Our Strategic Framework sets out our aims and objectives and enables us to build on our strengths and deliver measurable outcomes and impact, in the context of our mission and values.
Our vision
We will be recognised as a leader in education, research and enterprise that supports the South East region’s growth and economy, building on our heritage as a globally connected, dynamic and innovative University, delivering an excellent and inclusive experience that provides enterprising, professional graduates.
Our purpose
Inspired by our Church of England foundation, we are strongly committed to transforming individuals, creating knowledge, enriching communities and building a sustainable future.
We want to do more than just provide our students with a high-quality education. We also want to work in partnership with our students to ensure they graduate with an understanding of the challenges facing society and our world, and have the skills, commitment and personal qualities needed to help address them.
Our aims 2015 to 2022
Our aspirations for the next five years are formed around four broad aims. We want to enhance the student experience, further develop our high-quality teaching, extend our research and knowledge exchange activity and ensure all our resources are used to effectively support the achievement of our goals.
Enhancing the student experience
We will continue to work with students as partners to provide a first-class university experience that includes stimulating teaching, as well as opportunities for workplace and voluntary experience and study abroad. We will further develop our high-quality support services and facilities to ensure they are provided how and when our students need them. We will build on our existing mechanisms for receiving and acting upon student feedback, so we can continue to deliver an excellent student experience.
Our high-quality teaching
We believe in a curriculum that is informed by our research, contributes to the needs of society and enhances the student experience. The strength and breadth of our courses are notable and we want to build on that success across the board while ensuring that our commitment to social and environmental sustainability is embedded throughout our teaching and research.
Our research
Research conducted by our academics is making a real difference, especially in the fields of health care, education, social and applied sciences, business, humanities and the arts, and it is vital that we nurture and support this. During the coming five years we will continue to develop our research and knowledge exchange partnerships to deliver high-quality outputs which influence government policy, develop professional practice, benefit society and inform our own teaching.
Our resources
We understand that the way in which people want to work and learn is changing, and we also need to keep up with innovations in teaching and research and knowledge exchange. To do this, we need to use our resources effectively, ensuring our buildings and technology support the achievement of our strategic aims and our University community.
Our people
Our people have a key role to play in the achievement of our strategic aims. We want to ensure that our University is an inspiring place to work, where people are able to develop and realise their potential within a friendly and professional learning community, working in partnership with our students
Development of the Strategic Framework
The Strategic Framework was developed by the senior management team in consultation with staff from across the University, the Governing Body, students and external stakeholders.
Measuring our performance
We will regularly measure the University’s performance against Key Performance Indicators.