Several members of the Escentral team got the opportunity to attend the Manchester Timetabling Community Conference and found it to be an incredibly valuable experience. Here's what they had to say about this unique event!
A great opportunity to network with UK timetablers
Insightful sessions on important timetabling topics
"Among the standout sessions was Timetable Gap Tolerance by Helen Kirby-Hawkins and Sue Brown from Manchester Metropolitan University. They showcased research linking timetable gaps to attendance, engagement, and student retention. Their analysis demonstrated how improved timetabling can positively impact not only the student experience but also university finances—a powerful case for senior management buy-in. Ian Gold-Jones from the University of Law delivered a practical presentation on leveraging Power Automate to streamline timetable change requests. He demonstrated how existing tools can be repurposed to create efficient workflows, even on a budget—a truly inspiring example of innovation.
Hannah O'Toole from Oxford Brookes University shared her team’s success in using timetable data to optimise teaching space requirements, building on insights gained from the Timetable Academy. It was fantastic to see the direct impact of our shared resources and to hear a shoutout during her talk. Antonia Kershaw from Durham University presented on managing staff availability through HR-driven processes. Her successful approach has set a benchmark for best practices in this area. On a personal note, it’s sad to hear Antonia is leaving the timetabling community—she’ll undoubtedly be missed, and we wish her all the best.
Rhia Malik delivered an insightful and candid presentation on the challenges and opportunities involved in transitioning to new timetabling software. She emphasised the importance of meticulous preparation, including building a robust business case and ensuring the existing timetabling team has the capacity to fully engage with the project. Rhia highlighted the value of backfilling roles to maintain operational continuity and fostering clear role definitions to support a smooth transition."
See you at the next community event!
This event underscored the importance of community in tackling the complex challenges in HE timetabling.
It also highlighted the mission of the Timetable Academy: to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing year-round, providing a platform where institutions can learn from each other and work toward effective solutions together.
You can register for your free Academy account here, or get in touch to discuss membership options for your team!
It also highlighted the mission of the Timetable Academy: to foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing year-round, providing a platform where institutions can learn from each other and work toward effective solutions together.
You can register for your free Academy account here, or get in touch to discuss membership options for your team!
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