Ruth Buckingham
Consultant
ruth.buckingham@sums.ac.uk
Ruth gained her areas of specialist expertise while working in Higher Education over the last ten years. Prior to this, she worked in the housing sector and local government for over 20 years where she helped to deliver improvements to multiple service areas. Ruth has a BSc in Biological Science from Edinburgh University and a postgraduate diploma in Housing Studies from Glasgow University. She is Prince 2 qualified and is an Associate Member of the Association of Project Management.
While working in higher education, Ruth has gained an understanding of the nuances and complexities of the sector. Ruth can support SUMS members and clients by demonstrating credibility and reliability in work completed for them. Delivering continuous improvement is at the heart of Ruth’s professional approach and she is committed to supporting SUMS members and clients in this activity. Her specific focus is on the success and failure of projects and learning lessons from them to help organisations focus on continuous improvement.
Prior to joining SUMS in 2021, Ruth’s most recent role was as Interim Associate Director of Strategy and Performance at the University of London. During her time working at the University, Ruth supported the senior leadership team to develop a new strategy for 2020-25. She managed the annual planning process, established a programme management office and delivered a wide variety of business improvement projects. These projects included improvements to key processes, project practice, customer service and social responsibility. Ruth also programme-managed an award-winning, year-long celebration of 150 years of Leading Women at the University of London.
How has Ruth recently supported universities?
- St Mary’s University: governance effectiveness review
- Cardiff University: internal audit review
- Universities Scotland: organisational review
- Office for Students: evaluation of statement of expectations.
Outside of work Ruth is the Chair of Women’s Pioneer Housing, a housing association based in West London which provides much-needed, good quality affordable housing for single women. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and enjoys visiting art galleries in her spare time.