A Message from our CEO, Bernarde Hyde

Dear members and colleagues,

We spent much of the last couple of years having conversations about the many challenges facing the sector and how hard things already were – or were going to be. But reality bites. Nothing compares to the challenges presented by Covid-19.

As a sector, we have collectively responded well. Higher education is at the forefront of the fight – from vaccine creation to training NHS staff, to vital research to better understand the disease. And we have been proactive in protecting our students and staff by adapting to working, teaching, studying from home. The response has been heroic and made me personally very proud to be part of UKHE.

This is a time of crisis. Covid-19 is a threat to our health, our lives, and our livelihoods on a global scale. But I remain optimistic. Expert academic advice is back where it should be, shaping the agenda, the response and public awareness. Similarly, the virus has been a catalyst for rapidly developing and deploying online teaching and learning resources. The sector is doing what it does best – thinking, learning, innovating – spurred on by the crisis.

Here at SUMS, we are busy working collaboratively with other HE bodies.  Working from home has not stopped universities from working, so we have adapted to continue to help our members and clients achieve their goals. As an HE-sector body, we’re here to help you whatever challenges you face. We are all in this together.

So, as you and your university tackle the challenges, we are here for you. If you want a chat with someone objective with a view across the sector, please give me a call or get in touch with one of our consultants. SUMS membership is about community.

Together we will not only get through this, but we will do so stronger, shaping the future of higher education in the UK.

Take care of yourselves and your loved ones,

Bernarde Hyde
CEO