Learn more about our Learning & Teaching Festival speakers.
Stuart Norton, PFHEA
Head of Educational Excellence | Advance HE
Stuart Norton is Head of Educational Excellence at Advance HE. He has over 20 years of experience in higher education, with extensive expertise in designing and delivering strategic, institution-wide change.
In his role at Advance HE, Stuart focuses on thought leadership and evidence-based solutions to support institutions, educators and students. His work centres on enhancing the student experience, supporting student wellbeing, promoting inclusive practice, and building collaboration across the higher education sector.
Stuart has worked with senior colleagues, academic networks, students, Students’ Unions, industry, employers and external agencies. His recent international work includes supporting higher education institutions in Lithuania, Bahrain, the UAE, Oman and Thailand, as well as regional initiatives with the British Council and the Department for International Trade.
He is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA), a certified LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator, and host of the Advance HE podcast Let’s Talk About Student Success.
Vanessa Wilson
CEO | University Alliance
Vanessa is the Chief Executive of University Alliance (UA), a mission group within the higher education sector representing the UK’s large and leading professional and technical universities, whose members specialise in working with industry and employers.
Vanessa joined University Alliance in March 2019 from UK Sport, the government’s elite sport body, where she had been the Director of Commercial and Communications after several senior roles in the Civil Service over a period of 15 years.
Under Vanessa's leadership, University Alliance’s membership has seen a 50% increase and the organisation has become a trusted partner for government and a champion for professional and technical universities. In May, Vanessa joined Ministers and business leaders on the largest ever trade mission to the United States to champion UK higher education.