Issue #51: January 2026

Leading with Confidence: Professional Services at a Crossroads

This edition of Development Monthly opens with a lead piece from Jim Irving, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Students and Governance at Southampton Solent University and Deputy Chair of AHEP. Jim reflects on leadership, governance and the human dimension of professional services work, drawing on his experience of working across student experience, compliance and strategy. This piece highlights the critical role professional services play in enabling institutions to adapt and the importance of collaboration, trust and shared purpose as we move through 2026.