Leadership Development
in Higher Education
360 Feedback for Higher Education Leaders
360s for Senior Academics, Pro Vice-Chancellors, Deans, Directors, and Professional Services Managers.
Designed by
Senior HE Managers
Our higher education 360 feedback framework was developed in conjunction with leaders from Russell Group Universities.
Trusted by
Leading Universities
Hundreds of senior academics and professional services leaders have benefited from our higher education 360 feedback programmes.
Protostar’s 360s come with 2.5 hours of coaching
Every participant receives two confidential development sessions to interpret their feedback and create a personalised development plan.
Cost-Effective Leadership Development For Universities
With university budgets under increasing pressure, our higher education 360 feedback combines detailed reports and facilitated development sessions at a fraction of the cost of many traditional leadership programmes.
How Does 360 Feedback Work In Universities?
We manage every stage of your university 360 feedback programme, from participant communications to facilitated development sessions. Our higher education framework reflects the leadership behaviours that matter most in universities and can be tailored to your institution.
Participants complete their assessment online before receiving a detailed feedback report and two confidential one-to-one development sessions.
Bespoke 360 Feedback for Your University
Follow the example of Durham University, the University of Edinburgh and the University of Lancashire with a bespoke 360 feedback framework built around your leadership framework, values and strategic priorities.
Protostar worked with a team from the University of Edinburgh to create competencies based on the University’s leadership framework, values and strategic plan. Two 360 tools were created, one for line managers and another for managers with fewer than two direct reports. Using the university’s branding guidelines, a high-quality report format and bespoke university online portal were created. All 360s come with 2.5 hours of coaching as standard to ensure that managers use the feedback to create a comprehensive development plan.
“Protostar is a fantastic supplier of 360-degree feedback for our organisation, the University of Edinburgh. We have received a 5 star quality service and experience throughout our time working together. This has been experienced from initial conversations, Protostar designing a bespoke tool for us to providing a brilliant leadership development experience for candidates. We have always felt in safe hands. Thank you.”
Trusted and Highly Reviewed by a
Wide Range of Clients.
Michael at protostar has provided a great service. Getting us set up with a new bespoke 360 feedback tool and providing some excellent coaching for our staff.
Andy Self
Michael from Protostar has been very supportive in my 360-degree feedback, explaining how to interpret the results and working with me on identified areas of improvement. Moreover, he quickly adapted ... Read more
Ana-Maria Costea
I have worked with the Protostar team for over 15 years on and off and view Micheal as my coach, mentor and friend. The variation of work we have completed together has helped us build a mutual under... Read more
Carl Robb
Michael at Protostar is a fantastic supplier of 360-degree feedback for our organisation, the University of Edinburgh. We have received a 5 star quality service and experience throughout our time work... Read more
Joanna O’Donnell
We worked with Michael at Protostar for the first time earlier this year. I found Michael's guidance knowledge, expertise, flexibility invaluable when running our survey. Michael was credible and pr... Read more
Alison Henderson
We've now worked with Protostar 2-years in a row and are very impressed with the level of service and support provided by Michael and the team. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Friendly yet extremely... Read more
Caroline Hope
We engaged with Protostar to conduct a comprehensive Staff survey within our organisation, and the experience has been nothing short of exceptional. From the initial consultation to the final report, ... Read more
Sonia Treacy
We have been really pleased with the service and advice that we have received from Michael from Protostar. Our surveys have hit the button in terms of the kinds of data that we need in order to help u... Read more
Mark Moorton
Ready to Discuss 360 Feedback for Your University?
Speak to one of our consultants to discuss your requirements, see sample reports and discover how our facilitated university 360 feedback programmes support leadership development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about university 360 feedback?
Speak to one of our consultants to discuss your requirements, see sample reports and learn how our confidential, facilitated approach supports leadership development in higher education.
Yes. Our university 360 feedback is designed solely for development, not performance management. Individual feedback reports and the accompanying two confidential development sessions remain confidential, encouraging honest feedback and meaningful development conversations.
Universities can also receive team or organisational reports that identify common strengths and development priorities without revealing individual feedback.
While many leadership behaviours are common across sectors, universities face unique leadership challenges. Our Higher Education 360 feedback framework was developed in collaboration with senior academics and professional services leaders, using language and competencies that reflect the realities of higher education.
The 360 framework recognises the different responsibilities of academic and professional services leaders, covering areas such as strategic leadership, collaboration, governance, change management and creating an inclusive culture. It can also be tailored to align with your university’s leadership framework, values and strategic priorities.
Each of the five competency areas includes ten leadership behaviours, giving a total of 50 behaviours. This makes our Higher Education 360 feedback one of the most comprehensive leadership development frameworks available for universities. A bespoke 360, however, would cover all of the behaviours referenced in your leadership framework and values statements.
Yes. Our higher education 360 feedback framework can be tailored to reflect your university’s leadership framework, values and competencies. We can also customise the language, branding, reports and participant communications so the programme aligns with your institution’s culture and processes.
Universities including Durham and Edinburgh have chosen bespoke versions designed specifically for their organisation.
Yes. In addition to rating each leadership behaviour, feedback providers can leave written comments highlighting strengths and suggesting areas for development. Both ratings and comments are anonymous, helping participants receive honest, balanced and constructive feedback.
Yes. We regularly deliver 360 feedback programmes across entire universities, supporting senior academics and professional services leaders. For larger institutions, we can phase the rollout to avoid survey fatigue and ensure a smooth participant experience. Very often, 360 participants are those in new roles or on a leadership development programme.
Latest Insights
What Questions Should You Include in a 360-Degree Feedback Questionnaire?
How Can Universities Develop Leaders on a Limited Budget?
Choosing a 360 feedback supplier
How Much Does 360-Degree Feedback Cost in the UK?
Who Should Provide Feedback in a 360 Degree Review?
