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NEW CHAIR FOR CUBO – AN INTERVIEW WITH FRANCES STONE
Frances Stone, University of Leicester, has been appointed the fi rst female chair in CUBO’s history. Frances succeeds Geoff Pringle who stepped down from the role in late 2013
✥ How did you fi rst get involved with CUBO? In 2006, I was asked to go to the CUBO autumn conference in Greenwich by my director at the University of Leicester. I immediately recognised the importance of the organisation. When I became acting director, I took over as the CUBO primary member and got much more involved.
✥ Why did you want the role? I see CUBO as hugely benefi cial to directors in my position, so when Geoff Pringle invited me to join the Executive three years ago, I was delighted to take up a position. As CUBO has been so valuable to me, in taking on the chair’s role I want to help share the same benefi ts with others. It is an important time in HE, with the fi nancial side being very much in the media spotlight. CUBO provides an invaluable support network to its members and I have a number of new ideas to contribute.
✥ How did you feel when you accepted the role? I was genuinely honoured, particularly by the support from peers in other universities. It is an entrusted role. I feel both excited and daunted by the responsibility. I am also extremely pleased to be the fi rst female chair of CUBO.
✥ What is your primary focus as you step into the role? I am keen to keep the membership up to date with sector news and to raise the profi le of CUBO. Networking events are so important; I want to strengthen these opportunities. The current
knowledge-sharing events are very popular and I support them wholeheartedly. I am keen to enhance CUBO’s engagement with stakeholders and partners and I will ensure that CUBO continues on a sound fi nancial footing.
✥ Where do you see opportunities for CUBO? I would like to see CUBO develop bet er links with other HE sector bodies, particularly BUFDG and AUDE. I also think that we can learn a lot from comparable organisations around the world.
✥ What challenges do you see ahead?
The greatest challenge for us all remains the continued changes in the HE landscape. I want to ensure that CUBO supports its members through these challenges in the future. As commercial income becomes ever more important, members will need to respond to tougher fi nancial targets and come to terms with increasing demands upon their roles. CUBO also has a part to play in continuing to educate Vice-Chancellors, HEFCE and other players about the important role that CUBO members play in the fi nancial success of their institution.
✥ What makes CUBO a successful organisation?
Its strength lies in its membership, plus the learning opportunities through UHS courses, knowledge sharing events and conferences. While there is competition for students, CUBO members are one step away and this allows us to be open about best practice and engenders co-operation and the sharing of information.
Where do you see CUBO in 10 years time? They say a week is a long time in politics; 10 years is an awfully long time in higher education! I believe that the signifi cance of commercial areas and increasing the income they generate will become paramount. CUBO has an essential role in supporting members during this time. Greater cooperation and links with other organisations and international bodies will be a natural step.
Tell us something unusual about yourself?
Aged 15, I won a national ‘Cook of the Year’ competition and was presented with my prize by one of the judges, Mary Berry.
How do you relax?
I enjoy cycling, walking and spending
time with my
granddaughter. I am also
extremely fond of my holidays in France and not just for the food and wine! UB
Frances Stone
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