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Enterprise App StoreThe University of Hertfordshire is undertaking one of its most significant transformations through Programme Phoenix, a major initiative to modernise the university’s digital environment and replace its legacy student record system.
The ambitious programme supports the university’s new strategic plan, which sets out a vision to build a modern, dynamic, and enterprising institution that delivers high-quality services for students, staff and academic communities.
In this article, University of Hertfordshire leaders share insights from Programme Phoenix, reflecting on strategy, governance, and partnership with Technology One's Student Management.
About the University of Hertfordshire
Located in Hertfordshire, the University of Hertfordshire has approximately 34,000 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programmes, supported by a staff community of more than 3,500 people.
The university is undertaking one of its most significant transformations with Programme Phoenix, a major initiative to modernise its digital environment and replace its legacy student record system.
Programme Phoenix represents a broader cultural and operational shift in how services are designed, delivered, and governed across the university, enabling staff and students to engage with more agile, connected, and student-centred processes.
A strategic imperative for change
The University of Hertfordshire’s legacy student record system had reached end-of-life and no longer met institutional needs. It was unable to support HESA Data Futures, a critical requirement for data continuity.
“The case for change almost wrote itself,” said Jo Coward, Academic Registrar at University of Hertfordshire.
As a result, a high-level business case was taken to the Board of Governors in 2024, and by mid-2025, the full programme and budget were approved. To signal a fresh and ambitious direction, staff across the university selected the name Phoenix, symbolising renewal and transformation.
The university was challenged by the need to:
- Deliver a university-wide transformation while maintaining business-as-usual operations
- Modernise long-standing processes and ways of working
- Establish governance structures that enable faster, more agile decision-making
- Build internal capability at pace
- Ensure changes met both current and future student expectations
Programme Phoenix required a shift in thinking about how services are delivered, who delivers them, and how the academic and administrative community engage with new systems.
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The university used the APUC framework to streamline procurement, focusing not only on system functionality but also on long-term partnership potential.
“To some extent, a system is a system is a system. What mattered was who could help us achieve our ambition,” said Ms Coward.
TechnologyOne Student Management is an end-to-end SaaS product designed to manage the entire student lifecycle, from recruitment and enrolment to progression and graduation. By integrating all student data into a single secure system, it enables universities to streamline operations, improve retention, and deliver a consistent, student-centred experience.
The University of Hertfordshire selected TechnologyOne as their transformation partner for a number of reasons:
- Understanding of the university’s five-year vision: TechnologyOne demonstrated a clear understanding of Hertfordshire’s broader goals, including modernising infrastructure and supporting an agile, student-centred university.
- Commitment to partnership: Rather than delivering a transactional system, TechnologyOne committed to a long-term collaboration, providing guidance and expertise through every stage of implementation.
- Focus on innovation: The TechnologyOne roadmap aligned with Hertfordshire’s ambitions, including adoption of AI and Plus technologies in later phases.
- Proven sector expertise: TechnologyOne’s experience in higher education gave the university confidence that the solution could meet both current and future student needs.
Julie Rogers, Programme Director at University of Hertfordshire, explained that the decision was about more than software functionality. The University wanted a partner capable of helping it realise the strategic objectives of Programme Phoenix and supporting cultural and operational change across the institution.
“They recognised where we wanted to be five years and beyond and committed to joining us on that journey,” she said.
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When Ms Rogers joined, she was a “one-person team”. Within 12 months, the university has built a robust internal programme structure with:
- 26+ full-time internal roles appointed
- 75% filled by existing staff through an expression-of-interest campaign
- Strong engagement from staff motivated to “be part of making life better”
- Dedicated TechnologyOne expertise integrated into the core delivery pod
This blend of internal knowledge and TechnologyOne experience ensures the programme is both grounded in institutional reality while benefiting from sector-leading capability.
The outcome so far
The programme has already achieved several key milestones, including:
- Full programme mobilisation
- Recruitment and onboarding of the internal Phoenix team
- Procurement and contracting through APUC
- Establishment of governance and oversight structures
- Kick-off solution verification with TechnologyOne
The university is also investing in student engagement. New student stakeholder groups, collaboration with the Students’ Union, and sector insights ensure that student experience informs the programme at every stage.
“We’re trying to think not only about what students say they want now, but what they may need in future,” Ms Coward said.
Programme governance includes a joint University of Hertfordshire/TechnologyOne Executive Board, a Steering Group, programme management, and sub-teams focusing on business processes, reporting, training, testing, integration, data governance, data migration, and business-as-usual continuity. A fast-track decision framework allows the university to keep momentum across multiple governance layers.
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Building an exceptional learning experience through unified student, academic, and operations management.
Learn moreA sector-leading partnership in motion
As Hertfordshire begins its phased delivery approach, a major focus throughout the programme is ensuring business-as-usual continuity. Detailed planning and collaboration across the university ensure that operational stability is maintained during the transition.
Programme Phoenix is a powerful example of what can be achieved when strategic vision, institutional commitment, and the right technology partner come together. It positions the University of Hertfordshire to become a modern, agile, and student-centred institution, capable of meeting the needs of the next generation of learners.
Take the next step with TechnologyOne
Discover how your university can streamline operations and enhance the student experience with Student Management.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs): Student Management
Need more information? Read some of our most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our education products and solutions below.
TechnologyOne’s Student Management is an end-to-end SaaS+ product designed to manage the entire student lifecycle—from recruitment and enrolment to progression, graduation, and alumni engagement.
By integrating all student data in one secure, cloud-based platform, institutions can streamline operations, improve retention rates, and deliver a seamless student experience.
Yes. Student Management is a core component of the OneEducation solution and integrates seamlessly with other products such as Financials, Human Resources & Payroll, Curriculum Management and DxP Student.
Universities and vocational education providers benefit from improved efficiency, accuracy and compliance. Students experience a more seamless and consistent academic journey.
Student Management features include course and unit management, enrolment processing, learning and development tracking, timetabling integration, assessments, CRM tools and reporting.
By streamlining enrolment processes and providing real-time data, Student Management reduces delays and administrative friction. Staff can intervene earlier to support at-risk students and improve retention.