CEO Update: Looking Ahead to 2026–27
22nd October 2026
Dear Chair,
I am writing to introduce CUC’s 2026-27 member benefits programme, shaped directly by member feedback. This includes a practical focus, extended support for Committee Chairs, and ways to keep members connected with key decision-makers.
We also heard clearly that our offer must meet the needs of all members, wherever you are based, and that has been at the heart of our thinking.
The full programme is available here, and we’ll keep adding to it through the year as your needs evolve.
Refreshing our offer – In addition to our events and networks, over 2026-27 we will refresh our practice and advice notes and update the Audit and Risk and Senior Staff Remuneration Codes. We’ll work with UUK to inform the development of its new programme for Vice-Chancellors and launch our own development offer for new Chairs.
Strengthening policy influence – Alongside this, we are continuing to build our political and policy influence on governance and related issues, such as the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. This includes meeting government and regulatory organisations to advance the interests of Chairs and Boards. Through your work locally and ours at sector level, we want to protect the independence of higher education governance and help shape a better policy environment overall.
Join us in November – Our stakeholder dinner and Board Chair Plenary take place on Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 November. Professor Cara Aitchison, Chair of the Scottish Funding Council, will be our dinner speaker, and Daniel Shah, UKRI’s Chief of Investment Planning and Strategy, will join us at the Plenary. We’ll also be hearing from VCs on what they need from Chairs right now in what promises to be a lively session. If you haven’t yet booked, I’d warmly encourage you to register here.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have any questions or would like to talk.
Thank you for your support. We look forward to working with you through the year.
Kindest regards,
James
James Dunphy FRSA PFHEA
Chief Executive
Committee of University Chairs
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