Agenda
09:30 – 10:00: Welcome and Networking
10:00 - 11:00 - The Challenge: Striking a Balance between the Imperative and the Pragmatic
In this opening session, technical leaders within higher education institutions will come together to explore the delicate balance between the urgency of innovation and the practical constraints they face. As they share the challenges and pain points of leading technical projects—ranging from budgetary pressures to aligning technological advancement with institutional priorities— there will also be an emphasis on the desire to look beyond the sector for inspiration. By considering innovative practices from outside higher education, participants will engage in a broader discussion about how external insights can inform strategic decisions.
Speakers:
- Heather Lowrie, Freelance Advisor (Confirmed)
- Adrian Ellison, Pro Vice-Chancellor - People and Digital, University of West London (Confirmed)
- Karen Bates, Deputy Chief Digital and Information Officer, London Business School (Confirmed)
11:00 – 11:30: Refreshments and Networking
11:30 - 12:10: Fireside Chat - Cyber Stance
Higher Education institutions face ongoing challenges in protecting data, systems, and users. While universities have unique cybersecurity needs, valuable insights can be drawn from other sectors.
In this session, Simon Goldsmith, Director of Information Security at OVO Energy, and James Smith, CIO at Middlesex University, will share their experiences through a dynamic conversation.
Simon’s background spans UK military intelligence, national security, and commercial cybersecurity, with roles at a Big Four consultancy, a global sports brand, and a defence multinational. James brings deep expertise in higher education, with 16 years at Birkbeck University before his current role.
Through conversation, Simon and James will explore where Cyber Security practice can be mapped across from the Energy sector to Higher Education and importantly, where contextual differences result in divergent approaches.
