Differentis

Rethinking IT support in Higher Education: Why centralisation matters When a leading university in the South West considered decentralising its IT services, it seemed like a logical step towards autonomy. But there was a problem. Fragmentation meant students and staff would struggle to access the right support. Multiple IT units, multiple processes, and no clear route to resolution — frustration was inevitable. Instead, we helped them rethink their approach. 🔹 A centralised first-line support model became the gateway for all queries, ensuring faster triage and resolution. 🔹 ITSM toolkits and data insights empowered teams to anticipate and solve issues more effectively. 🔹 A seamless user experience was maintained while reducing inefficiencies. The outcome? Better access to support, improved resolution times, and a more resilient IT service model. Higher education IT isn’t just about systems — it’s about the experience. And in this case, a rethink made all the difference. #HigherEducation #IntelligentTransformation #UniversityLeadership

Digital transformation in higher education is no longer optional — it’s essential for survival. As Richard Alexander put it during our recent webinar: “Digital transformation is no longer about modernising systems — it's about making universities more financially sustainable.” We’ve worked with many institutions still burdened by outdated IT systems, fragmented student services, and inefficient back-office processes. When budgets are tight, that’s a serious risk. But the universities that act now are setting themselves apart. Just imagine how much time staff spend on manual tasks like processing applications, managing timetables, or handling basic student inquiries. Automating these processes doesn’t just improve efficiency — it frees up time for work that really matters. 📊 According to JISC, AI-driven administration could save UK universities £2 billion annually by 2030. But here’s the other side of the story: Students expect seamless, digital-first experiences. They want self-service, instant access to learning materials, and personalised support — often powered by AI. The universities that fail to meet these expectations will struggle to compete with those that do. At Differentis, we help institutions rethink their operations through strategic, data-driven transformation that improves resilience and relevance. The question is, can we help you? #HigherEducation #IntelligentTransformation #UniversityLeadership

As Erica says, this was an amazing night for us - to have our change and transformation work recognised this way. Doesn't the team scrub up great as well!

It's always nerve racking when you develop a new strategy: will it mean something to people?, will it be successful?, will anyone actually care?. All of these thoughts float around your head and heart. As we launch our strategy around Intelligent Transformation, it’s definitely how I feel! I’ve actually been drafting this post for a few weeks, posting on LinkedIn is not my comfort zone so here it goes… Over the last few weeks I’ve been lucky enough to attend some great events and meeting some amazing people; Laura Barlow, Louise Robey, Dr Ashwin Mehta MBA FLPI, Jayne Manley, Myke Meynell, Lyndsey Charlton, Jamie Shelley and more besides (You all know who you are 😊). The single most important theme that has emerged is positive curiosity. All around us we are bombarded with information overload, trying to convince us there are only ever two sides; right or wrong, good or bad, chaos or control….. but its never that straight forward, we should explore, ask questions, debate and form our own opinions; it’s about balance (And no I don’t currently own jedi robes or a light sabre…. note to self!). Positive curiosity is about not just listening to others so you can respond with your argument to convince them you’re right. It’s about genuinely listening and delighting at learning something new, you might still hold your opinion but it is more informed and enriched. Intelligent Transformation celebrates positive curiosity and embraces being different. We want to invite debate, not just through a technology lens, or a change lens, or a delivery lens; but through all of them! And not just these but also design, sustainability, risk, nature, strategy….. the list goes on. Now, we’re not experts in all these fields, and we'll never pretend to be, however we have a community of friends who can engage in these debates. We’ve already started some engaging conversations in the Higher Education sector, with more debates to come across other sectors I’m sure. We will also be celebrating our 25th anniversary with a celebratory feel to Diff Expo25 which will be coming in July (Keep eyes peeled for more on this!). So, I invite you to comment, get in touch, debate and be positively curious…. embrace a little more of being Different(is). #IntelligentTransformation #DiffExpo25 #PostiveCuriousity

One of the biggest mistakes we see in Higher Education digital transformation? Assuming that technology alone is the solution. The truth is — without thoughtful, people-first service design, even the best tech will fail to deliver meaningful impact. Imperial College London is a standout example of how to get it right. Instead of simply digitising old processes, they redesigned their services from the ground up — leading to real, tangible improvements for both staff and students. Because true transformation isn’t just about going digital — it’s about doing things better. #HigherEducation #IntelligentTransformation #DigitalTransformation

Mergers in Higher Education aren’t easy — but in today’s climate, neither is standing still. If your institution takes the bold leap towards a merger, what are the real risks? Because let’s be clear — the financial outlook is sobering: 📉 64% of institutions could be in deficit by 2026/27 📉 40% are already operating at a loss 📉 A worst-case scenario could push over 80% of institutions into the red within three years. For some, mergers will be a strategic survival tool. But that doesn’t mean they’re simple. In our most recent webinar, Richard Alexander outlined three major risks universities must plan for: 🔧 Technical complexity — integrating outdated, disconnected digital systems can deepen inefficiencies without the right roadmap. 💬 Cultural resistance — staff and students need to feel heard, not overrun, or engagement will erode. 💸 Hidden costs — from payroll to procurement, the short-term costs of consolidation can undermine long-term savings. But here’s the point: 👉 If done right, a merger can be a catalyst — not a compromise. And that’s where Differentis comes in. We help universities lead strategic, intelligent transformation through: ✅ Technology roadmapping that reduces risk ✅ Workforce transformation that puts people first ✅ Change management that brings staff and students with you ✅ Data-driven planning that avoids costly surprises 🎥 Watch the clip to hear Richard’s perspective — and if your institution is facing tough decisions, we’re ready to help you navigate them. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gtHygBsC #HigherEducation #IntelligentTransformation #UniversityLeadership 

“Waiting is no longer a strategy.” That was the message from Richard Alexander during our recent webinar exploring the future of the UK Higher Education sector. As financial pressures mount and the conversation around mergers and resilience intensifies, we’re seeing a clear divide between universities that are moving boldly and those standing still. Hoping the crisis will pass is no longer viable. The next five years will be defined by those who are ready to act. At Differentis, we help universities take control of their future through strategic intelligent transformation. That means: ✅ Data-driven decision-making — from enrolment forecasting to estate optimisation ✅ Prioritisation frameworks that cut through noise and deliver long-term value ✅ Service-led process redesign to eliminate inefficiencies, not automate them ✅ Resilience strategies built to withstand disruption ✅ Student-centred service design, not just shiny tech The sector isn’t going back to how it was. But for those ready to lead change, the opportunity is huge. Think we can help you? We'd love to hear from you: https://lnkd.in/gtHygBsC 🎥 Watch the full clip from Richard’s session to hear why action matters now more than ever. #HigherEducation #IntelligentTransformation #UniversityStrategy

The way universities approach AI adoption today will define their competitive edge tomorrow. But here’s the challenge: AI isn’t like any other IT transformation we’ve seen before. Most institutions are used to structured, well-defined digital roadmaps. AI doesn’t fit neatly into that model. It evolves too quickly. It requires experimentation. It demands flexibility, ethical safeguards, and a fundamental shift in how universities interact with data. So, what’s different this time? 🔹 AI doesn’t replace — it redefines. Unlike past digital transformations, AI doesn’t just automate processes. It changes how students, academics, and administrators engage with information, requiring universities to rethink everything from governance to service delivery. 🔹 The old “procure and implement” model won’t work. Universities can’t just buy an AI system and roll it out like an LMS or ERP. AI requires continuous learning, refinement, and ethical oversight. Institutions must build adaptive AI strategies that evolve with the technology. 🔹 Data is more valuable than software. The real power of AI isn’t in the model itself — it’s in how well universities control, structure, and leverage their own data. Without a clear AI data strategy, institutions risk poor insights, biased decision-making, and privacy concerns. 🔹 AI strategy isn’t an IT strategy — it’s a leadership strategy. The biggest success factor isn’t the technology. It’s securing buy-in at every level — from academic leaders to student support teams—ensuring AI adoption aligns with institutional priorities. So, how should universities move forward? 1️⃣ Define the role of AI across key functions — teaching, research, student services, and admin. 2️⃣ Build an ethical AI framework — governing privacy, bias mitigation, and responsible use. 3️⃣ Experiment, but with strategic intent — pilots are necessary, but they must be connected to long-term goals. 4️⃣ Invest in AI literacy — ensuring leadership, staff, and students understand the technology. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get AI in higher education right. The institutions that move beyond passive adoption and take intentional, strategic steps will be the ones that lead. We’re helping universities cut through the noise and build AI strategies that are practical, scalable, and future-proof. Let’s talk about how AI should fit into your institution’s future. 👇 #AI #HigherEducation #DigitalStrategy #IntelligentTransformation

Best practice in AI adoption across Higher Education doesn’t fully exist yet. We’re still in the early stages, with institutions experimenting, learning, and iterating. But if we were to shape an ideal model, what would it look like? 🔹 Conversational AI-first — Moving beyond rigid search queries to fluid, intuitive interactions 🔹 Multi-layered models — Combining public LLMs with private, domain-specific AI for security and control 🔹 Purpose-built AI agents — Specialist models for research, student services, and automation 🔹 Ethical and flexible infrastructure — The right balance of cloud, on-premise, and governance for sustainability and security This is the AI architecture we believe higher education needs — but where do we go from here? In our third and final webinar focusing on Intelligent Digital Transformation, we will be breaking down the practical next steps for universities looking to embed AI strategically, securely, and sustainably. Keep those eyes peeled. Details are coming soon... 👀 #AI #HigherEducation #IntelligentTransformation

Missed Public Sector AI Week? There’s still a chance to catch up on two unmissable talks 🎥 If you couldn’t make it to Digital Leaders Public Sector AI Week 2025 last month, you’re in luck. The playback of every amazing talk - including those from our own Richard Alexander and Erica Hodgson - are available to revisit wherever, whenever. We’re biased. But you absolutely should check them out! Here’s what you’ll get:   🧠 Richard Alexander: AI at Scale – Balancing Cost, Privacy & Efficiency - link here - https://lnkd.in/e5igwE3r 👉 Why using the right AI models for the right tasks is key 👉 How query routing can optimise efficiency 👉 Balancing AI costs, data privacy, and energy consumption in the public sector 🔄 Erica Hodgson: Sustainable Public Sector Digital Transformation - link here - https://lnkd.in/eUPmheAc 👉 A practical three-layered framework for lasting digital change 👉 How to align strategy, operations, and people for transformation success 👉 Real-world examples of embedding change that sticks Watch now and gain practical insights from industry experts shaping the future of AI and digital transformation in government. #AI #PublicSector #IntelligentTransformation #Leadership