Attending the AGCAS Heads of Service Conference was an incredibly rewarding experience. It was wonderful to reconnect with former colleagues and meet new ones, all while gaining valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our sector. I am especially grateful to the University of St Andrews for supporting my attendance.

As a new manager, one of the highlights for me was meeting other managers who are also early in their leadership journeys. It was reassuring and inspiring to learn about the similar challenges we are navigating and the successes we’re celebrating. These conversations reminded me that we’re all learning and growing together, and the support of peers across the sector is invaluable.

The conference, held so early in the year, was also a fantastic way to reset and refocus. I’m returning to work with a renewed sense of purpose and energy, feeling ready to tackle the months ahead.

Leadership: Connecting, Serving, and Building Culture

Leadership was a central focus throughout the conference, and I came away with a deeper appreciation of what it takes to lead effectively in higher education today. One key theme was the importance of connecting with stakeholders to build influence and secure buy-in for new initiatives. For example, aligning a project with institutional goals, such as embedding it within a university’s Widening Participation strategy, can significantly increase its likelihood of approval.

Another perspective that challenged me was the emphasis on culture over strategy. As someone with a natural interest in strategy, I found it thought-provoking to hear senior leaders argue that culture is ultimately the foundation for success. Without a strong and supportive culture, even the best strategies may struggle to gain traction.

Equally impactful was the reminder that leadership is fundamentally about service. Leaders are there to support their teams and enable their success, not the other way around. This perspective reframed how I think about my own leadership approach and underscored the importance of leading with humility and purpose.

Careers Services: Broadening Our Role and Strategic Alignment

It was interesting to hear about how careers services are increasingly being called upon to support student recruitment efforts. This reflects the growing recognition of the value we bring to universities and the many ways we can contribute beyond traditional career guidance.

I also appreciated the practical advice about aligning initiatives with university-wide priorities. Hearing real examples of how programs gained approval by demonstrating alignment with goals like widening participation reminded me of the importance of framing our work strategically. By positioning our efforts within the broader institutional context, we can not only gain support but also maximise the impact of what we do.

The Continuing Conversation on AI

As expected, artificial intelligence (AI) was a recurring topic throughout the conference. It’s clear that AI has the potential to transform the way we work, and we saw demonstrations of tools that could revolutionise efficiency and creativity. However, I left with lingering questions about how we, as a sector, should engage with AI right now.

There’s still a lot of uncertainty about the practical steps we should be taking to prepare for or implement AI-driven solutions. While the potential is undeniably exciting, the path forward isn’t always clear. This is an evolving conversation, and I’m eager to see how careers services and higher education as a whole adapt to this emerging landscape.

A Note of Appreciation for Manchester

Lastly, I want to acknowledge the warmth and hospitality of Manchester, which provided a fantastic setting for the conference. Despite the freezing weather, there was a genuine sense of community and kindness throughout the city that made the experience even more enjoyable.

Looking Ahead

The AGCAS Heads of Service Conference offered a unique opportunity to reflect on the evolving challenges and opportunities in higher education and careers services. From leadership and culture to strategy and AI, the insights I gained have inspired me to think differently about my own approach and the impact we can have as a sector.

Starting the year with this conference has been incredibly energising. I’m heading back to work with fresh ideas, renewed focus, and the confidence that comes from knowing I’m part of a supportive and innovative community of peers.