Over the past three decades, Anita Edson has cultivated a career that reflects a profound commitment to the advancement of academic environments through strategic estate management and development.

Beginning her career as a Quantity Surveyor and moving into Project Management, Anita has ascended through various leadership roles, each offering unique challenges and opportunities to influence the physical landscape of education. Her role as Director of Estates & Campus Facilities at Cardiff University marks the pinnacle of this journey, where her strategic vision and passion for sustainability are driving significant improvements in campus facilities and infrastructure. Anita's career is highlighted by a series of successful projects that not only enhance the aesthetic and functional aspects of campus environments but also contribute positively to the academic community and the wider society.

Robert is a seasoned Estates professional and qualified Building Services Engineer with over 25 years’ experience within the Higher Education Sector. During this time, he has managed large Estates teams having responsibility for delivering hard and soft FM services and capital development. He has extensive experience of acting as Project Director/Manager for large capital projects including complex infrastructure district energy heating networks. He is currently an Assistant Director of Estates at University of Strathclyde. He is also a board member of the National Library of Scotland and an External Examiner for the BENG Building Services Course at Glasgow Caledonian University.

David is a Director within the University of Glasgow Estates Directorate. David’s role is to lead a diverse multi-disciplined team, providing strategic professional leadership, support and guidance in all matters relating to projects and a £1.8 billion capital programme.

The University of Glasgow estate comprises circa 400,000 square metres in 300 buildings of which 108 are listed and 430 Hectares of land. The University has been inspiring people to change the world for over 570 years and is recognised as an iconic place of learning and research throughout the world. With recently completed and forthcoming projects the University will transform its campus as part of a £1.8b development plan, the single largest estate’s project in its history since the move from the city’s High Street in the 1870s.

David is an experienced Project Management professional with an architectural background, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Building and an RICS Accredited Mediator. He has more than 40 years’ experience in the construction sector and has been at the University of Glasgow for over 8 years previously leading the Western Campus Development encompassing 6 projects with a capital value of circa £730m.

Prior to joining BSRIA in 2018, Richard spent 12 years working in Higher Education at the interface of education and business, with roles at the North-West Universities Association, Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance and Greater Manchester Learning Provider Network – one of the largest learning provider networks in the country. Since joining BSRIA, Richard has worked closely to assist and support our membership base and more recently overseas the delivery and management of its knowledge and information resources – including BSRIA’s training division. Encouraging the increased usage of Soft Landings as an important project delivery framework is an important feature of Richard’s focus.

With over 14 years in Higher Education, Brett is the Systems and Digital Information Manager at the University of Warwick, known for advancing service delivery through strategic digitisation of Estates data. Originating from a customer service background, Brett ensures a stakeholder-centric approach to operational efficiency.

As Vice-Chair for BIM4Estates, an AUDE Special Interest Group and Nima affiliate, Brett shares insights across Higher Education and Healthcare sectors. Expertise includes diverse systems such as CAFM, Compliance Software, Wayfinding Applications, AutoCAD, and ArcGIS, with a focus on efficient BIM integration from projects to stakeholders.

A NEBOSH General Certificate holder with distinction, Brett blends managerial proficiency in Facility Management, People Management, and Administration. A graduate of the AUDE 21st Century Leadership Programme, Brett champions operational efficiency in the digital transformation of Estates departments, actively contributing to industry conferences and shaping the future of Higher Education through visionary leadership.

With a rich background spanning eight years in Estates Departments at Universities, I've immersed myself in roles centered on information management and Building Information Modelling (BIM) across project delivery and operations. My focus is on utilizing BIM's transformative potential to elevate asset management strategies by optimizing space and asset data, and ensuring efficient management of documentation within our Client Side Common Data Environment. 

Nikita joined Esri UK in 2022 as a GIS Consultant in pre-sales. A Geography graduate from the University of Aberdeen, and having worked at AECOM for a number of years, he is now engaged in the Estates and Facilities space and the product lead for ArcGIS Indoors. Nikita spends a lot of his time working across formats, integrating BIM and CAD data as well as the reverse transformations. With his team, Nikita helps people understand how they can use indoor and outdoor GIS to the betterment of their estate, the environment, and to improve the experiences of any visitors.

Siva is a Digital Twin thought leader with a deep understanding of both Building Information Modeling (BIM), Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Building Maintenance Systems (BMS). As a Digital Twin Customer Success Manager at Autodesk, Siva transcends expertise – he is a catalyst for transformative change. He champions the adoption of Digital Twins, strategically leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive innovation throughout the entire asset lifecycle.

Siva's expertise extends beyond theory. He empowers clients to define transformative use cases and implement practical & effective Digital Twin solutions.

A true collaborator, Siva works closely with clients to tailor Digital Twin strategies. He has a keen eye for identifying key enablers, potential applications, and crafting clear roadmaps for success.

Andy is an Associate Director in Arup leading Sustainable Buildings across the North West and Yorkshire. He has been a specialist dedicated to sustainable buildings for 17 years and leads a team of highly varied experts. Andy has extensive knowledge of the HE sector, working at a sector-level for AUDE and EAUC along with many individual institutions. Andy has particular interest in making sustainable solutions pragmatic & implementable as opposed to idealistic & ignored and, within this, a focus on decarbonisation, health & wellbeing and climate adaptation & resilience. Outside of work he chairs the Sheffield Sustainability Network helping SMEs on their sustainability journey.

Hiral is a researcher and educator dedicated to comprehending the needs of users in the built environment. Her focus encompasses learning pedagogies, socio-material practices, holistic building performance, briefing processes and building adaptation. Her extensive research portfolio delves into learning environments including academic library buildings, teaching spaces, and social learning spaces with an aim to develop practical interventions. Serving as a trustee of the University Design Forum, Hiral engages within the higher education sector bridging academia and practice. With industry experience in the UK and India, Hiral has a multifaceted career spanning research, business processes, project management, and technical building design.

Fiona is founding director of FiD, a London-based consultancy set up in 2006 to work with organisations and institutions in the space where users and buildings meet. With qualifications covering architecture, psychology, teaching and strategic management, Fiona's focus is on how space can enable (or hinder) change. Over the past 35 years Fiona has worked in design, teach, research and consultancy roles across more than 200 organisations. Having learnt that nobody knows as much as everybody, her approach is to help clients create a compelling narrative, where their conversation starts to move from ‘the way things are’ to ‘this is what we believe our future could be’.

Helen has been working as an architect, urban designer, community builder, workplace consultant, briefing specialist and change manager for over 20 years now although she can’t quite believe it! She has been grappling the thorny issue of shared working environments across government, the commercial sector and more recently with Universities since 2006.

Despite a recent break to attempt the significantly more challenging role of motherhood, she has been Head of Strategic Space at the University of Exeter since 2012 and been working with AUDE to develop their approach to Space Management for a number of years. During the first year of the pandemic, Helen acted as Project Manager for University “Restart” and chaired a series of popular national sessions for AUDE on the constantly changing considerations around space.

Designing spaces to support the evolving pedagogical and technological changes in learning environments has been a key theme over recent years through continuous dialogue with the academic community. Helen is also Co-chair of the AUDE Space Management Interest Group. 

With over 10 years of experience leading Space Management and Timetabling at Warwick University, I have played a pivotal role in overseeing space reconfiguration and capital development planning as the Secretary to the senior committee. Additionally, I lead the Teaching and Learning Spaces Development Group, where I manage the budget for investments in teaching rooms. My expertise lies in strategic planning, supported by forecasting, and strong analytical skills. Prior to my tenure at Warwick University, I spent 11 years at the RSPCA, where I contributed to their business planning processes and spearheaded various strategic change programs. My diverse background in both academia and the non-profit sector has equipped me with a unique perspective on organizational development and strategic management.

Claire has 20 years experience in the HE sector, and a true passion for all things people and learning. Claire spent 18 years in people centric roles at Loughborough University, where she started her HE career as the Information Manager in the Careers and Employability Centre. This was followed by 10 years in Learning and Development and Organisational Development roles. Claire is currently the Associate Director of Organisational Development at the University of Nottingham.

She has always had a passion for storytelling and the power of shared experience. Claire has experienced severe OCD and anxiety for over 25 years and is an advocate for the power of talking about her experiences and giving others the space and safety to share their stories too.

Stephen Wells has worked as a Director of Estates in the Higher Education (HE) sector for over sixteen years in a variety of different Universities.  Currently Stephen is the Director of Estates and Facilities at the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Norwich. Stephen is a chartered member of the Institute of Building, with a degree in Project Management for construction and an MBA.  Prior to working in the HE sector Stephen held similar roles within the NHS.
Stephen holds a number of non-executive roles, external governor at PETROC, a further education provider in mid and north Devon and is also a co-opted member of the resources and employability committee at the University of Bedfordshire.  Stephen has also just finished his term as past Chair of the Association of University of Directors of Estates (AUDE); and continues to lead the special interest group for AUDE on equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), AUDE is the representative body for higher education estates and facilities management (FM) in the UK.

Paul Davis is Deputy Director of Estates & Facilities at Birmingham City University and chair of AUDE Professional Development Group. He is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor with a Post-Graduate Diploma in Project Management.

He is a forward thinking, enthusiastic leader with a track record of delivering significant and influential projects, implementing strategic initiatives and leading change within complex organisations. With over 25 years of experience working within the Higher Education estate sector, he has built up an exceptional knowledge and skills in capital project management and strategic planning and is passionate about encouraging career development in others.

Before joining Birmingham City University in 2020, Paul’s HE experience includes a senior project management role at the University of Birmingham before moving to the University of Wolverhampton where he progressed to Assistant Director of Estates. 

With over 25 years of experience in dynamic and high-pressure retail settings, Jon is a customer and people-focused professional now dedicated to enhancing the customer experience in Higher Education.

Jon’s career includes leadership roles in store management at IKEA, Dunelm, and Iceland, and he have spent the past two years as the Customer Experience Manager at Edge Hill University.

Outside of work, Jon is a dad to two great kids as well as being  passionate about live music and football. He can often be found organizing music festivals or contributing as part of the media team at his local football club.

Accomplished and results-driven leader with more than 25 years of sustainable experience driving excellence across all corporate and commercial functions. Amanda has a wealth of experience within the catering industry including work within contract catering, hotels, exhibition centres, sport, and the education sectors. 

Amanda joined the University of Nottingham in 2019 as the Catering, Hospitality & Conferencing Director with operational and strategic responsibilities including Halls management, in-house and outsourced catering, bars, and hospitality services. The University’s two hotels and Conference Centres also form part of Amanda’s remit.

Amanda joined the Executive Board of Nottingham Venues in November 2022 which operates under a wholly owned subsidiary of the University. Amanda successfully secured the role as Deputy Director of Estates & Facilities as well as extending her remit to cover University Housing and the Business Systems, Support & Performance teams earlier in 2024.

Sarah Rowe is an experienced business resilience and business continuity professional with a robust track record in managing resilience and risk within the higher education sector. With extensive experience in developing and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance institutional resilience. Sarah, currently Strategic Director – Students and Education at King’s College London has played a pivotal role in safeguarding academic environments against various risks and disruptions.

Currently serving as an Executive Committee Member at Higher Education Business Continuity Network (HEBCON) Sarah is known for her leadership and innovative approaches to risk planning, expertise, and commitment to building resilient educational institutions. Sarah is dedicated to advancing best practices in business continuity, sharing knowledge through workshops, and speaking engagements providing insights and strategies that have been instrumental in shaping resilient frameworks that support the continuity and success of educational institutions worldwide.

Andy is a seasoned business leader with over 35 years of experience in the construction industry, serving as the Regional Managing Director for Currie & Brown. Leading the London & South East region, Andy oversees a team of around 400 professional staff spread across six offices. A Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Andy's extensive career includes pivotal roles at Davis Langdon, AECOM, and MGAC. Known for his expertise in team building and troubleshooting, Andy is a trusted advisor on multiple levels.

James has worked as a real estate economist and forecaster for 30 years, mostly in the City of London and with leading global property consultancies. He has led projects on all three of the major real estate sectors across the leading global cities, with the UK as an area of specialism.
Career highlights:
CBRE – City of London and Docklands office market Senior Analyst.
DTZ (now Cushman & Wakefield) – Head of Central London Offices Research initially, then Head of UK Commercial Property Research.
Knight Frank – Head of UK Commercial Property Research, then Global Chief Economist.
Avison Young – Joined in 2021, and has been developing the firm’s UK house view on the economic and property market outlook.
James has briefed a wide range of leading property funds, REITs and developers, including: Abrdn, Almacantar, Blackrock, Blackstone, British Land, Brookfield, Canary Wharf Group, City of London Corporation, Crown Estate, Grosvenor, Land Securities, Nuveen and SEGRO.
Member of the Editorial board of Corporate Real Estate Journal since 2017. Contributed articles to Estates Gazette, New London Quarterly, Property Chronicle and Property Week.