Issue #50: December 2025

Light the Way: Reflections and Futures in Higher Education

We open with a warm end-of-year message from Rachel Hill-Kelly, AHEP’s Chair, who reflects on the highlights, challenges and bright spots that have shaped 2025, from the launch of the MSc in Higher Education Leadership and Development, to a vibrant Annual Conference in Glasgow, to the introduction of the new AHEP Bridge Membership supporting colleagues through turbulent times. Her piece celebrates the constants that keep our community strong: collaboration, connection and our shared commitment to development. This month also includes a thought-provoking opinion piece from Martha Horler, exploring how professional services staff can play a crucial role in preparing students for a workforce transformed by AI. As with all contributions of this nature, Martha’s reflections represent her own perspective rather than an official AHEP position, but they offer timely insights into the growing importance of AI literacy across our roles and responsibilities.

Finally, as we wrap up another year, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to our readers, contributors and community. Whether you’ve attended an event, led a SIG session, written for us, or simply taken the time to read this newsletter, your engagement is what makes Development Monthly a genuine community space for learning, sharing and professional growth. From all of us at AHEP, we wish you a peaceful, restorative and joyful festive season, and we look forward to continuing to grow, collaborate and support each other in 2026.