Tom can help institutions understand the root causes of performance gaps and translate analytical insight into practical, sustainable improvements in practice, process and outcomes that improve student experience, outcomes and institutional position. In addition to this, he works to help raise organisation-wide data capability and literacy to drive better decision making. Tom also has expertise in designing and implementing integrated approaches to strategic planning.
Tom has provided independent consultancy to leadership teams in universities and sector bodies since 2018, supporting institutions to understand the root causes of performance gaps and translate insight into practical, sustainable improvements in practice, process and outcomes that strengthen institutional position, while also raising data capability to enable better decision-making. He has held interim directorships in strategy, planning and analytics at four universities, leading teams to improved capability and service delivery across strategic development support, annual business planning aligned with performance reporting, change and risk management, and financial planning. Previously, Tom spent eleven years as Director of Strategy, Planning and Performance at the University of Nottingham and has a further ten years’ commercial experience in data-driven business software and services, with roles focused on usability standards of products and services.
How has Tom recently supporting institutions?
- Designed and lead data and market insight driven taught portfolio ‘Size and Shape’ reviews at two large post-92 universities.
- Designed and delivered comprehensive student experience, student voice and NSS performance review projects at two Russell Group universities, catalysing step-changes in how they support their students’ experience.
- Designed and provided analysis and reporting for a UK survey of universities’ annual business planning processes for the HE Strategic Planners Association (HESPA).
Outside work, Tom enjoys repairing and restoring just about anything with moving parts – from domestic appliances to cars, DIY on his Edwardian house, and reading about medieval Britain.