The Empowering University

Understanding the evolving needs of our region.

We are rooted in Leicester, yet we are connected to the world. We are committed to strengthening our communities and creating opportunity through education, partnership, and innovation. And fostering further growth through regional, national, and international collaboration.

By working with schools, colleges, employers, civic organisations, and community partners we will create clear pathways into education, employment, and lifelong learning. Our partnerships will support social mobility, skills development, inclusive growth, and community wellbeing.

Building strong, long-term partnerships with employers, civic organisations and communities.

In our position as a United Nations SDG 11 Hub and a trusted partner for business, industry, and the public sector, we can provide access to talent, innovation, and expertise as well as opportunities for learners, employers, and communities.

Our civic role will be increasingly visible through engagement with cultural organisations, public services, local communities, and policy partners.

We will seek opportunities to contribute to social, cultural, economic, and environmental development via collaboration, knowledge sharing, and supporting community priorities.

Addressing inequality and driving inclusive growth.

Social justice will be central to our activity with partners. Through education, research, volunteering, enterprise, and civic engagement, we will collaboratively address inequality, widen opportunity, and create meaningful and lasting impact in our communities.

In ensuring opportunity is accessible to all.

We recognise the value of our alumni and will continue to strengthen engagement with our alumni community.

By creating opportunities for mentoring, networking, lifelong learning, philanthropy, and collaboration our learners, graduates, and partners will all benefit.

Focused partnership activity, and sustainable growth, will allow us to maximise the impact of our resource for the long term.

In working with partners across industry, public sector and communities.

We are committed to making a meaningful contribution to society through our education, research, innovation, and partnerships.

We will generate and share knowledge that addresses real-world challenges, creates opportunity, and improves lives. Working collaboratively with communities, employers, public services, policymakers, and partners we will ensure that our ideas, expertise, and activity contribute to economic prosperity, social progress, environmental sustainability, and cultural enrichment.

In tackling complex societal issues and influencing change.

Our approach will be applied, inclusive, and impact focused. Through research, knowledge exchange, enterprise, and innovation we will translate insight into action. We will influence policy, inform professional practice, and support positive change locally, nationally and globally.

We will strengthen the connection between education, research, and innovation. By fostering more opportunities, we will equip graduates with the curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking they need to contribute positively to society.

Pursuing new knowledge and ideas that address real-world challenges.

In an increasingly competitive environment, which continually changes, we will focus on how we can create the greatest impact and long-term value. By working collaboratively, using our resources effectively and building on our strengths, we will ensure our contribution to society remains sustainable, relevant, and enduring.

In ensuring our research and innovation deliver meaningful benefit to people and society.

We will be recognised as a university that not only generates knowledge but applies it to make a difference helping to shape policy, inform practice, support innovation, and create positive outcomes for people, places, and communities.

In pursuing new knowledge and ideas that address real-world challenges.

We will be a globally connected university. Through education, research, and collaboration, we will create worldwide opportunities for students, staff, and partners.

In working with partners across industry, public sector, and communities.

Our international strategy has been developed to ensure plentiful opportunities for learners, staff, and partners across our international network. Our strategy focuses on the expansion of transnational education, global partnerships, and collaborative research. Through these mutually beneficial partnerships, we will extend our global reach and strengthen international collaboration, increasing our impact, and benefitting communities, organisations, and societies worldwide.

In practice, we expect our collaborative efforts will reward staff and students alike with increased global mobility, cross-campus learning, collaborative international experiences, and digitally connected opportunities. All of which combines to broaden perspectives, strengthen intercultural understanding, and develop global capability.

In tackling complex societal issues and influencing change.

Sustainable development will be a central theme to our global engagement strategy. Through education, research, and partnership we will contribute to environmental, social, and economic progress, supporting the ambitions of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through our United Nations relationship and SDG11 hub.

We will focus on areas where we can create the greatest international opportunity, influence, and impact. And ensure our global activity supports the needs of the communities we serve as well as our institutional ambitions.

In ensuring our research and innovation deliver meaningful benefit to people and society.

Our global engagement will reflect our values, ensuring partnerships are collaborative, inclusive, and mutually beneficial. It is our aim to create lasting opportunities for learners, staff, partners, and communities around the world.