UCL announces a new institutional partnership with the Association of Higher Education Professionals

UCL Organisational Development is pleased to announce investment into a three-year institutional partnership with The Association of Higher Education Professionals (AHEP).

We are confident that this partnership will strengthen our professional services community and inspire initiatives that will make a lasting, positive impact on both our organisations and the wider higher educational world.

About AHEP

AHEP is the professional association for those working in Higher Education (HE) across the UK and internationally, aiming to empower, connect, and develop professionals in the sector, as well as acting as a representative voice. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, they can offer support and guidance as you define and develop your career ambitions.

If you’re passionate about progressing in the HE sector this is where you’ll find a community of like-minded people and opportunities to boost your development. Through the connections you make, you can share learning, encourage best practice, and overcome challenges together.

AHEP institutional partnerships provide a holistic range of benefits that encompass talent attraction and retention, elevating the expertise of the professional services community. These partnerships foster sector-wide collaboration, championing higher education advocacy, and afford individual staff members advantageous offerings like reduced membership costs, robust career support, a well-defined path for career advancement, with opportunities for personal and professional networking and development.

Key benefits for UCL staff

Thanks to our institutional partnership, UCL colleagues receive a 20% discount on their membership. Annual membership prices start from £39.20 per year with your institutional discount and benefits including:

• Networking opportunities that encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing with professionals in other institutions.
• Professional development opportunities such as the AHEP Professional Framework and member exclusive webinar/workshops themed around aspects of HE that enable you to remain current in the quickly evolving world of HE.
• World class qualifications and training.
• Access to discipline-focused Special Interest Groups, such as Student Experience and Engagement, Change and Digital groups.
• Professional mentoring.
• Shared best practice through the Regional Networks and Ambassador programme.

Committing to staff development

Ranked as 'University of the Year' 2024 in The Times Good University Guide, UCL is deeply committed to the continuous development of its professional services colleagues, recognising that their growth is integral to the university's success. This partnership with AHEP will significantly bolster UCL's efforts by providing staff with enriched resources, unique opportunities, and valuable benefits. Through this collaboration, UCL aims to enhance the skills, knowledge, and career prospects of its professional services community, ensuring they remain at the forefront of higher education excellence.

Fostering collaboration through partnership 

“We are pleased to be partnering with AHEP, an organisation that is committed to excellence. Together we will enable professional services colleagues to learn from and with each other and to connect to best practice. Developing our people and investing in the capability of our professional services will help UCL to unlock the potential for better and more integrated services. This partnership will enable colleagues across UCL to tap into this rich source of development.” 
– Aimie Chapple, UCL Vice-President (Operations)

"We're really excited to be building our Institutional Partnership portfolio and doing this by partnering with UCL. As an institution which remains committed to excellence, innovation and the promotion of global understanding, they are natural partners for us and our offering will support this goal by empowering their professional services teams to make a positive impact and greater contribution to their institution's activities."  
– Colin Ferguson, AHEP Executive Director

Customised and adaptive collaboration

The institutional partnership is crafted to be flexible and tailored to align with the University’s unique needs and goals. Over the next three years, UCL and AHEP will conduct regular reviews to ensure the collaboration stays dynamic and consistently delivers optimal value for its members. As part of this partnership, UCL staff will also be invited to attend AHEP's annual conference at a reduced or complimentary rate, further extending the value and opportunities to grow, connect and develop.