03 October 2025 
Bethany Hancock, CUBO Communications Officer
At CUBO, we’re proud to have a range of groups that bring our members together to share knowledge, challenges and best practice. Our Special Interest Groups connect colleagues working in the same service areas, while our Regional Groups link members from nearby institutions. Both provide invaluable opportunities for support, information sharing and professional development.
To celebrate the people who lead these groups and help drive important conversations that matter to our sector, we’re introducing the chairs who are at the helm.
This week, meet Laura Maclean, Chair of the CUBO South East Regional Group.
1. Can you tell us a bit about your career journey and how you came to your current role?
I started my career in hospitality, moving from trendy bars to high end restaurants in London, which I absolutely loved. I moved back down to Canterbury when I had children, and worked as an event manager for a few years before I started at The University of Kent as Reception Services Coordinator. Before long I was made Reception Manager, then a few years later I look on the Accommodation portfolio as well. I’m now also Interim Head of Sport which I am finding really interesting and rewarding.
2. What inspired you to get involved with CUBO and take on the role of regional group lead?
I had really enjoyed some CUBO conferences and wanted to get more involved. I find networking with other institutions (particularly in the South East) really beneficial so it seemed like the perfect fit for me.
3. What are some of the current challenges or priorities being discussed in your region?
The challenges in the South East are the same across the sector really; declining or unpredictable student numbers for many of us, and Institutions needing to make efficiencies and changes. Accommodation costs and availability, meeting the needs of increasingly price-sensitive students, against a backdrop of increased pressure on budgets. Our Conference teams are being asked to do more to maximise revenue, our Sports and ResLife Colleagues are vital for student retention and developing a sense of belonging and we’re all looking to find better ways of working to achieve these goals.
4. What do you think is the biggest benefit of being part of a CUBO regional group?
Sharing best practice and also sharing our challenges, it can be so beneficial to know that others are facing similar challenges to us, and hear how they are responding at their own Institutions.
5. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to those working in the sector today?
Hang in there! It’s a challenging time for the sector but the colleagues I meet are really making a difference to students' lives. They are deeply committed, and in their roles because they love what they do, not because it’s easy. It’s easy to be personally invested because we care so much…but it’s okay to take a break and to take time for yourself when you need it.
6. What do you enjoy most about working in HE commercial services?
I love working with students, I love the process of continuous improvement, always finding ways to improve our student experience and make efficiencies along the way too. And I love my colleagues; it’s such a pleasure coming to work each day.
7. And finally – what do you do to recharge outside of work?
I live in Kent, close to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. My happiest times are walking my (crazy) spaniels through the local fields and woodlands, seeing the fabulous views and glorious wildlife.
