Since 2020 I’ve had the privilege of working with a number of large universities as they have embarked on or continued to transform significant aspects of their Academic Services.The implementation of a new student record system has provided universities with the opportunity to review and revise processes, to challenge the ‘as is’, to re-look at existing structures and to, where possible, future proof external reporting processes to accommodate the ever changing statutory reporting requirements.Having worked in and with universities for over twenty years I enjoy drawing alongside senior staff, as a supportive and critical friend; the raising of an eyebrow is often a good conversation starter!What is as evident post pandemic as it was pre March 2020 is that it is people who make universities. With good administration the people: applicants, students, graduates and staff may be less burdened with the often cumbersome administrative requirements of the external, and internal, requirements whilst the statutory bodies are satisfied that they have access to all the information they require. Pie in the sky? It can often appear to be so, but experience confirms that it is possible, when the people are committed to making it so. Good administration provides additional space for creativity.