Melbourne, and degrees in Graduate Certificate in Business, International
moral theology from the University of Oxford, Trade from RMIT University.
where he studied as a Rhodes Scholar.
14 CANVASVIEW FROM THE BRIDGE: TEAM INSIGHT
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
TEAM INSIGHT
SARAH MAGNELL
Sarah Magnell is a Partner of Cordiner
King, one of the leading Australian
executive search agencies in the
Panorama global partnership.
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE WITH
PANORAMA
I recently moved back to Sydney and joined
Cordiner King after several years in London
with Saxton Bampfylde. I currently head
Cordiner King’s Sydney Office.
RAINY DAY DREAMS
It fortunately doesn’t rain a lot in Sydney.
However, when it does, I enjoy visiting the
NSW Art Gallery and particularly the special
exhibitions. I recently saw an exhibition on
Rembrandt and the Dutch Masters that was
impressive.
TRUE PASSION
Dance. I’ve been dancing since I was five years
old and I have taken classes and performed
almost all forms this brilliant artform. I have
recently returned to dance classes at Sydney
Dance Company. The experience has been
wonderful – just like coming home to an old
friend.
HOT TIP
Since returning to my hometown of Sydney
I have rediscovered a city full of excellent
restaurants and intimate small bars. My
hot tip in the Sydney CBD is Prime Steak
Restaurant & Grill Room in the basement of
the GPO Building. The best steak in Sydney –
its mouth-wateringly good!
SECTOR VIEW IN THREE WORDS
More with less. to produce high quality research and improve strengthening their ability to attract
student satisfaction ratings. international students - who are a vital source
IN AUSTRALIA ARE YOU SEEING MORE of revenue in the era of federal government
MOVEMENT OF LEADERS INTO HIGHER University leaders therefore will need to funding cuts.
EDUCATION FROM OTHER SECTORS THAN have the skills and experience to find ways to
IN THE PAST? WHY DO YOU BELIEVE stay true to the mission, maintain academic Australia’s reputation for high-quality
THIS IS? integrity and independence, while at the same university education and our proximity to Asia
We have started to see a movement of time changing and adapting their business helped to propel education export earnings
‘non-traditional’ leaders into Vice-Chancellor and operating models to ensure sustainability. to a record $21.8billion in 2016. According
and other senior management positions at to higher education peak body Universities
Australian universities. We are finding that a HOW IMPORTANT IS THE Australia, the education of international
number of universities are seeking this mix of INTERNATIONAL AGENDA FOR students is Australia’s third largest export,
bringing together an understanding of, and AUSTRALIAN HE INSTITUTIONS? behind only iron ore and coal. Consequently,
credibility in, higher education with strong The international agenda is vitally important universities across Australia have a strong
commercial nous. Universities in Australia, and to Australian universities. Universities are incentive to attract the best and brightest of
indeed globally, are under constant threat of increasing their levels of global partnerships the international students.
funding cuts, increased competition locally with international institutions, finding ways
and internationally, fundamental change to strengthen their international profile and
reputation in an increasingly competitive GET IN TOUCH WITH SARAH
in the way students learn through digital m sarah.magnell@cordinerking.com.au
technologies and there is constant pressure and crowded market. They are in particular
CANVAS 15MELBOURNE LEVEL 21 90 COLLINS STREET MELBOURNE VICTORIA 3000 TELEPHONE 61 3 9620 2800 SYDNEY LEVEL 36, GOVERNOR PHILLIP TOWER 1 FARRER PLACE SYDNEY NSW 2000 TELEPHONE 61 2 9233 4244 GLOBAL HIGHER EDUCATION TEAM KEY CONTACTS UK Stephen Bampfylde, Partner stephen.bampfylde@saxbam.com Dr. Jennifer Barnes, Partner jennifer.barnes@saxbam.com Hamish Laing, Partner and Head of Global Higher Education Practice hamish.laing@saxbam.com Jamie Wesley, Partner jamie.wesley@saxbam.com NORTH AMERICA Martin Baker, Partner martin@buffkinbaker.com Patrick Kenniff, Partner pkenniff@kenniffracine.com AUSTRALASIA Sarah Magnell, Partner sarah.magnell@cordinerking.com.au Sean Davies, Partner sean.davies@cordinerking.com.au ASIA Ronesh Puri, Partner ronesh@executiveaccess.co.in Saxton Bampfylde is a member of Panorama, a global partnership of 17 leading independent executive search firms around the world. wwww.panoramasearch.com
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