BUILA Experienced Professionals: International Recruitment 102 Programme launches in Portsmouth

This week saw the launch of the 2026 BUILA Experienced Professionals: International Recruitment 102 Training Programme, with delegates from across the UK higher education sector coming together in Portsmouth for the first in-person module focused on leadership development.

Hosted at The Old Customs House, Gunwharf Quays, the programme has been specifically designed to support the career development of international higher education professionals who are looking to build on their existing experience and prepare for progression into more senior roles within the sector.

Developed in response to member feedback, the BUILA 102 programme is aimed at professionals who have typically worked in international recruitment for between two and five years and are seeking deeper practical knowledge in leadership, strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and resource management.

The programme consists of two full-day, in-person modules delivered across the year, allowing participants the opportunity to reflect on learning and apply it within their own institutional contexts between sessions.

The opening Leadership module explored themes including:

• leadership styles and self-awareness
• engaging and influencing others
• approaching change and decision-making effectively
• building resilience
• instilling confidence within teams and colleagues

The second module, taking place during the BUILA Annual Conference at the SEC Glasgow in July, will focus on strategy development and the practical realities of international higher education leadership. 

Delegates will explore areas including:

• strategy design and implementation
• using data to inform decision-making
• building financial cases and business bids
• influencing senior stakeholders
• managing international teams globally

A key strength of the programme is its intentionally small cohort size, with participation limited to 24 delegates to encourage active discussion, collaboration and peer learning across institutions and professional backgrounds.

Feedback from previous participants demonstrates the impact the programme can have on confidence, leadership development and career progression within the sector.

The Experienced Professionals: International Recruitment 102 Programme forms part of BUILA’s wider professional development and training offer for members throughout the year, supporting colleagues at different stages of their careers across international higher education.

Members interested in learning more about future BUILA training opportunities and professional development programmes or how to get onto the next intake of BUILA 102 are encouraged to contact [email protected].