31 March 2026 - UCISA26 Joanna Daggar Reflections
UCISA26 Leadership Summit: Reflections From a First‑Time Attendee
Attending the UCISA26 Leadership Summit in Liverpool was an experience I had genuinely been looking forward to. As someone passionate about digital transformation and organisational change, I was eager to hear how leaders across the sector are navigating increasingly complex challenges. I was also excited to meet colleagues, gain new perspectives and learn from institutions approaching similar problems in different ways.First Impressions
My first impressions were overwhelmingly positive. The pre‑event communication was excellent, and everything ran smoothly from the moment I arrived. Despite one small hiccup when booking an additional night’s accommodation, the UCISA team resolved it quickly and with minimal fuss. Walking into the venue on the first morning, I immediately felt the energy, professionalism and friendliness that defined the summit. Liverpool itself made a wonderful backdrop - vibrant, historic and full of character, and the venue was well organised, accessible and buzzing with conversation. My only unexpected challenge was the extremely enthusiastic air conditioning, which left many of us wrapped in coats!Key Takeaways
Reflecting on the sessions and conversations, three key takeaways stood out for me:1. Digital transformation is a shared responsibility, not an IT function.
Several sessions reinforced that the most effective digital change happens when academic leaders, professional services and IT work together. Whether discussing AI, enterprise service management or student experience, it became clear that meaningful transformation requires cultural alignment, shared decision‑making and a common vision.
2. Change leadership matters just as much as technology.
Talks exploring digital change in traditional or slow‑moving sectors resonated deeply. Many institutions face legacy systems, complex governance and deeply embedded academic cultures. The most successful leaders aren’t just implementing tools. They’re shifting mindsets, influencing behaviour and creating conditions where innovation can thrive.
3. Strong communication and compelling narratives can make or break strategic proposals.
Philippa Hale’s session on making your case with the board was a standout moment. Her techniques for structuring messages, capturing attention and delivering persuasive business cases will directly influence how I present the case for our new ESM platform.
Advice for First‑Time Attendees
For anyone attending UCISA26 for the first time, my biggest recommendation is simple: embrace the networking: The conversations I had with senior leaders, suppliers, peers and fellow attendees, were among the most valuable parts of the event. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation, join a table at breakfast, or stay a few minutes after a session to talk to the speaker. Everyone I met was generous with their insights and genuinely interested in sharing experiences.Looking Ahead
The summit left me inspired, more connected and better equipped to drive meaningful change in my own institution. I’m taking away new ideas for building a compelling business case, a clearer understanding of sector‑wide challenges, and a renewed appreciation for collaboration across roles and departments.I’m already looking forward to UCISA27 - hopefully with slightly warmer air conditioning!
