AHEP - Association of Higher Education Professionals

Through this partnership, staff can access benefits that are exclusive to Imperial colleagues:

• 20% membership discount for all staff who join under this partnership, with the first 100 members to sign up receiving an extra 30% discount on top of this. Make sure to sign up before these extra-discounted places go!
• 5 free places at the AHEP Annual Conference, enabling even more colleagues to benefit from AHEP’s flagship event. For more details on the conference, please visit: https://ahep.ac.uk/events/ahep-conference-2025/
• 100 free places at online events. Browse the AHEP events calendar to see upcoming workshops and webinars: https://ahep.ac.uk/events-page/

AHEP Special Interest Groups (SIGs) - As part of our new partnership with AHEP, staff can join Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – collaborative networks where members from various roles and institutions connect to share knowledge, address challenges, and shape the future of higher education. Each SIG focuses on a unique theme, such as digital transformation, inclusion, leadership, or teaching and learning, providing a space for participants to share experiences, exchange insights, and contribute to sector-wide improvements.

These groups are an excellent way to deepen your involvement in the AHEP community, learn from peers, and influence developments in areas relevant to your role. We encourage you to explore the SIGs and discover how they can enhance your AHEP membership, offering both personal growth and the chance to shape best practices in the sector. For more details, visit: https://ahep.ac.uk/special-interest-groups-sigs/

The AHEP Professional Framework is a structured model designed to guide professional development for staff in higher education. It outlines key competencies across various roles, helping members identify strengths, areas for growth, and potential career paths. The framework emphasises skills in leadership, teaching, inclusion, digital expertise, and student engagement, supporting members as they progress in their careers.

This framework provides staff with a roadmap to enhance their skills and align their development with sector-wide standards, ultimately helping to advance personal goals and institutional impact. We encourage you to explore the AHEP Professional Framework to see how it can support your professional journey. For more details, visit: https://ahep.ac.uk/ahep-professional-framework/

The AHEP Annual Conference is a key event for higher education professionals across the UK, offering a unique platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and professional development. Taking place in June, the conference will bring together experts and practitioners from across the sector to explore current challenges, innovations, and best practices in higher education. With a diverse programme of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions, attendees will have the chance to engage with thought leaders, gain new insights, and discover strategies to support their own professional growth and institutional impact.

This conference is an excellent opportunity for Imperial staff to connect with colleagues from across the sector and engage in conversations that shape the future of higher education professional services: https://ahep.ac.uk/events/ahep-conference-2025/

“Imperial’s great Professional Services team are essential to the delivery of our ambitious new Strategy, Science for Humanity.  At Imperial, we are committed to making space and providing resources to develop all of our Professional Services colleagues. Our partnership with AHEP now provides us with new opportunities to learn and connect with best practice. I encourage colleagues to find out more about the resources available to you through this partnership” - Richard Martin, Registrar and University Secretary, Imperial College London.

“We’re really looking forward to working with Imperial. This collaboration resonates deeply with our core values at AHEP,” said the Director of AHEP. “This partnership will help continue the mission of Imperial to build a supportive, inclusive, and highly motivated community of higher education professionals. By providing PS colleagues from Imperial with access to the many benefits of AHEP membership, we are aligning with their commitment to creating an environment where diverse and talented staff thrive.” – Colin Ferguson, AHEP.

The new institutional partnership is designed with flexibility in mind and tailored to meet the unique needs and objectives of Imperial College London. Throughout the next three years, AHEP and Imperial will perform regular evaluations to keep the collaboration dynamic and ensure it consistently provides maximum value to its members. Additionally, Imperial staff will benefit from exclusive access to AHEP’s Annual Conference at a reduced or complimentary rate, enhancing opportunities for growth, connection, and professional development.