Heads of OR and Analytics Forum

The Heads of OR and Analytics Forum (HORAF) provides a focus for the interests and concerns of heads and senior leaders of OR, analytics and data science practice groups from across the UK economy.

HORAF replaces the long-established Heads of OR Forum (HORF), the intention being to formally acknowledge the importance of analytics as well as related and emerging areas such as data science, artificial intelligence and autonomy – in addition, of course, to retaining a strong OR core. HORAF enables members to:

• Keep in touch with what is happening in similar organisations and across UK practice
• Explore themes of common concern, such as marketing, quality assurance, recruitment, skills development, career progression, accreditation and diversity
• Benchmark your own practice and outcomes.
• Build your personal network across all sectors of the economy
• Gain access to the HORAF website which will allow you to enhance your networking, explore a library of relevant documents and discuss issues of concern with your peers
• Benefit from regular liaison with academics and The OR Society
• Help influence The OR Society and its partners in serving and supporting the wider profession

HORAF currently has around 50 member organisations from industry, commerce, consultancy and the public sector as well as representation from the OR Society; and also links with the Committee of Professors In OR (COPIOR) to provide formal contact with academia. The intention is for HORAF to grow in both its coverage and influence – so watch out for future updates, which we now plan to produce on a regular basis following our meetings, which take place roughly quarterly. 

Get in touch

If you would like to know more, please get in touch with one of the HORAF co-chairs:

Duncan Russell duncan.russell [at] ocado [dot] com

Frances Sneddon frances.s [at] simul8 [dot] com

or the HORAF secretary:

John Hopes hopesjohn21 [at] gmail [dot] com