What to expect from DPDOI: Q&A with Dr Scott Bambrick

Learn more about the new Development Programme for Directors of International through this Q&A with its facilitator, Dr Scott Bambrick.

What can participants expect from the new Development Programme for Directors of International? 

The aim of the Development Programme for Directors of International (DPDOI) is to offer the opportunity for participants to enhance their understanding of their role, whether they are aspiring departmental or school international leads. Participants will create new networks, have opportunities to engage with the Chartered ABS and focus on their own personal development.   

The sessions are a mixture of preparation, information, interaction and discussion. The topics and guest speakers will provoke reflection, thought and action, and the emphasis will be on collaboration and problem solving. 

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the internationalisation of business schools and universities, whilst focusing their learning on the creation and delivery of international strategies.  

Tell us about yourself and your career path so far? 

I have benefited from having three different careers, which have brought me somewhat unconventionally to the role I have today.  

Right out of high school, I joined and spent nine years in the armed forces in various locations and postings across the world. After leaving the armed forces, I attended Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) as a mature student studying business. Once I graduated, I took up a career in the construction industry as a project manager, and during that time I gained my first Master’s degree from Edinburgh Napier University as a part-time student. 

In 2009, I was awarded a studentship to enable me to undertake my PhD at Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU). I went on to spend thirteen wonderful years in the business school in various academic and senior leadership roles, eventually ending up as Head of a large department.  

In 2022, I was appointed Director of Keele Business School (KBS). Away from the day-to-day challenges of leading KBS and its amazing team, I focus on my research area of supply chain management. Externally, I am co-chair and active member of the Chartered Association of Business Schools’ International Committee. I am also a member of the International Students Task Force, and the British-India Universities working group.  

How will this programme prepare participants for the role of Director of International? 

The programme will improve participants’ understanding of the role of an international lead, and how to respond to the challenges business schools face in the ever-changing international environment. Participants will have the opportunity to: 

• Gain a clear insight into the structures of international partnerships.   

• Develop understanding of the challenges of partnership creation through the lens of accreditations.   

• Gain insight and guidance into how to approach the challenges faced in developing international partnerships.   

• Identify their individual leadership characteristics and strengths that will assist them in their role as an international lead.  

• Better understand international partnerships from an international partner’s perspective.  

• Identify practical ways in which International Leads manage complex relationships between international partners and home organisation.  

• Learn strategies for supporting the needs and attainment of international student cohorts.  

On completion of the programme, participants will have a clearer insight into how to manage and develop the relationships needed to build international partnerships for their institutions, and better prepare them to assist their school in their internationalisation ambitions.  

Why is now such a crucial time to launch this development programme?  

The current challenges faced by the wider UK Higher Education sectors in attracting international students are well documented. The Chartered ABS report on international student recruitment for January 2024 highlighted “the importance of international students to the health of the UK university sector and the wider economy, where it contributes £42bn each year and underpinning the costs of teaching and research across a broad range of subjects.” There is a wider acceptance that the environment created by the previous government diminished the competitiveness of UK business schools internationally. This has made it even more challenging for business schools to attract international students and build partnerships. Therefore, we must look to develop our teams’ understanding and knowledge of working in international markets. The international leads development programme will better equip international leads in their current and future roles. 

Find out more and register for DPDOI 2025 here