09 July 2018

Work begins on post-2020 vision and strategy for the University

The time has come to start devising a new vision and long-term strategy for the University beyond 2020.

Work is beginning on the first of four phases to develop a new Strategic Plan, which will set out clear priorities for the University from 2020 to 2025. A subsequent phase will see a significant degree of staff consultation on the proposals.

The work will take account of the exceptionally challenging external environment, including Brexit, possible new funding arrangements for higher education and a new regulatory system, with the introduction of the Office for Students (OfS) and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

The University’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Tim Peakman, will lead the work on behalf of the University Executive Group (UEG), to be carried out over four phases: 

  • Phase 1: Preparing the ground (by December 2018). A series of thought pieces will be developed by a range of subject matter experts to help define the University’s overall approach and inform our thinking about the internal and external context in which we operate. These will cover issues ranging from trends in student education and science, to our relationship with the City of Leeds and other key stakeholders, to future HR strategy.
  • Phase 2: Articulating a vision and the main elements of a strategy for the 2020s (by February 2019).
  • Phase 3: A comprehensive period of engagement (by June 2019), which will cover consultation with staff, student representatives, Council, Senate and key external stakeholders. Details will be shared nearer the time to let colleagues know how they can get involved.
  • Phase 4: Finalisation of plans (by February 2020). These will encompass a compelling vision for the future development of the University, a clear articulation of strategic direction for the 2020s and, consistent with this work, a Strategic Plan for the period 2020 to 2025.

Vice-Chancellor, Sir Alan Langlands, said: “In an uncertain environment, we have to maintain our focus on ensuring excellence in student education and research and innovation, while increasing our international reach. 

“We need a vision and a strategy to take us deep into the 2020s and one that is clear about the nature, values and place of the University in 21st century society. Work starts now and will continue through to 2020. We want to engage students and staff in shaping the future of the University and will ensure that there are plenty of opportunities for discussion and debate, especially during the first half of 2019.”

In addition to defining the new vision, strategy and Strategic Plan, the University will continue to implement both its Strategic Plan for 2015 to 2020, Investing In Knowledge and Opportunity, and the refreshed delivery plans devised in 2017 following the arrival of the new senior academic leadership team.

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