+44 020 3930 8303
Governance & Policy

Inquiries, Research & Reviews

Listening, Learning and Doing Better

Expectations of universities are rightly high.

They are expected to operate for the public good and according to their values. They are expected to deliver teaching and research effectively and efficiently and to be “good citizens”.

Sometimes, despite best intentions, universities can fall short of these expectations. As with any institution, issues can emerge, mistakes can be made, and behaviours can fall short of expectations.

The Halpin team are highly experienced in designing and delivering independent inquiries and reviews. Our goal is to enable institutions to listen, learn and do better.

“Halpin worked with the University of Westminster during 2019 to review governance arrangements, ensuring that they were fit for purpose following a period of significant change and transformation for the University. They undertook a thorough review, interviewing a large cohort and observing a full range of Court, Committee and management meetings. Their recommendations were helpful and pragmatic and enabled us to take a high level of assurance from our existing practices as well as areas for further enhancement. ”

John Cappock, University Secretary & COO, University of Westminster

Recent Governance & Policy Articles

How safe can we make our universities?

How safe can we make our universities?

The HE sector seems confused about what is meant by safeguarding, and how far universities should go to ‘take care’ of their students. The debate seems to be taking us beyond the letter of the law to make campuses as safe as possible for students who choose to invest their time, future life prospects and future debt with at university.
Update on the Financial sustainability of HE providers in England

Update on the Financial sustainability of HE providers in England

Last month the Office for Students (OfS) published its November update on the financial sustainability of higher education providers in England. Halpin Consulting Fellow Will Spinks outlines why it is essential reading for anyone trying to understand the generic financial challenges and risks that the English Higher Education sector is currently facing.

Governance Case Studies