Over the next two weeks, printed copies of Global Strategy 2020 will be delivered to all schools and professional services.

As you will already be aware, Strategy 2020 was approved by Council in July 2014 and is the outcome of an extended internal consultation and review process, and has laid out the University’s priorities and ambitions covering the period to 2020.

We are providing a personal copy to all Heads of Schools, Deans, senior academic and administrative staff, and anyone leading a team, recognising of course that unless people are familiar with and understand our University strategy, we cannot reasonably expect them to be part of the collective effort to achieve it.

As you know, Global Strategy 2020 should not be regarded as merely an aspirational document. It is rather a statement of intended priorities, activities and achievement, which the University community commits itself to. It also sets out the values and principles we want to embody in how we approach these challenging undertakings. Important internal changes are already taking place to create a framework to optimise the delivery of this ambitious but achievable strategy. Part of that framework needs to be an enhanced sense of responsibility and accountability for each person, team, School, and professional service to do their part. It is therefore critical that all our senior colleagues are aware of the University’s overall strategy, key aims and objectives and take time to determine how we can most effectively mobilise our talents and abilities toward the various ends we have aimed for. I thank you and colleagues for the time and effort you have already invested in helping to create our strategy and look forward to continuing to work with colleagues on this exciting agenda.

If you require additional hard copies for particular circumstances (senior staff induction packs, special events, foreign delegations, etc.) you can request them via the Strategy Support Centre.

Professor Karen Cox

Deputy Vice-Chancellor