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BNU joins the Association for Project Management as Corporate Partner

Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) has taken a significant step in enhancing its project and programme management capabilities by becoming a corporate partner of the Association for Project Management (APM), the chartered body for the project profession.

The membership aims to equip BNU staff with essential project and programme management skills and foster a project community within the university.

Key initiatives will include:

  • Addressing current challenges such as project initiation difficulties, navigating change processes, and implementing agile practices to mitigate silos and prioritise business modelling.
  • Implementing a consistent approach to managing projects across BNU.
  • Hosting regular knowledge-sharing sessions with APM and the university's project community, initially planned as monthly sessions transitioning to quarterly meetings.
  • Distributing bi-weekly newsletters to update the community on new project/programme developments and methodologies.
  • Supporting colleagues interested in pursuing project management qualifications.

Professor Damien Page, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said: "This membership marks a significant step in advancing our project management capabilities and supporting staff development. We're excited about the opportunities it brings for agility and innovation, and we look forward to the positive impact it will create on our community." 

Sandy Gill, Head of Transformation at BNU, said: "Every day, I am inspired by my colleagues at BNU who tirelessly drive forward initiatives with passion and dedication. This partnership with APM is our opportunity to bring all that hard work together and elevate our capabilities through consistency in approaches to match our unwavering commitment to change and innovation." 

Rachel Wilson, People Development Business Partner, said: “A significant number of colleagues have requested a PM qualification in PDRs, and there is an increasing number of colleagues who wish to be part of a project community – I am pleased to support this initiative, and am excited to see the progress this brings us as an organisation." 

The aim is to build a project community so we can work more effectively, learn from one another, and effect change with a consistent approach.

The partnership with APM aligns with Thrive 28, the University strategy, and its emphasis on innovation and agility. By integrating APM's resources, including digital tools, templates, publications, and professional development opportunities such as webinars and events, BNU aims to build a community that can drive initiatives forward.

Rachael Cornwall, Director of Human Resources at BNU, said: "The opportunities brought by the APM partnership will allow us to grow and enhance our approach to change and innovation. Transformation is key for our organisational strategy Thrive28, and this will put us in the best possible position to succeed in our delivery across our schools and directorates."