Team Codec joined higher education leaders at UCISA PACED25 in Liverpool from 2–4 December for a couple days of networking, knowledge sharing, and innovation. The event underscored the vital role of collaboration and technology in tackling sector challenges.
We’re proud to have had three outstanding professionals representing Codec: Stephanie Conville, Higher Education Lead; Christina Matier, Business Change & Design UK Practice Lead; and Ellen McGeown, Senior Business Analyst.
Across the conference, there were conversations around how institutions can do more with less, leveraging smart tools to streamline processes without adding complexity.
In Codec's breakout session, “From Application to Offer: Harnessing Predictive Modelling in University Admissions”, the team demonstrated how data-driven insights and intelligent workflows can help universities make faster, fairer decisions.
Codec’s Breakout Session: Smarter Admissions with Educ8
On Day two of the event, Codec hosted a breakout session titled “From Application to Offer: Harnessing Predictive Modelling in University Admissions”. The discussion focused on how predictive analytics and intelligent workflows can transform applicant evaluation, improve decision making and enhance operational efficiency.
Using Educ8, our higher education accelerator, the Codec team demonstrated how admissions teams can apply data- driven methods to predict the likelihood of an offer being made. This approach helps prioritise applications, reduce administrative workload, and maintain fairness – all while keeping human oversight at the heart of the process.
Key Takeaways from UCISA PACED25
Shared Challenges, Shared learning
One of the standout themes for the event was collaboration. In her keynote, Lucy Everest, COO at the University of Liverpool, highlighted the pressures facing universities today – from rising expectations to resource constraints. Her message was clear: working together is essential to drive innovation and deliver transformative services.
Representation and Inclusion
Another key takeaway was representation. Out of 30 supplier pitches, only two were delivered by women—one of them by Codec’s own Stephanie Conville. This underscores the need for greater diversity and inclusion in technology leadership.
Technology as an enabler
Across sessions, the consensus was that technology is not just a tool but an enabler of success. Institutions are looking for ways to do more with less, streamlining processes without overwhelming staff with multiple disconnected systems.
Why it Matters
The conversations at UCISA PACED25 reinforced that shared challenges require shared solutions. Whether through collaborative networks or innovative tools like Educ8, the goal remains the same: empowering institutions to deliver better outcomes for students and staff alike.
Looking Ahead
The conversations had at UCISA PACED25 affirms that the future of higher education lies in collaboration, shared learning, and smart use of technology. Institutions are eager to innovate, but they also want solutions that simplify—not complicate—their processes.
If you’d like to explore how predictive modelling and intelligent workflows can support your admissions strategy, contact us for more information. Together, we can help shape a more efficient, data-driven admissions journey.