05 May 2026 - UCISA26 Guilherme De Sousa Reflections
Working against a backdrop of sector uncertainty, rising expectations, tightening budgets, increasing cyber threats, and global instability, it can be difficult to find the headspace to step back and think strategically. UCISA26 gave me that space. Across three days, the summit offered a rich mix of talks, discussions, and informal conversations that tackled the challenges we’re all facing. It brought together honest reflections from peers, opportunities to explore shared problems, and time to connect with suppliers and partners who may hold part of the solution.
The opening sessions set the tone with a clear overview of the pressures facing the sector. They also served as a timely reminder that, as leaders, we must keep sight of the bigger picture—our long‑term institutional and sector goals—rather than becoming overly focused on individual technologies or systems. Conversations around shared services for cyber security, AI, and a common student data model highlighted how collaboration can unlock cost‑effective, sector‑wide improvements at a time when every institution is feeling financial strain.
The final day brought the focus back to what truly underpins all our work: our people. Through candid, heartfelt talks, we were reminded that technology and processes only succeed when our teams are supported, valued, and able to thrive. With workloads rising, financial pressures and the landscape shifting rapidly, the human side of leadership has never been more important.
The overall environment felt relaxed and informal, creating the perfect space for open, honest conversation. Peers were generous in sharing their experiences - both the successes they were proud of and the challenges they were still working through - which made the whole event feel collaborative rather than performative. There was a strong sense of community, with people willing to compare notes, offer advice, and learn from one another.
For anyone new to UCISA, the “first timer” introductory sessions are well worth attending. They offer a helpful overview of UCISA’s work and practical tips for getting the most out of UCISA events. But the real value comes from immersing yourself fully over the three days - joining discussions, asking questions, and striking up conversations with fellow delegates and suppliers. UCISA events create a uniquely open, collaborative environment where you can share challenges, compare approaches, and exchange ideas that genuinely help you move forward. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to build your network, often leading to future collaboration and shared learning long after the event ends.
If you can, step away from your laptop and the day‑to‑day pressures back at HQ. Give yourself permission to be fully present. You’ll return with fresh perspectives, renewed energy, and ideas you can take back to your team and institution.
Finally, the UCISA Plus One Bursary scheme deserves recognition. In financially challenging times, it enables more colleagues from across HE and FE to attend, bringing new voices, fresh thinking, and diverse perspectives into the community. That enrichment benefits not just individuals, but the sector as a whole.
