Prof Damien Page
@profdamienpage.bsky.social
Vice Chancellor at Buckinghamshire New University and Professor of Education #academicsky
In the second act of the AI revolution, the humanities fight back.
November 25, 2025 at 6:38 AM
In the second act of the AI revolution, the humanities fight back.
In a cost of living crisis, food needs to become central to university life. At BNU, where once we contracted an expensive external company, last year we worked with our Students’ Union to take over our entire catering operation. The results have been amazing:
November 22, 2025 at 8:34 AM
In a cost of living crisis, food needs to become central to university life. At BNU, where once we contracted an expensive external company, last year we worked with our Students’ Union to take over our entire catering operation. The results have been amazing:
Universities should contain both difficulty and ease.
Learning should be difficult. The process of learning is, by its very nature, difficult, and that is no bad thing.
For everything else, for every other element of the student experience, there should be ease. Applying should be easy. 1/
Learning should be difficult. The process of learning is, by its very nature, difficult, and that is no bad thing.
For everything else, for every other element of the student experience, there should be ease. Applying should be easy. 1/
November 18, 2025 at 5:46 AM
Universities should contain both difficulty and ease.
Learning should be difficult. The process of learning is, by its very nature, difficult, and that is no bad thing.
For everything else, for every other element of the student experience, there should be ease. Applying should be easy. 1/
Learning should be difficult. The process of learning is, by its very nature, difficult, and that is no bad thing.
For everything else, for every other element of the student experience, there should be ease. Applying should be easy. 1/
International students aren’t migrants, they’re an engine of growth.
The article nails it: we’ve allowed the narrative to drift from talent attraction to border control through a levy on international students. And the consequences are real.
International students bring ideas, energy, global 1/
The article nails it: we’ve allowed the narrative to drift from talent attraction to border control through a levy on international students. And the consequences are real.
International students bring ideas, energy, global 1/
November 15, 2025 at 8:43 AM
International students aren’t migrants, they’re an engine of growth.
The article nails it: we’ve allowed the narrative to drift from talent attraction to border control through a levy on international students. And the consequences are real.
International students bring ideas, energy, global 1/
The article nails it: we’ve allowed the narrative to drift from talent attraction to border control through a levy on international students. And the consequences are real.
International students bring ideas, energy, global 1/
Everyone wants accountability until they get it.
Everyone says it should be the norm but real accountability is uncomfortable. It means owning outcomes, not just intentions. It means hearing hard truths.
Real accountability isn’t about blame or control, it’s about trust, transparency, and the 1/
Everyone says it should be the norm but real accountability is uncomfortable. It means owning outcomes, not just intentions. It means hearing hard truths.
Real accountability isn’t about blame or control, it’s about trust, transparency, and the 1/
November 13, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Everyone wants accountability until they get it.
Everyone says it should be the norm but real accountability is uncomfortable. It means owning outcomes, not just intentions. It means hearing hard truths.
Real accountability isn’t about blame or control, it’s about trust, transparency, and the 1/
Everyone says it should be the norm but real accountability is uncomfortable. It means owning outcomes, not just intentions. It means hearing hard truths.
Real accountability isn’t about blame or control, it’s about trust, transparency, and the 1/
Solving problems in organisations is too often over complicated. Sure, some problems require months of task and finish groups and working parties and extraordinary committees but most don’t. Usually it’s a lack of will to make a decision and take accountability that forestalls resolution. 1/
November 11, 2025 at 5:03 AM
Solving problems in organisations is too often over complicated. Sure, some problems require months of task and finish groups and working parties and extraordinary committees but most don’t. Usually it’s a lack of will to make a decision and take accountability that forestalls resolution. 1/
‘It’s about shaping the story of a university in transformation’.
Now we’ve appointed a superb new Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications, we’re recruiting two more posts for our new in-house agency: a Senior Creative Lead and Senior Marketing Lead. jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancies.ht...
Now we’ve appointed a superb new Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications, we’re recruiting two more posts for our new in-house agency: a Senior Creative Lead and Senior Marketing Lead. jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancies.ht...
Current Vacancies | Buckinghamshire New University
(web_proc_1) Internal BNU staff members can access internally advertised roles via the recruitment page on BEN. <div id="jobs_list" class="jobs_list"></div> Please click <a href="https://issuu.
jobs.bucks.ac.uk
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 AM
‘It’s about shaping the story of a university in transformation’.
Now we’ve appointed a superb new Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications, we’re recruiting two more posts for our new in-house agency: a Senior Creative Lead and Senior Marketing Lead. jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancies.ht...
Now we’ve appointed a superb new Director of Brand, Marketing and Communications, we’re recruiting two more posts for our new in-house agency: a Senior Creative Lead and Senior Marketing Lead. jobs.bucks.ac.uk/vacancies.ht...
We’re now recruiting for an independent member of our BNU Council and we’re particularly interested to hear from candidates with a background in entrepreneurship, innovation, and start-ups. Fantastic opportunity to join our governance and help us continue our recreation of what a university can be.
Governing Body - Council
Council is our governing body and is responsible for the educational character and mission of our University.
www.bucks.ac.uk
November 7, 2025 at 6:25 AM
We’re now recruiting for an independent member of our BNU Council and we’re particularly interested to hear from candidates with a background in entrepreneurship, innovation, and start-ups. Fantastic opportunity to join our governance and help us continue our recreation of what a university can be.
Always be recruiting. Always be looking out for the talented, the original thinkers, the ones who do more than talk. Take note of those who create impact regardless of their position, the big successes, the small achievements that signal real ability. Keep an eye on those who develop others 1/
November 4, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Always be recruiting. Always be looking out for the talented, the original thinkers, the ones who do more than talk. Take note of those who create impact regardless of their position, the big successes, the small achievements that signal real ability. Keep an eye on those who develop others 1/
We celebrate learning. New skills. New systems. New technologies.
But we rarely talk about unlearning. Unlearning is harder. It means letting go of what once worked, of habits that once brought success, of assumptions that once felt true.
It’s uncomfortable because it asks us to question 1/
But we rarely talk about unlearning. Unlearning is harder. It means letting go of what once worked, of habits that once brought success, of assumptions that once felt true.
It’s uncomfortable because it asks us to question 1/
November 2, 2025 at 8:12 AM
We celebrate learning. New skills. New systems. New technologies.
But we rarely talk about unlearning. Unlearning is harder. It means letting go of what once worked, of habits that once brought success, of assumptions that once felt true.
It’s uncomfortable because it asks us to question 1/
But we rarely talk about unlearning. Unlearning is harder. It means letting go of what once worked, of habits that once brought success, of assumptions that once felt true.
It’s uncomfortable because it asks us to question 1/
After three days spent with AI researchers from around the world, one thing is very clear to me: we need the humanities and social sciences more than ever.
We need philosophers to ask about ethics and responsibility. We need sociologists to understand how technology reshapes relationships, 1/
We need philosophers to ask about ethics and responsibility. We need sociologists to understand how technology reshapes relationships, 1/
October 30, 2025 at 5:54 AM
After three days spent with AI researchers from around the world, one thing is very clear to me: we need the humanities and social sciences more than ever.
We need philosophers to ask about ethics and responsibility. We need sociologists to understand how technology reshapes relationships, 1/
We need philosophers to ask about ethics and responsibility. We need sociologists to understand how technology reshapes relationships, 1/
We have a very clear philosophy of estates at BNU now. For us, it means creating a physical environment that meets the needs of students first and foremost. Spaces that prioritise learning, community and wellbeing. Spaces created in a cost of living crisis context that include commuter kitchens, 1/
October 26, 2025 at 6:43 AM
We have a very clear philosophy of estates at BNU now. For us, it means creating a physical environment that meets the needs of students first and foremost. Spaces that prioritise learning, community and wellbeing. Spaces created in a cost of living crisis context that include commuter kitchens, 1/
Recruitment is an act of imagination. Yes, it’s about role purpose, criteria, job descriptions, reporting lines, accountabilities, all of that. But at its heart, at its essence, it is the imagination of potential.
That so many recruiting managers lack imagination is the problem.
That so many recruiting managers lack imagination is the problem.
October 22, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Recruitment is an act of imagination. Yes, it’s about role purpose, criteria, job descriptions, reporting lines, accountabilities, all of that. But at its heart, at its essence, it is the imagination of potential.
That so many recruiting managers lack imagination is the problem.
That so many recruiting managers lack imagination is the problem.
Leadership is knowing when to compromise and when to be uncompromising.
Be uncompromising with purpose and values, ethics, the student experience, responsible spending, developing people, respect and dignity.
Everything else is suitable for compromise.
Be uncompromising with purpose and values, ethics, the student experience, responsible spending, developing people, respect and dignity.
Everything else is suitable for compromise.
October 18, 2025 at 7:11 AM
Leadership is knowing when to compromise and when to be uncompromising.
Be uncompromising with purpose and values, ethics, the student experience, responsible spending, developing people, respect and dignity.
Everything else is suitable for compromise.
Be uncompromising with purpose and values, ethics, the student experience, responsible spending, developing people, respect and dignity.
Everything else is suitable for compromise.
Just over 2 weeks left to apply to be our first Chief Student Experience Officer, overseeing the entire student journey from outreach to alumni. Superb opportunity to create a student experience beyond expectations.
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOY621/c...
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOY621/c...
Chief Student Experience Officer at Buckinghamshire New University
Start your UK & international job search for academic jobs, research jobs, science jobs and managerial jobs in leading universities and top...
www.jobs.ac.uk
October 16, 2025 at 5:00 AM
Just over 2 weeks left to apply to be our first Chief Student Experience Officer, overseeing the entire student journey from outreach to alumni. Superb opportunity to create a student experience beyond expectations.
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOY621/c...
www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DOY621/c...
We don’t value questions enough at work.
We prioritise answers and solutions, we reward confidence and promote people who ‘know’. But the best people I’ve worked with weren’t the ones with all the answers, they were the ones who asked the best questions.
1/
We prioritise answers and solutions, we reward confidence and promote people who ‘know’. But the best people I’ve worked with weren’t the ones with all the answers, they were the ones who asked the best questions.
1/
October 14, 2025 at 4:58 AM
We don’t value questions enough at work.
We prioritise answers and solutions, we reward confidence and promote people who ‘know’. But the best people I’ve worked with weren’t the ones with all the answers, they were the ones who asked the best questions.
1/
We prioritise answers and solutions, we reward confidence and promote people who ‘know’. But the best people I’ve worked with weren’t the ones with all the answers, they were the ones who asked the best questions.
1/
Interview questions sent out 72 hours in advance; mandatory diverse panels; applicants designing their own job descriptions; recruitment as dialogue. Great piece from our Chief People Officer Rachael Cornwall on our inclusive recruitment strategy www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1934...
Reimagining recruitment for senior leaders at Buckinghamshire New University
Rachael Cornwall tells People Management how the institution shares interview questions with all candidates as standard and allows some roles to write their own job descriptions
www.peoplemanagement.co.uk
October 10, 2025 at 5:32 AM
Interview questions sent out 72 hours in advance; mandatory diverse panels; applicants designing their own job descriptions; recruitment as dialogue. Great piece from our Chief People Officer Rachael Cornwall on our inclusive recruitment strategy www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1934...
I miss the days when higher education was seen as a social good, a national treasure. When the social, cultural and intellectual contribution of higher education was valued as highly as economic contribution. When students from poorer backgrounds had proper financial support. When the humanities 1/
October 8, 2025 at 5:02 AM
I miss the days when higher education was seen as a social good, a national treasure. When the social, cultural and intellectual contribution of higher education was valued as highly as economic contribution. When students from poorer backgrounds had proper financial support. When the humanities 1/
Another article below reporting the denigration of Gen Z, this time for the argument that their values don’t align with organisations.
Gen Z doesn’t want “workcentrism” and endless grind. They want purpose, balance, inclusion, and mental health. That’s not entitlement, that’s progress. 1/
Gen Z doesn’t want “workcentrism” and endless grind. They want purpose, balance, inclusion, and mental health. That’s not entitlement, that’s progress. 1/
October 5, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Another article below reporting the denigration of Gen Z, this time for the argument that their values don’t align with organisations.
Gen Z doesn’t want “workcentrism” and endless grind. They want purpose, balance, inclusion, and mental health. That’s not entitlement, that’s progress. 1/
Gen Z doesn’t want “workcentrism” and endless grind. They want purpose, balance, inclusion, and mental health. That’s not entitlement, that’s progress. 1/
We’re now recruiting for our first Chief Student Experience Officer at BNU, leading professional service teams from outreach through to alumni. I’m biased but this will be an amazing job.
Reshares appreciated alumniglobal.com/job/cseo-bnu
Reshares appreciated alumniglobal.com/job/cseo-bnu
Chief Student Experience Officer, Buckinghamshire New University - Alumni Global
Originally established as a School of Science and Art in 1891, our University has been transforming lives for 130 years. We’re proud to make a difference because of the education we pro...
alumniglobal.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:46 AM
We’re now recruiting for our first Chief Student Experience Officer at BNU, leading professional service teams from outreach through to alumni. I’m biased but this will be an amazing job.
Reshares appreciated alumniglobal.com/job/cseo-bnu
Reshares appreciated alumniglobal.com/job/cseo-bnu
One of the greatest leadership attributes is the willingness to change direction. Not constantly (that is its own problem) but on critical occasions, when evidence changes.
It needs to be essential criteria in job descriptions. It needs to be emblazoned on appraisals. It needs to remain 1/
It needs to be essential criteria in job descriptions. It needs to be emblazoned on appraisals. It needs to remain 1/
September 28, 2025 at 7:04 AM
One of the greatest leadership attributes is the willingness to change direction. Not constantly (that is its own problem) but on critical occasions, when evidence changes.
It needs to be essential criteria in job descriptions. It needs to be emblazoned on appraisals. It needs to remain 1/
It needs to be essential criteria in job descriptions. It needs to be emblazoned on appraisals. It needs to remain 1/
The problem with many university strategies is that they’re completely divorced from reality. Launched with fanfare, press releases and high quality videos, the people of the university mostly roll their eyes because there is no acknowledgement of the problems that need to be solved. 1/
September 24, 2025 at 4:58 AM
The problem with many university strategies is that they’re completely divorced from reality. Launched with fanfare, press releases and high quality videos, the people of the university mostly roll their eyes because there is no acknowledgement of the problems that need to be solved. 1/
Reminder of the next session of the Working Class Leaders in Higher Education Network tomorrow at 3pm with Maria Delgado - we’ll be talking class, creative arts and leadership. Not to be missed. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-cl...
Working Class Leaders in Higher Education
We are thrilled to restart Working Class Leaders in HE! Join us 24 Sept, 3pm with Prof Maria Delgado, VP at CSSD
www.eventbrite.co.uk
September 23, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Reminder of the next session of the Working Class Leaders in Higher Education Network tomorrow at 3pm with Maria Delgado - we’ll be talking class, creative arts and leadership. Not to be missed. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/working-cl...
‘Disadvantage gaps open early and run deep in this country’.
New Sutton Trust report below finds very little change in the backgrounds of Britain’s ‘elites’, the pipeline from private school to high tariff uni to top jobs very much intact.
There is some progress in higher education 1/
New Sutton Trust report below finds very little change in the backgrounds of Britain’s ‘elites’, the pipeline from private school to high tariff uni to top jobs very much intact.
There is some progress in higher education 1/
September 20, 2025 at 7:37 AM
‘Disadvantage gaps open early and run deep in this country’.
New Sutton Trust report below finds very little change in the backgrounds of Britain’s ‘elites’, the pipeline from private school to high tariff uni to top jobs very much intact.
There is some progress in higher education 1/
New Sutton Trust report below finds very little change in the backgrounds of Britain’s ‘elites’, the pipeline from private school to high tariff uni to top jobs very much intact.
There is some progress in higher education 1/
Recruit people who will help you sleep at night. Talent that will allow you go on holiday, relax, and not worry about what’s going on at work. A team where you don’t need to plan for someone deputising because they’re all top of their game.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
September 18, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Recruit people who will help you sleep at night. Talent that will allow you go on holiday, relax, and not worry about what’s going on at work. A team where you don’t need to plan for someone deputising because they’re all top of their game.
Recruitment as wellbeing.
Recruitment as wellbeing.