13 January 2025

2025: The year to invest in interim

Why 2025 is the year to invest in specialist interim and consulting talent

Higher Education is entering 2025 at a critical juncture. Financial pressures are mounting, student expectations are shifting, and the need for agile transformation is critical. The stakes have never been higher for universities to get their leadership strategy right – experienced interim leaders are uniquely positioned to meet this movement.

Why now? Because many universities are grappling with challenges that exceed their current capacity.

From implementing improved systems and procedures and navigating compliance risks to embedding cultural change, new structures and strategies, these are not tasks for stretched in-house teams or leaders focused on maintaining “business as usual.” Traditional recruitment methods can take months to secure talent, and even then, the fit and readiness for immediate impact can vary.

Looking back on 2024, the theme for interim appointments was expertise to “move the dial”. These appointments weren’t about filling gaps – they were about delivering solutions. Institutions sought experienced leaders who could address specific challenges head-on, deliver rapid results, and drive real change. This is going to continue to be the theme in 2025.

Why specialist interim leadership? Because in times of change, you need leaders who don’t just adapt – they accelerate. Interim leaders and consultants bring decades of experience, often gained in different institutions, enabling them to hit the ground running and provide holistic insight. They quickly assess situations, build trust with stakeholders, and implement solutions that create immediate and measurable impact.

Take financial pressures, for example. An interim CFO can identify cost-saving measures and strategic efficiencies within weeks, not months. When reimagining professional services, an interim director can lead teams through complex transformations while minimising disruption. And when tackling cultural resistance, an experienced interim leader can turn challenges into opportunities, fostering alignment and momentum. Interim managers are able to rise above the day to day and provide crystal clear vision in a cloudy room.

The value lies not only in their technical expertise but also in their ability to stabilise teams, build confidence, and pave the way for lasting change.

The question for universities in 2025 isn’t whether to invest in specialist interim leadership – it’s why you haven’t already. As the sector continues to navigate unprecedented challenges, institutions that embrace this expertise will be better positioned to thrive.

If you would like to talk to me about the work that I have done in 2024 and share with you the results my interims have delivered or help you unpick a particular challenge that has been keeping you awake at night, please feel free to reach out and we can schedule a time to talk.

Why 2025 is the year to invest in specialist Interim and Consulting talent.


Claire also has a passion for providing careers advice and guidance to individuals, especially to those who have not previously considered an interim career before, but whom have unique insights and skills to offer the interim market. Her speciality is connecting her clients with flexible talent that can help deliver sustainable change, shaping organisations for the future and improving financial and operational outcomes. Claire has built an impressive track record with public sector leaders and helped many organisations identify the right solution in time-critical situations.

To learn more about an interim career, or hiring interim talent, you can connect with Claire on LinkedIn or send her an email.