Higher education leadership: planning, operations and change
Advisory work for universities, boards and investors
Who I am
A senior university leader with over twenty years’ experience in planning, operations, academic services and organisational change. I’m currently Director of Strategic Planning and Performance at Middlesex University.
What I offer
Through Mark Humphreys Consulting Ltd I take on occasional advisory work, one-off or recurring, for universities, new providers, boards and investors. I’m not currently taking on interim assignments.
How I work
I’ve worked in and with around a dozen institutions, from small specialist providers to large universities. I listen first, look for the root cause rather than the symptom, and aim for practical changes that last.
Planning and performance
Strategic and business planning, student number forecasting, KPIs and performance reporting. At Middlesex, my team’s forecasting model now sets the University’s tuition fee budget.
Organisational change
Restructures, bringing schools and faculties together, and the project governance that helps change stick. I’ve led change at Canterbury Christ Church, Derby, East London and Middlesex.
Regulation, governance and academic services
OfS and UKVI compliance, including for newly registered providers; data assurance and HESA returns; registry, student records and timetabling. I also advise investors and consultancies on the UK higher education market.
What colleagues say
Extracts from recommendations and feedback
“It has been a very challenging first year of your chairmanship and I wanted to say how well I feel you have led us through these choppy waters.”
“Mark provides authentic leadership and guidance in governance, finance, and all-round education issues … but isn’t afraid to provide scrutiny and constructive critique where needed.”
“Mark arrived during a period of flux and change … and quickly provided much-needed stability and assurance through his knowledge, experience and personable approach.”
“He is unafraid of identifying and dealing with difficult issues as they arise. He is collaborative and proved an excellent team builder.”
“Mark is committed, clever and more productive than any other person I have worked with.”
“He is able to draw on his wide ranging experience within HE to provide valuable insight.”
“Mark coordinated this project with expertise and efficiency … using Mark’s diplomacy and assertiveness skills in generally equal measures.”
“Mark is a natural leader who possesses highly developed skills that enable him to manage strategically whilst being able to delve into detail.”
“He was extremely effective in his role and is highly regarded by senior leaders.”
“He is very experienced, has dealt with all the major challenges that academic administration could throw up and found innovative solutions.”
Full recommendations are on my LinkedIn profile.
Get in touch
If you’d like to talk about a piece of advisory work, one-off or ongoing, please get in touch.