Higher Education Leadership Platform
Help make good things happen
What is HELP?
ThenSomehow HELP is a peer support group that brings together people from different roles and from different Higher Education institutions (HE), in a safe, confidential space.
We draw on each others’ experience and explore ideas and options for (new) ways to be and do that could:
* Help make good things happen
* Reduce the pain of trying to do that in our institutions
This is a developmental space in which we are all learning and sharing insights and experiences as equal participants. The aim is to positively influence the systems we exist within.
“It has been fascinating to meet others working in Higher Education. In particular, the honest and open way people have embraced discussions has been an breath of fresh air and given me the chance to think ‘oh it isn’t only me that feels/experiences this”
About the group
The group seeks to share and explore ideas we can borrow, adapt and run experiments with. We set out to learn from each other and to reflect on why we do things the way we do. We all want to get better and learn how to influence positively the institutions we work in. This is about personal development, discovery and enquiry. It’s about us learning to lead collectively.
We have discovered time spent with colleagues outside our normal context, who have shared experiences, is uplifting and important and of value in itself. As we go forward we are building relationships and developing allies.
Members of the group include academics and professional services colleagues, from Post Docs and Marketing Officers to Professors and Institute Directors. We all share a curiosity to learn and improve and desire to navigate the complexity and ambiguity of the places we work.
Membership of the group is free, but you do need to apply.
Please apply here if you are curious to find out more.
- Working at a Higher Education Institution (HEI)
- Curious about why things happen the way they do
- Interested in discovering ways to influence positive outcomes
- Keen to build your skills and understanding
- Willing to make time for your own development
- Prepared to commit to attending sessions to support your fellow members
“Being able to talk open and honestly without fear of repercussions. I have also really enjoyed listening and learning from others.”
How it works
The group meets monthly online for 90 minutes to discuss themes and topics, to hear from fellow members about their experiences and to practise effective ways of working together.
- We work in small regular peer groups
- We ask for and give help to each other
- We mix things up from time to time to meet new people
- We provide a safe and confidential space
- We have a programming group that curates topics for the year
- We have a LinkedIn group to make it easier to connect between sessions
Apply now
If you think you you could contribute and learn from the group Apply using the online form. You will need to commit to attending regularly.
- The group is open to anyone working in HE
- All levels and role types are welcome – because everybody leads
- It’s free
- We just ask that you have a real interest in making a positive difference and do your best to prioritise these sessions
- We hope you’ll think of ThenSomehow when appropriate opportunities come up
Please fill in this form and we’ll be in touch to set up a call with you before inviting you to the group.