Senior Leaders of Higher Education (HE) organisations from all over Australia gathered in Melbourne on the 16th and 17th of September 2014 at the 9th University Governance and Regulation Forum presented by informa. The Academic leaders heard from nearly 40 speakers over the two days trying to unravel the changing landscape that is Higher Education under the Abbott Government. John Story, Chancellor of The University of Queensland, Chancellor of The University of Queensland (UQ) set the theme for the forum with his Opening Keynote: Uncertainty in the Future Direction of HE in Australia.

As the forums major exhibitor, the Polonious stand gave the delegates a much welcome diversion from the weighty topics being discussed and debated in the presentations. Many of the Senior Officers of Australia’s Universities could relate to the challenges faced by UQ in managing complaints, investigations and research integrity matters. All were impressed by the Polonious solutions ability to solve UQ’s challenges. Challenges such as, ensuring internal and external compliance is achieved by executing appropriate processes for complaints and investigations. The productivity improvements by eliminating time consumed hunting down data on spreadsheets, emails and disk drive folders is also recognised as major benefit. Of particular interest, was the automated ”Complaints by Allegation” report which provides a quick overview of how many complaints were filed per faculty, school and type of allegation and is in use at UQ. After walking one delegate through the report, the delegate admitted to requesting a similar report from her staff which took three weeks and two people to produce. FieldKit* the Polonious smart device mobile application was also well received.

In closing the forum Niamh Horan Conference Producer from informa Conference Producer from informa reminded the delegates of the upcoming Australian Financial Review, Higher Education Reform Summit, being held on the 12th – 14th of November 2014 at the Sofitel Melbourne. Niamh also reminded delegates that Polonious will also be exhibiting and can offer a 15% discount on registration. Contact Andrew Simpson, being held on the 12th – 14th of November 2014 at the Sofitel Melbourne. Niamh also reminded delegates that Polonious will also be exhibiting and can offer a 15% discount on registration. Contact Andrew Simpson, Business Development Manager at Polonious for further details andrew.simpson@polonious.com.au mobile 0428 379 561 telephone 02 9460 6482.

*FieldKit is available free, for download in both the Apple AppStore and Google Play