Looking Back on a Conference That Matters More Than Ever
Reflecting on the ARC Conference 2025, it’s clear how valuable this annual gathering has become for shaping conversations and driving progress within UK Higher Education. Having spent a decade working within the sector prior to joining Thesis in 2018, I have seen first-hand the importance of bringing together Academic Registrars from across the country. In this current period of immense challenge and transformation for universities, this year’s ARC Conference offered a timely and essential space to connect, share insights, and co-create strategies for sustainable change.
The theme of this year’s ARC Conference , “Navigating Change: Collaboration, Courage and Clarity,” could not have been more relevant. The event carried a powerful sense of shared responsibility, with colleagues recognising that meaningful, lasting change is crucial if our institutions are to keep delivering for our students, both today and into the future.
At Thesis SM, we do not see ourselves as a software vendor sitting on the sidelines of UK Higher Education. We consider ourselves to be part of the sector and we know that the challenges faced by universities are our challenges too. As a company passionate about Higher Education, we are deeply invested in the sector’s future. My colleague Andy McGinn, Senior Account Executive, and I were eager to immerse ourselves in the conversations at ARC, listening closely to the realities our partners and peers are navigating and exploring how we can best support them.
It was a privilege for us to be part of the wider dialogue on change, not just as a Student Records System Provider, but as an active participant in the sector’s evolution. A particular highlight was sharing the stage with the Royal College of Music (RCM) to discuss what genuine, effective collaboration looks like in practice.
Inside Our Session: Trust, Transparency and a Shared Journey
One of the most rewarding moments of the conference was our joint session with Elly Taylor, Academic Registrar at the Royal College of Music. The session: “Forming a Partnership with Thesis SM: Royal College of Music’s Journey Through SIS Selection and into Implementation” showcased our collaboration with RCM, from the very first conversations and demonstrations, through the selection process, and into the first nine months of implementation. Our shared focus has been delivering a SIS implementation that utilises our pre-configured processes based on sector best practices, whilst also addressing the unique needs of a conservatoire, to support RCM’s long-term success.
What has stood out in our journey with RCM so far is how openness and transparency have been at the heart of every interaction, from day one. Our Higher Education Model (HEM) has been instrumental in this partnership, providing RCM with the reassurance that our SIS could meet their specialist requirements without the need for customisation or risking their project timeline.
Being able to share this collaborative story with Elly, and to reflect together on what has made the partnership work so well, was a conference highlight for us all. We are enormously grateful to ARC for the opportunity to showcase what’s possible when shared purpose and open communication underpin a transformation project.Inspirational Conference Moments
As I think more about the ARC Conference 2025, the whole conference was jam-packed with inspirational sessions and speakers, highlighting different aspects of the challenges that universities face and exploring how our UK institutions might approach these. It is hard to single out just a few but the stand out moments for me were:
“In Conversation with Professor Pamela Gillies”
Professor Gillies, former Principal and Vice Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University, reflected on leading the university through a period of significant change. Her insight and humour were inspiring, and reminded us all about the importance of leading with both courage and compassion.
“The Sector at a Crossroads: Honest, Open Dialogue”
This panel session brought together key sector voices, including Professor Pamela Gillies, Charlotte Corrish (Head of Public Policy, OIAHE), Ben Vulliamy (Executive Director, AHUA) and Arif Ahmed (Director of Freedom of Speech), to explore where higher education stands today and where it needs to go next. The ‘crossroads’ that the sector finds itself at is complex and constantly evolving; whilst it would be easy to focus on trying to resolve singular issues in isolation, the discussion highlighted the importance of institutions, and the sector as a whole, looking at these issues holistically, and keeping the students at the heart of their deliberations.
“The Unforgettable Shappi Khorsandi”
And then there was Shappi Khorsandi, whose talk on ADHD, identity, and her experiences in education, both as a young student and now returning, was as moving as it was hugely entertaining. Her account of navigating education and a career with undiagnosed ADHD, particularly as a woman, offered perspectives that have stayed with me long after the conference ended. It was a powerful reminder that when we face challenges and change, empathy and compassion for our students, our colleagues and for ourselves, must remain at the heart of everything we do, whether that’s teaching, leading, or developing the technology that supports those experiences.
Connection Beyond the Conference Room
Of course, the ARC Conference is always about more than sessions and keynotes. It is an important opportunity to meet colleagues in person, whether from universities or from other organisations, all working together to strengthen the sector.
This year’s networking dinner aboard the SS Great Britain was definitely one to remember. The setting was truly unique and sparked some brilliant conversations and new connections. As a former History undergraduate myself, I loved exploring the ship’s history, which created the perfect backdrop for discussions about the future of Higher Education, a sector with its own rich heritage that has adapted and grown through countless periods of change and will continue to do so.
Reflections: What We’re Taking Away
The ARC Conference 2025 reinforced the reality of the challenges ahead, but it also demonstrated the sector’s resilience and commitment to shaping change that secures the future of UK Higher Education, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Coming away from the Conference, I had a few key takeaways which will help us support the sector:
- Collaboration and clarity are essential to any transformation; strong partnerships need to be built on trust and shared purpose, where both sides work together as equals to achieve meaningful outcomes;
- Students, and the people who support them, must always remain at the centre. Student and user experience is at the heart of how we work at Thesis SM as we know this is the key to any meaningful progress for an institution;
- Courage means being willing to rethink, relearn, and rebuild together. Holding on to “how we’ve always done it” can limit progress. True change requires flexibility and openness, even in times of financial constraint, so that change is both achievable and impactful.
Why These Conversations Matter
For us at Thesis SM, events like ARC are about listening, learning, and connecting with the people shaping the future of Higher Education. Andy and I left Bristol energised by the conversations and proud to be part of a community that isn’t afraid to ask difficult questions, share learning, and take bold steps forward. The challenges facing the sector are complex and often daunting, and it was motivating to see so many brilliant people approaching them with determination and creativity.
Every conversation Andy and I had at ARC helped us understand how to support institutions better in creating outstanding student experiences, how to shape our systems that truly work for staff and students, and how to keep focus and integrity at the centre of digital transformation.
We are motivated every day to support the sector we belong to and that made this year’s ARC conference such a meaningful experience.
Until Next Time
As we move forward, the connections and insights gained at ARC will continue to inform our work and strengthen our resolve. Andy and I are deeply grateful to everyone who attended our session with the RCM, shared insights in inspiring sessions, or simply stopped by for a conversation. At Thesis, we remain committed to listening and learning, recognising that meaningful change comes from honest dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared vision for the future of UK Higher Education.
Thank you once again to ARC, our institutional partners, and everyone who makes this sector such a rewarding place to work. Let’s keep the conversation going. If you’d like to connect, share your experiences, or learn more about how Thesis SM is supporting UK higher education institutions, please do reach out or visit www.thesis.sm.
We look forward to continuing this journey together.
About the author – Alison Tesh (Implementation Manager):
I joined Thesis in 2018 after a decade working in UK Higher Education institutions, specialising in Admissions and Student Management. As Implementation Manager, I oversee our UK Implementation Team, ensuring a smooth, efficient rollout of our solutions while optimising our implementation methodology for success.
What makes Thesis SM special is our people. Everyone is deeply passionate about Higher Education and dedicated to delivering the best solutions for the sector Collaboration and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do, creating an environment where we support each other and continuously innovate.
I’m most proud of how Thesis SM empowers end users in their daily tasks. With its user-friendly interface, clear and comprehensive applicant and student data, and powerful no-code workflow and reporting functionality, it streamlines processes and enhances efficiency. Having worked in UK Higher Education, I understand the importance of a strong SIS in supporting users effectively, and I’m excited to see institutions benefit from using Thesis SM.