The Association of University Directors of Estates (AUDE) promotes excellence in the strategic planning, management, operation and development of Higher Education estates and facilities. AUDE offers membership to publicly funded UK bodies whose primary remit is higher education teaching and/or research. There are also membership categories for commercial bodies and alternative providers. AUDE is a not-for-profit organisation. Any funds generated through the activities of the Association are used to fulfil its objectives and mission.
AUDE strategic road map 2022/25
AUDE's members are generally represented by the most senior member of staff responsible for managing, planning, constructing and maintaining all types of accommodation for Higher Education Institutions. Though arrangements vary, most Directors of Estates are also involved in managing a wider range of services including cleaning, security, grounds maintenance, space planning and management, car parking and traffic and, in some institutions, additional services such as catering, conference and sports facilities, insurance, furniture and equipment and printing.
AUDE hold an Annual General Meeting at the conference, and minutes can be downloaded below (members only):
We also try to work with other sector associations as much as we can. We have compiled a list of all the associations we are aware of in HE. If you know of anymore, please let us know.
There are also lots of acronyms in the sector, so we have compiled a useful list.
The executive group is the steering group for the AUDE organisation. They meet four times a year and host an annual conference around Easter time.
The AUDE team is based at Loughborough University and led by Jane White, Executive Director.