Cardiff University supports important new project to help Ukrainian Higher Education sector rebuild
18 December 2023
How do universities stay relevant and evolve to fulfil a new role in society? How do we identify key future trends the world is going to face, and develop strategies to not only tackle challenges but to embrace them? These are questions most universities, including Cardiff, are asking themselves and it’s an integral part of the process for Ukrainian leaders as they plan their country’s recovery and reinvention.
In late October, senior staff at Cardiff University joined the British Council Ukraine and Ukrainian higher education heads to share insights and experiences and help them create a leadership programme.
This exciting programme, titled Leaders of University Transformation for Ukraine’s Reinvention, is led by the British Council Ukraine, Ukraine President’s Fund for Education, Science and Sports, and the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. We are working with a small cohort of 30 higher education leaders, from 6 universities across Ukraine.
Cardiff Business School’s Executive Education team, supported by the CPD Unit, won a tender to work on the pilot programme. The University’s contribution involves presenting the UK’s sectorial strengths and experiences to inform discussion and group work – with topics within the first sessions including how we commit to our civic mission responsibilities, and examining our impact on the development of regions and local communities. Our sessions dovetail with the rest of the programme, which harnesses Ukrainian higher education institutions’ expertise and experience.
There are four modules within the programme, each with two morning sessions per month. The first module revolved around discussions on the new role of universities, and featured a session on how the University is using Futures techniques to shape our new strategy and embrace the change process. Futurist Professor Peter Maddon OBE is working alongside our new Pro Vice Chancellor Wendy Larner as she spearheads our ‘Big Conversation’, using Futures systems to assess probable trends and outcomes, and how to adapt to what’s likely to happen. Professor Madden spoke about the importance of assessing the resources you have and understanding how to mobilise them to lean into likely eventualities. The modules that follow focus on strategy & change, leadership & autonomy and finances & projects.
The pilot programme continued until February 2024; following this initial pilot, the hope is that British Council Ukraine will eventually roll it out to all Ukrainian universities.
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If you are interested in developing a bespoke professional development programme with the University, please get in touch with our friendly team for an initial chat:
