We are proud to have a distinctive role helping higher education be the best it can be worldwide, founded on a deep-rooted partnership with the sector. We share the values of the sector and understand its unique culture and how this varies within local contexts. Through our convening role and our track record supporting leadership and effective governance, tackling inequalities and in enhancing teaching and learning, our membership continues to grow as does our reach and impact.
To help us form and deliver our support our Membership Team are vital. Below you will find a profile and direct contact for each member of the team.
Nick Skeet
Director, Membership & Business Development
Nick supports member institutions with challenges across teaching practice, student experience, leadership and inclusion. Before Advance HE, Nick worked at the HEA and held senior roles in the civil service and sector skills arena, leading large-scale professional development and organisation-wide HR, OD and change programmes. He now leads work to strengthen the relevance, value and impact of Advance HE’s member benefits.
Joni Alexander
Assistant Director of Membership and Business Development
Joni supports universities and colleges to shape the future of tertiary education. Most recently, Joni led NUS Wales and NUS-USI (Northern Ireland) as director. Originally from Oklahoma, she worked as a journalist in the USA and then the UK after studying at Cardiff University (MA International Journalism, 2009).
Kate Flower
Deputy Director of Portfolio Development & Marketing
Kate leads approaches to member engagement and measures the impact of Advance HE’s work across individuals, institutions and the sector. Kate has over 20 years’ experience in the education sector in New Zealand, spanning vocational education, private training provision, and senior roles in marketing, communications and student recruitment, most recently as Executive Director of Student Engagement and Experience at Lincoln University, Christchurch.
Kate Weedy
Head of Partnerships (Ireland)
Kate joined Advance HE in March 2024 as Head of Partnerships, supporting member institutions in Ireland. She previously worked at Ireland’s Higher Education Authority as Senior Executive Officer for Access Policy, contributing to national equity of access strategies and delivery of the National Access Plan 2022–2028. Kate spent five years at University College Dublin in programme management and student support roles aligned to the University’s Education Strategy.
Ian Hall
Head of Partnerships (International)
Ian supports higher education providers worldwide to engage with Advance HE’s membership, with particular expertise in learning and teaching enhancement, Fellowship and accreditation. Ian also works with governments, ministries and agencies on developmental projects across Advance HE’s activity. He has a strong interest in digital learning, with prior experience in e-learning and online and mobile learning projects. Ian previously worked in professional services in higher education and is an Advance HE Associate Fellow.
Fiona Whittenbury
Head of Partnerships (Australasia)
Fiona has over 25 years of global experience in cross-sector partnerships. She most recently led partnership programs at James Cook University’s Graduate Research School. Previously, she held senior roles at the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, and spent 10 years in the UK, including five in the International Division at The Law Society of England and Wales. Fiona holds a Master’s in Diplomacy and Trade and is a nationally accredited mediator in Australia.
Kristian Rumble
Head of Partnerships (MENA)
Kristian has extensive experience of working internationally, having previously worked for Advance HE as International Partnerships Manager, working with governments, organisations, institutions and individuals from around the world, helping them to enhance performance and achieve their goals. With a deep knowledge and understanding of global HE, Kristian has worked collaboratively to expand Advance HE’s reach across the Middle East and North Africa, Europe and parts of Asia.
