SUMS works with universities, public sector organisations and not‑for‑profit organisations across the UK and internationally. We support executive leaders, governing bodies, professional services teams and academic departments to improve performance, deliver change and achieve their strategic priorities through consultancy and sector collaboration.
Whether you’re exploring consultancy support, benchmarking, sector insight or SUMS membership, we’re here to help. These frequently asked questions cover who we work with, the challenges we solve, and how we support universities, public sector and not-for-profit organisations in the UK and internationally. And if you still have questions, we’d love to hear from you.
SUMS helps organisations tackle the issues that have the greatest impact on performance, sustainability and long-term success – essentially anything that affects how your institution performs. With over 50 years’ experience, we deliver practical, affordable solutions that address real‑world challenges. Our consultants support strategy, transformation, student experience, research and innovation, teaching and learning, professional services, organisational culture, process improvement, and delivery of major programmes. Whatever your challenge, SUMS has the breadth and depth of expertise to help.
SUMS is a university-owned, not-for-profit consultancy with a mission to strengthen higher education and the wider public sector. That means affordable pricing, value‑focused delivery, and a partnership approach that prioritises sustainable improvement over one‑off interventions.
Our advice is led by evidence, backed by comparative data, benchmarking, and more than 50 years of sector expertise. We combine deep HE knowledge with proven practice from other sectors — bringing fresh thinking without the learning curve.
Yes. SUMS works with public sector and not-for-profit organisations as well as universities. Many of the challenges facing higher education are shared across health, local government, schools, charities, and other public bodies. We bring a collaborative, value-focused approach that helps organisations improve services, manage change, and deliver sustainable outcomes.
Yes. Through SUMS Consulting International, SUMS works with universities, governments, and education organisations around the world. We provide benchmarking, comparative insight and evidence‑based consultancy informed by the strengths of UK higher education, supporting areas such as strategy, transformation, transnational education, and sustainable development.
SUMS works as a trusted partner and constructive critical friend to organisations navigating change, improvement and growth. Whether you need an independent review, specialist expertise or support for a major transformation programme, we tailor our approach to your goals and work alongside your teams to deliver practical, measurable and lasting results.
SUMS provides consultancy and advisory services across every area of institutional performance and transformation.
Our core services cover:
- Commercial
- Digital and IT
- Efficiency and transformation
- Governance
- Marketing, branding, comms and external relations
- People and Culture
- Research, innovation and impact
- Strategy, planning and change
- Student administration, experience and success
- Student recruitment and partnerships
- Sustainability
- Teaching, learning and assessment
For more information, visit our services page: What we do – SUMS
SUMS membership provides a long-term partnership that combines consultancy support, sector insight, benchmarking, networks and shared learning opportunities across a diverse global community. We offer a range of membership options designed to suit different institutional needs, helping universities build ongoing access to expertise and value throughout the year. Institutions can also commission individual projects and assignments, but many choose membership as a flexible and cost-effective way to access support whenever challenges and opportunities arise.
Yes. SUMS helps organisations make better-informed decisions through benchmarking, comparative data and sector insight. Drawing on our consultancy work, member networks, and higher education expertise across the SUMS Group, we provide evidence that helps institutions understand their performance, identify opportunities, and learn from leading practice.
SUMS makes it easy to begin a conversation about your goals, challenges and priorities. Whether you’re exploring an idea, shaping a brief, or ready to commission support, we’ll help you identify the right expertise and approach. Contact our team at consulting@sums.ac.uk or call 0118 228 4020, and we’ll help you find the right way forward.
SUMS Consulting has been successfully awarded a place as an approved supplier on the UK government’s G-Cloud 15 Framework. SUMS works with clients and procurement teams to identify the most appropriate and compliant route to appointment. Depending on your organisation’s procurement requirements, services may be commissioned through framework agreements, direct award routes, competitive procurement processes or other approved mechanisms. We’ll help make the process as straightforward as possible.
Yes. The SUMS Group is Cyber Essentials certified, demonstrating our commitment to protecting sensitive information and maintaining robust cyber security standards. This government-backed certification gives members and clients confidence that we have controls in place to help protect systems, data and services from common cyber threats.
Universities choose SUMS because we understand the sector from the inside. As a university-owned, not-for-profit organisation, we combine practical experience, evidence-based insight and a collaborative approach that focuses on delivering sustainable outcomes rather than short-term fixes.
SUMS was created by universities, for universities, and acts as a registered education charity. For more than 50 years, we’ve worked exclusively with higher education leaders and institutions, building a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. That experience helps us deliver relevant, practical advice that works in real-world university environments.
SUMS experts regularly contribute to sector media, podcasts, conferences and speaking engagements, providing insight across higher education and the wider public sector.
For all press and media enquiries, please use the contact form at Contact us | Sums Consulting. To ensure a prompt response, enquiries should be submitted via email or the online form only, as we are unable to respond to telephone enquiries.