Up to half a day to check data quality, advise on improvements and support the end-to-end process of completing an assessment using the OEMA tool.
Organisational Efficiency Maturity Assessment (OEMA) support
As co-creators of OEMA, SUMS brings unrivalled higher education expertise.
How can SUMS help?
Support for completing an institutional assessment using the maturity model
Explore your results in a 90-minute internal workshop
A 90min virtual call with Registrar/COO/University Secretary or your delegate). The support will be for interpreting the assessment from the tool and thinking about what it means and how the institution could respond using SUMS knowledge and insight to create an institution specific assessment and advise on ‘so what?’ and ‘now what?’.
Develop action plans through a 1-day executive workshop
A 1-day workshop directed at senior executives to explore the findings in detail and develop an action plan. This can either be standalone or can build on earlier SUMS support and provide an opportunity for deeper discussion informed by additional benchmarking insight to compare your findings with maturity patterns observed across the sector.
OEMA FAQs
Is OEMA robust enough for serious decision-making?
Yes.
OEMA was designed by the sector, tested by the sector, and built on proven methodologies. While it’s not a full operational audit, it provides a rigorous, evidence-based starting point that balances depth with accessibility.
It’s designed to surface the insights that matter most – quickly and consistently – so you can act with confidence. Think of it as your essential baseline, not a substitute for deeper institutional analysis where needed.
The question isn’t whether OEMA is perfect. It’s whether you can afford not to understand your efficiency baseline.
How long does it take?
Around 30 minutes online with minimal preparation. SUMS can facilitate the process for time-pressed teams.
Who should complete it?
Senior operational leaders (COO, CFO, Registrar) or those with strategic oversight of institutional efficiency.
Is it really free?
Yes. OEMA is freely accessible to all UK higher education institutions.
How often should we use it?
Annually. OEMA is designed for repeat use to track progress and demonstrate continuous improvement.
What happens to our data?
Individual results remain confidential. Aggregated, anonymised data will contribute to sector-wide insights over time.
Do we need external support?
No—but SUMS offers optional guidance sessions, results workshops, and action planning support for institutions wanting to maximise their OEMA outcomes.
How does this compare to other efficiency reviews?
OEMA is the only sector-endorsed, standardised framework for efficiency maturity in UK higher education. It’s designed to complement – not replace – deeper institutional work.