For those newer to the sector or not yet on top of how UHR can help them, we will be releasing a set of mini-films this year, the first of which is online now. We promise this series won’t extend endlessly and become a kind of X-Men style franchise, not least because we tried the costumes on and they didn’t fit. But when given the chance to explain our work, the UHR team weren’t at all shy. Hope you enjoy.
11-13 May 2027
Our flagship UHR Annual Conference returns virtually from 11 to 13 May 2027, bringing together the higher education HR community for three inspiring days of learning, collaboration and connection. Following another successful conference in 2026, we're already looking ahead to next year and planning another fantastic opportunity for colleagues from across our member universities to come together, share experiences and learn from one another. We're busy developing an exciting programme, confirming inspiring speakers and shaping sessions that will explore the challenges, opportunities and developments influencing our sector. #UHR27 will be an opportunity to gain fresh perspectives, discover practical insights and connect with colleagues who understand the work you do. Get the dates in your diary – we can't wait to see you there.
The UHR Awards 2026 celebrated the creativity, innovation and impact of people professionals across Higher Education, shining a light on forward-thinking practice that strengthens organisational culture and drives performance across UK universities. The awards recognised exceptional individuals and teams whose work is making a meaningful difference across the sector, while supporting shared learning and professional development within the HR community. Winners were announced during the UHR Conference 2026, providing a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the achievements, leadership and innovation taking place across our member institutions.
Vialto will once again be running Global Mobility roundtables on behalf of BUFDG. The roundtables are informal events where Vialto first discuss particular issues and attendees are encouraged, under Chatham House rules, to share their issues, experiences and knowledge with other attendees to discover best practices, shared resources, etc.
In this session, Howden will provide a Pensions Update covering all relevant higher education pension schemes for BUFDG and UHR members. More information to follow.
Are we building
prevention capability?
As employers prepare for the strengthened duty to take “all reasonable steps”
to prevent sexual harassment, there’s a useful question for HE HR teams and
leadership to ask. What is our organisation becoming more capable of as a
result? Psychologist Dr Nina Burrowes explores why effective prevention
depends not only on policies, training and risk assessments, but on building
the confidence, understanding and skills people need to put prevention into
practice.
Our mentoring scheme is open to all UHR members and aims to pair mentors with mentees to develop specific areas of expertise related to human resource. We’re excited to partner with SUMAC, who are hosting our membership platform, meaning that sign-up and matching of mentors and mentees will be hassle-free.
