Reference Models to Real Engagement: What’s new in the Higher Education Reference Models (HERM) and why it matters for corporate members

About the Event

This follow‑up session for UCISA corporate members builds on our previous introduction to the Higher Education Reference Models (HERM), offering a practical refresher and a deeper look at how the models are now being used to support more meaningful engagement with higher education.

We’ll briefly recap what HERM is and why it exists, before focusing on how corporate members can use the models to better understand the structure, priorities, and operating context of universities. The session will share recent examples of how institutions are applying HERM in areas such as digital transformation, strategic planning, procurement, and service design - and what this means for suppliers seeking to align their products and services with real institutional needs.

A key feature of the session will be a preview of the new Service Reference Model, explaining how it complements the existing business, data, application, and technology models, and how it can be used to frame conversations around services, outcomes, responsibilities, and value rather than just systems or features.

We’ll also cover practical considerations including licensing and access, and what corporate members can do now to embed the models into product mapping, account planning, and engagement with the sector.

Whether you’re already using HERM or reconnecting with it after the initial launch, this session will provide concrete insight into how the models and how you can use them to support clearer, more effective collaboration with UK higher education institutions.