Contracted expertise across strategy, policy, and operations
Some institutions know what needs to change and need senior capacity to deliver it. Others have admissions running well but need senior expertise the institution can’t justify hiring permanently. This package is built for both – tailored to the institution.
How it works
Each engagement is structured around a statement of work with clear deliverables and milestones. Time is used where it produces the most value. Think Bold sets its own approach and methods, brings its own systems and frameworks, and may sub-contract elements of the work where it serves the engagement.
We work concurrently with multiple higher education clients. We are not exclusive to any institution and we don’t pretend to be. That independence is part of what we’re paid for.
The retainer is paid monthly against agreed scope. It is a contracted professional service.
What you get
- Senior admissions advisory across strategy, policy, governance, and operations
- Delivery against agreed outcomes, including roadmap items from the Diagnostic
- Sector-current expertise on UKVI, OfS, CMA, fair admissions, and adjacent regulatory matters
- Access to Think Bold’s frameworks, templates, and tools
- Briefings, papers, and committee submissions where the scope requires
- A senior external perspective that doesn’t sit inside your line management
We are an external advisor and delivery partner contracted by your institution. This is essential to the service: independence is what makes the advice useful.
What it’s for
- Senior admissions expertise when you don’t want or need a permanent senior post
- Implementing a Diagnostic roadmap with senior-level capacity
- Holding the strategic admissions agenda while you recruit, redesign, or restructure
- Supporting an interim or new senior leader through a stretch period
- Providing committee-grade advice on policy, governance, and risk
- Acting as a sounding board for an existing admissions leader
- Building capability in your team through targeted intervention
How engagements start
Retainers begin in one of three ways.
After a Diagnostic. The roadmap is in your hands and you contract Think Bold to deliver alongside you. Best where the institution wants an honest baseline before committing.
Direct. You already know what you need, and the retainer is scoped against that. Best where leadership has clarity on priorities and wants to move.
From scratch. You’re building or scaling admissions and need senior expertise from the start. Best for new providers, growing specialist institutions, and functions being rebuilt after restructure.
Investment
From £3,500 per month, agreed against scope and outcomes. Fixed-term retainers are typically three, six, or twelve months.
Start with a conversation
Book a scoping call to discuss whether a retainer is the right fit, or to scope a Diagnostic as a first step.
Not sure where to start? Start with the free admissions self-assessment. Twenty minutes, no commitment, gives you a snapshot of where your function sits