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 kiera.obrien, 21 October, 2025

From library-focused project to campus-wide collaboration

Librarians work together in a team
A heritage trail to mark an anniversary event began life in the library, but how to extend its reach to the rest of the university? Here’s what one library team learned when they collaborated across their institution
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 18 October, 2025

Compassion cuts through polarisation

Group meditation session
Compassion, not empathy, is the emotion that will cut through group polarisation and motivate constructive intergroup dialogue in higher education. Training in mindfulness-based compassion meditation can be scaled at a relatively low barrier to entry
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 9 October, 2025

Investing in futures: maximising legacy gifts in higher education

Buinessmen passing a gold baton
Legacy giving provides a valuable and sustainable source of income for charities but it’s still relatively untapped in the higher education sector. With universities and students under increasing financial pressure, now is a good time to make it a priority. Here’s how to get started
Reading time
4minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 30 September, 2025

Conversations that drive grassroots innovation in higher education

Businesswomen in conversation
When university resources are limited, innovation doesn’t always begin with boardroom decisions or major funding. Sometimes it starts with one conversation and a willingness to act on it. Here’s how university staff can drive change through grassroots leadership initiatives
Reading time
4minutes
By Laura.Duckett, 8 August, 2025

The power of podcasts to enhance student support

A podcaster interviewing a guest speaker
A university podcast can help cut through the noise of traditional communications. By meeting students where they are, it can be a powerful way to build community, reduce stigma and ensure support services reach those who need them
Reading time
5minutes
By Eliza.Compton, 4 August, 2025

How to create snackable social media content

Donut with a bite out of it
What makes an engaging post that delivers your key message? Here’s what university social media creators should do and what they should avoid when creating short-form content
Reading time
4minutes
Professional services in higher education