Leadership Programme delegates at the conference, Liverpool, February 2025

The University of Sussex Business School has played a key role in developing the new CABS Professional Managers Leadership Programme, designed to equip professional services leaders in business schools with the skills, networks, and training needed to navigate today’s evolving higher education landscape. The programme was officially launched at the Professional Managers Annual Conference at the University of Liverpool in February 2025 and has already received enthusiastic feedback.

Developing Future Leaders

Created in collaboration with the Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) and its Professional Managers Committee (PMC), the programme is tailored for senior professional services staff. Participants will visit four different business schools, engage with leading guest speakers, and explore key topics such as digital transformation, institutional strategy, and leadership across multiple teams and functions.

David Meech Mazumdar, Chair of the PMC and Department Manager at LSE, emphasised the programme’s significance:

“We need to bring along new leaders in the sector and train them in what it means to be a professional services leader. This programme offers participants a unique opportunity to visit multiple institutions, share experiences, and learn from experts.”

The first module, held in Liverpool, focused on institutional strategies and leadership fundamentals, helping participants align their roles with wider institutional goals and strengthen faculty-professional services relationships.

Practical Skills and Networking

Participants are already benefiting from the programme’s focus on practical skills and professional networking.

Jenny Maxwell, from Norwich Business School at the University of East Anglia, highlighted the rare opportunity for structured training and peer learning:

“It’s rare to see something like this come up—something that offers training and the chance to network. It’s refreshing to step away from the day-to-day, get updated information, and learn from others’ experiences.”

Networking has been a particularly valuable aspect, as participants connect with peers facing similar challenges. Jenny added:

“It’s reassuring to know that other people deal with the same issues. You get new ideas and motivation, and you realise you’re not alone.”

Nicola Foster, Head of Programme Delivery at LSE, also praised the programme’s business school-specific focus:

“I’ve done lots of leadership training, but this is different. It’s refreshing to be in a room with people who understand the unique challenges of business schools while bringing different perspectives.”

Building a Stronger Professional Services Community

With its blend of strategic insight, leadership development, and practical training, the programme represents a significant investment in professional services leadership.

Professor Ingrid Woolard, Executive Dean of the University of Sussex Business School, expressed gratitude for those involved in developing the programme:

“At Sussex, we believe leadership development should be accessible to all, and this programme is a great example of how business schools can support professional services teams. I’d like to thank my colleague Merrill Jones, Head of Faculty Operations at the Business School, for her invaluable role in developing and delivering this programme. Her dedication has been instrumental in shaping an initiative that will strengthen leadership within business schools and foster meaningful professional networks.”

As David Meech Mazumdar summed up:

“This is the first programme of its kind in a long time, and I look forward to seeing how it helps shape future leaders in the sector.”