Professional services in higher education

Advice on the many functions of a university that fall outside academia or teaching such as HR, finance, communications, department and laboratory management, libraries and student services. Find out how professional services teams in higher education can best ensure the smooth running of an institution, supporting teaching, research and student success – and work effectively with their academic colleagues.

By Laura.Duckett , 9 March, 2026

Under the waterline: making skills visible to students

An iceburg
Students often develop valuable transferable skills during their studies but struggle to recognise and articulate them to employers. Here’s how academics can work with careers professionals to support
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett , 9 March, 2026

Why process mapping matters in higher education

An unseen laptop user with a flow-chart visualisation superimposed
A technique to help universities improve collaboration, reduce inefficiencies and build shared understanding across teams to support more effective working – and a framework for successful implementation
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton , 29 January, 2026

A lean approach to university technology transfer

Colleagues looking at sticky notes on glass wall
Universities can leverage selective outsourcing to build a lean, adaptive technology transfer office that enhances collaboration and responds to external funding cycles
Reading time
4minutes
Professional services in higher education