RETHINKING

HIGHER EDUCATION

LEADERSHIP

Bold, insight-driven leadership solutions that challenge convention and deliver results.

Working with universities, sector bodies and governments worldwide, we combine global expertise in policy, research and learning with deep local insight. Our innovative tools and programmes strengthen governance, sharpen strategy and drive policy reform.

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Impactful
Benefit from live research and practical expertise to create measurable change
Intelligent
Work with leading academics and experts to tackle complex challenges
Innovative
Challenge conventional approaches for transformative outcomes

We bring deep experience across diverse cultural markets – from developed to emerging economies. Insights from every project inform the next, ensuring solutions that are relevant to your local context.

Collaborate with experts
to design sustainable leadership interventions
Access proven practical solutions
informed by global expertise
Design structured training
using our unique competency frameworks

Enjoy expert project management
to ensure efficient project delivery
Form new partnerships
to secure resources for new initiatives
Gain policy expertise
shaping systems that drive prosperity and social impact

“Our vision is to build a world where skilled higher education leaders are equipped to create sustainable change – enabling thriving communities and a better future for all.” Professor David Dawson, Director

Leadership programmes

Grow your leaders and strengthen your organisation.

Leadership programmes

Leadership mentoring

One-to-one leadership guidance and support.

Leadership mentoring

Policy and consultancy

Expert strategies to achieve your goals.

Policy and consultancy

Projects

MHELM

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Challenge

Moldova’s higher education sector faced challenges as it continued its journey of restructuring after independence and accompanying governance reforms. University leaders needed to adapt to new realities after their institutions were granted financial autonomy. At the same time, they needed to address falling student rolls driven by perceptions of higher education’s quality in Moldova versus Europe, and more generally by migration related to relative potential earnings, perceived corruption in government, and regional geopolitical instability. Leaders needed to engage in strategic planning for institutions and the HE sector. Financial and people management skills previously peripheral were now critical. A 2018 training needs analysis revealed that 35% of HE leaders had received no development at all, and only 16% had access to accredited programmes, exposing serious deficits in competence. These gaps threatened national reforms and the ability of universities to meet societal and labour market needs.

Solution

The MHELM project introduced a comprehensive Leadership and Management Development Programme designed to strengthen governance, strategic planning, and management capacity across Moldovan universities. Drawing on EU partner expertise, the project blended best practice from European HE leadership programmes with Moldova’s training needs. Seven Leadership Development Labs were established to provide modern infrastructure, while staff were trained to deliver the programme nationally. Co produced with the Moldovan HE sector, the programme challenged participants to make positive differences through local, regional, and national change projects.

Impact

The programme was accredited by ANACEC in 2021 – the country’s first sector wide qualification. The Ministry of Education regulated that all HE managers should be trained through the programme or a close equivalent, ensuring long term sustainability, national rollout, and setting expectations for new leaders. During the project, 72 change projects were delivered, creating impact for society, supporting structural reform of higher education, and driving institutional improvements. By 2026, the programme had over 350 alumni, representing the majority of HE leaders and significantly transforming the sector’s leadership capacity.

iHiLead

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Challenge

Indonesia’s higher education system faced major leadership capacity challenges. A shift in focus from expanding access to higher education to improving its quality through the implementation of policies including Kampus Merdeka meant leaders needed to demonstrate increased capacity for delivering change. Across Indonesia’s 3,500+ HEIs, most leaders assumed roles with minimal preparation or formal development. OECD and World Bank analyses highlighted a lack of strategic, change-capable leadership across the sector. Existing leadership training reached only a small fraction of staff, while 73% of leaders polled, expressed demand for comprehensive development programmes. Without systematic leadership development, there was little prospect of sector-wide reforms being effectively implemented.

Solution

The iHiLEAD project proposed the creation of PEMIMPIN, a national Leadership and Management Development Network (LMDN), and a comprehensive Leadership and Management Development Programme (LMDP) tailored to Indonesian higher education. Reflecting EU best practice, the network would operate on a subscription basis providing leadership development programme and continuing professional development for HE leaders. Seven Indonesian universities collaborated with EU partners to develop leadership labs, trainer training, materials in Bahasa (Indonesia) and scaled the outputs to extend across Java.

Impact

The project delivered substantial national impact. 1,289 leaders participated in continuing professional development activities of the PEMIMPIN network, 250 partner staff received development, and 306 leaders completed the Leadership Development Programme. The project generated 67 change projects, including eight sector level reforms and multiple institutional improvements. Digital dissemination reached 198,000+ users via the project website and 39,645+ through events and media. The PEMIMPIN network now includes 269 member universities and is progressing toward national accreditation. Impact assessments show strong gains in leadership capability, policy influence, and institutional transformation.

LEADHEGA

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Challenge

The higher education sectors in Georgia and Azerbaijan are undergoing significant transformation, aiming to deliver dynamic, student-focused experiences that drive societal and economic impact. However, progress is constrained by limited leadership capacity within universities. LEADHEGA will address this challenge by developing and enhancing the skills of higher education leaders to strengthen governance, strategic planning, and management.

Activity

Through a jointly designed leadership development programme, LEADHEGA will equip university leaders with practical tools and knowledge to implement meaningful reforms. Learning will take place via interactive workshops, coaching, mentoring, networking, and the execution of change projects, ensuring immediate improvements within participating institutions.

Planned Results

The project will upskill 12 expert trainers who will then train 50 higher education leaders across six universities in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Sector-wide changes will focus on delivering immediate change on topics including student experience, authentic assessment, quality enhancement and research impact. Over five years, the programme is expected to reach 250 additional leaders and be adopted by at least 20 more universities, multiplying its impact across both countries.

The project will culminate in a leadership symposium, bringing together all participating institutions and fostering ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange.

By enhancing leadership capacity, LEADHEGA will drive sustainable reform in higher education, empowering universities to deliver high-quality, impactful education that benefits students, institutions, and the wider society.

MEDHELA

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Challenge

The higher education sectors in Algeria and Tunisia are undergoing major reforms to enhance accessibility, quality, and societal impact. However, progress is slowed by limited leadership capacity within universities. The Mediterranean Higher Education Leadership Academy (MHELA) will address this challenge, equipping university leaders with the skills needed for effective governance, strategic planning, and management.

Activity

MEDHELA will deliver a certificated Mediterranean Higher Education Leadership Development Programme (MHE-LDP) through a comprehensive, hands-on approach. Leaders will engage in networking, lectures from visiting experts, action learning sets, and national change projects, ensuring immediate improvements within their institutions. The Academy will be supported by dedicated executive training facilities, structured materials, and an innovative app for diagnosing leadership strengths and development needs.

Planned Results

The aim is to reach over 1,200 university leaders, through participation in MHELA activities, with 144 completing the MHE-LDP and demonstrating measurable improvements in institutional governance and strategic capability. Over the following five years, more than 4,000 additional leaders will benefit from MHELA programmes and its annual leadership symposium, with 240 completing the MHE-LDP, creating lasting, systemic impact across Algerian and Tunisian higher education.

By strengthening leadership, MHELA will drive sustainable reform, enabling universities to deliver high-quality education that benefits students, institutions and society at large.

Our core team

Professor David Dawson

Director

A global higher education leadership expert who turns strategy into action through collaborative, inclusive and culturally informed practice.

Gideon Capie

Director

An experienced project manager aligning complex, internationally funded higher education projects with strategic goals.

Dr. Jan Myers

Specialist

An experienced academic and leadership specialist, known for her reflective and practice-informed approach, supporting leadership development.

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