Breakout session 1 – Smart spending: leveraging non-pay data to enhance cost reductions
What will your session cover?
What unique insights or expertise will you be sharing that attendees won’t find elsewhere?
- SUMS has unique access to sector data and benchmarks to identify what comparable universities spend on specific goods and services to help flag any potential over or under spends requiring further investigation
- SUMS are uniquely positioned through their sector cost cutting consulting work and the Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium to understand the purchasing and supply cost related challenges in the sector and offer advice and solutions to manage them.
What are the three main takeaways attendees will come away with?
- a better appreciation of the size and diverse range of non-pay University expenditure and how it can be more effectively managed.
- understanding how effective non-pay expenditure management starts with improving the quality of spend data and making it readily available to decision makers.
- data analysis and the use of sector benchmarking to better signpost where future additional savings and added value opportunities may exist.
Breakout session 2 – Why are university shared services and mergers as credible as an April fool?
Why is this such a key issue for HE now?
How will your session address the conference theme, ‘The Ultimate Balancing Act: Cutting Costs, Driving Growth’?
No institution ever cut its way to commercial success. Thinking differently about how to manage university business is at the heart of the institutional balancing act we’ll explore at the conference.
What unique insights or expertise will you be sharing that attendees won’t find elsewhere?
The speakers for the session bring a wealth of experience and case studies which explore the opportunities and benefits of thinking differently. The session will also include table discussion so delegates can learn from each other by exploring different scenarios.
Breakout session 3 – From insight to action: future-proofing your team and mastering strategic workforce planning
Why is strategic workforce planning such a key issue for HE now?
Who will benefit the most from attending your session, and why?
Ultimately, anyone involved in shaping the strategic direction of their institution’s workforce will find this session highly valuable, as it offers practical solutions for balancing cost efficiency with growth initiatives in today’s dynamic higher education landscape. However, individuals who will benefit the most from attending our session are higher education leaders, HR professionals, and department heads. These stakeholders are directly responsible for aligning their institutions’ workforce strategies with broader organisational goals.
Want to see our consultants in action and be a part of these important discussions?
This is just a taster of what’s to come at the SUMS annual Conference 2024. This essential event for higher education leaders will delve into innovative strategies to navigate the financial pressures facing the sector. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with peers, gain insights from industry leaders, and contribute to the future of higher education.
SUMS Consulting members can register for free here.
Not a member? No problem! Non-members can register for a small fee here.
