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.
#UHR26, our flagship virtual conference, once again delivered exceptional value and high-quality professional development for HR colleagues across our member universities. Designed to fit around busy working lives, the fully virtual format enabled teams from across the sector to come together for three engaging days of learning, collaboration and connection. Delegates benefited from an inspiring mix of headline speakers, specialist workshops and interactive breakout sessions, alongside valuable opportunities for networking and peer-to-peer learning. Bringing together leading voices from within and beyond the sector, #UHR26 sparked important conversations around the challenges and opportunities shaping HR in Higher Education today. Following such a successful and impactful event, we are already looking ahead to #UHR27 and another opportunity to bring our community together next year.
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.
Discussion of all things employment tax and payroll related that HE institutions need to be aware of, plus practical recommendations.
With data confidence, HR professionals can lead the way among professional services as confident data users and ultimately provide better informed decision making in an inclusive, evidence-based culture.
Strive Higher have designed this programme for UHR members, specifically for HR and people professionals who need to use data in their roles, but who may lack experience or confidence to do so effectively. We know that people analytics is increasingly important in HE and we want to equip you with the skills to excel in your role and boost your confidence in working with data! This programme is delivered online, across two sessions, by Laura Jackson and Sandro Marques of Strive Higher.
We have successfully run this programme three times. Feedback from our previous cohorts includes:
“The trainer was very engaging and knowledgeable”
“Really good course, …explained really clearly how to consider all the different aspects of data, and how I can apply these in my role”
“The course gave me a lot to think about, and I really enjoyed the balance between powerpoint information and interactive group session”
“… boosted my confidence and taken away some of the mystery that some pure data experts can often create, I know what to do now before I ask for data and what to say when I do want some”
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.
