The world of higher education may need Universities UK more than ever as it battles for the best possible settlement in the Brexit negotiations and beyond. Nicola Dandridge is the longstanding Chief Executive of the representative body and she forms a key bridge between policy makers, politicians, business groups and vice chancellors. She is well respected, but will need to build strong forward momentum to help pick the sector up from the referendum result. Her stock remains high among vice chancellors and she’s viewed as a credible voice with policy makers, hence this year’s rise.
But Dandridge will need to continue to assert the leadership of UUK in an increasingly fragmented sector and some believe the organisation’s review of sector agencies holds the key to cementing UUK’s dominant position. However keeping the peace inside the sector pales in comparison to the task ahead with Brexit and fighting the government’s renewed crackdown on international students. Many are pinning hopes on this one-time trade union negotiator to hold it all together in another make or break year for UK HE.