Why is SUMS Consulting at the HE Transformation Expo?
At SUMS Consulting, we’re proud to be part of the conversation at the HE Transformation Expo, and even prouder to be helping shape it. As a not-for-profit consultancy owned by our university members, we work across the full spectrum of university activity, from strategy and operations to people and culture. Our mission is simple: to help universities work smarter and deliver lasting impact.
The next decade will redefine what it means to be a university. From how institutions are structured and funded, to how they deliver value to students, staff and society — transformation is no longer a project, it’s a permanent state. Universities are being called to rethink how they operate, not just to survive, but to thrive.
Where can we hear from you, and what will you be talking about?
SUMS consultants will be contributing to three panel sessions during the Expo:
19 November – Business and Estates Stage (14:50-15:30)
Dr. Rhiannon Birch, SUMS Managing Consultant, will join the Business Model Design Forum exploring ‘What Are the Options? Is it Right for Us?’ Rhiannon has expert insight into this topic having worked with a range of clients on business model design, particularly under the guise of target operating models and adapting methodologies to provide responsive and robust solutions for her clients.
20 November – Main Stage (10:00-10:40)
Catch Joel Arber, SUMS Group Chief Executive Officer on the Main Stage for a session on ‘Really Moving the Dial? The Fundamentals for Organisational Transformation’. Joel will share insights from his extensive work on transformation in HE. Expect a thought-provoking session that explores what truly drives sustainable change.
Joel is also a member of the HE Transformation Advisory Group, a collective of sector experts and innovative leaders who have helped shape the Expo’s agenda. The group’s role is to ensure the event meets the real needs of senior leadership teams across the sector, and Joel’s involvement reflects SUMS’ deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing universities today.
20 November – Main Stage (14:30-15:20)
Finally, our Change Lead Dr. Fola Ikpehai will be on the Main Stage discussing ‘Radical Thinking on Service Design: From Systems and Processes to People and Culture’. Drawing on cross-sector experience, Fola will explore how shifting focus from systems to people can encourage organisations to challenge their own thinking and unlock real transformation.
Why should you make time to talk to us?
At SUMS Consulting, we understand the complexity and nuance of the higher education sector, and we know how to help institutions navigate it. SUMS supports institutions across the sector to understand and navigate recent complex challenges and wicked problems. With experience of both higher education and commercial consultancy we offer a bespoke service which pinpoints where and how institutions can make changes to deliver long term benefit and impact. Come and talk to us on our stand about what we’ve learned from our work in the sector and how we could help you and your institution.
Where can we find you and the Expo?
You’ll find us at our exhibition stand – come and say hello! Whether you want to discuss a specific challenge or just explore ideas, we’d love to connect. You can also reach out via our website or email us at consulting@sums.ac.uk if you’d like to set up a conversation in advance.
