Many universities are now discovering a resource that allows them to deal with management skills shortages, to become more commercial, or to accelerate the pace of change in a cost effective manner. Interim management offers a quick, flexible solution to a range of strategic and operational challenges. There are no up-front charges and you only pay for the time you actually need for a particular assignment.

At Russam GMS we have supported a range of tertiary institutions or academic bodies in the recent past including:

• University College London	• Department for Innovation Universities & Skills (DIUS)
• Kingston University	• Leeds Metropolitan University
• Academy of Social Sciences	• School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS)
• Lifelong Learning UK	• St Columba’s College
• Regents College	• Assessment & Qualifications Alliance (AQA)

Roles covered include:

• Marketing Director	• Head of Corporate Learning & Development
• ICT Director	• Graduation Manager
• Chief Executive	• Marketing Strategy Manager
• Finance Manager	• Estates Manager
• Records manager	• Programme Director

We are able to provide interim managers or directors with a wide range of experience and skills, who understand the academic culture and operate within it to achieve demanding goals.

Comment from John Wilson: The CBI report Stronger Together – Business and Universities in Turbulent Times was launched at their Higher Education Summit in London, with some poignant comments by various speakers. I was particularly interested in Professor Breakwell’s view that more needs to be done to optimise efficiency citing areas such as shared services and estate optimisation. This was echoed by Lord Mandelson who stressed that HE institutions needed to operate more like commercial enterprises. Extracting greatest value from inputs. He also noted the value of support in managing and running universities. Please contact me (details left) if you would like to discuss in a very realistic manner how interim management can offer viable added value.

Russam GMS Ltd sponsors the Universities HR Annual Conference Leicester Marriott Hotel, May 2010 As a key player in the Universities sector, Russam GMS was delighted to be one of the sponsors at this year’s Universities Human Resources Annual Conference held at the Leicester Marriott Hotel in May. Universities Human Resources is the key organisation for human resources professionals in higher education in the UK. This annual event is a forum for learning and discussion around best practice. The theme of the conference was ‘Fit for Purpose, Fit for the Future’ and the event was attended by over 200 delegates. John Wilson, Head of Universities Practice addressed the Plenary session focusing on some of the benefits that Interim Management can deliver to the sector under the headline ‘Interim Management is affordable and delivers’. The audience empathised with key points made about the changes and transformation taking place in the University sector, plus the need to save costs and improve efficiencies in light of government spending cuts. John also delivered a workshop which focused on how Interim Managers can help the sector become more competitive and deal effectively with future challenges. It covered key points including what Interim Management is, the benefits it can deliver, as well as the practicalities of setting up Interim assignments and working with Interim Providers. It also highlighted a number of best practice case studies where Interims have helped Universities deliver change management projects, drive business efficiencies, save costs and handle business critical projects. John Wilson commented "Universities are under increased pressure to modernise, become more commercial and deliver greater efficiencies in spite of funding cuts. This is no small challenge. Being fit for the future is essential, but it is difficult. Interim Management can play a major part in helping institutions become fitter, smarter and more commercially-focused. Interims provide immediate, high level, cost-effective and focused resources. It not only ensures quick results, it delivers sustainable change.”