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Our
Shared
Vision.
Our future
© mc0229

Where we are going and how we aim to get there

2006 and onwards…
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Our mission: why we are here

To
Discover
And
Understand.
Our University works to improve the
world by seeking to understand it.

Our vision: where we aspire to be

The University will be firmly positioned

amongst the world’s leading universities,
recognised for the impact, excellence and
distinctiveness of its graduates and
research activities.
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The University of Sheffield

About Our Shared Vision

This plan for the future of the University of Sheffield,

published August 2006, is primarily for the three years to
2009 – but it also looks well beyond that horizon. It sets
out our long-term direction towards ambitious goals, to
ensure that the University remains world-class, enhances
its reputation, raises its profile and further develops its
already significant international standing by 2020. Our
Shared Vision illustrates both our plans for future success
and our aspirations.

Our Shared Vision will also help us

tell people (in the outside world and
internally) about our purpose, our
aims and our aspirations for the
future.

Our Shared Vision will become central

to the University’s business-planning
process. It will guide departments,
teams and individuals in their detailed
planning so any member of staff will be
able to see how their own day-to-day
work supports the University’s overall
vision, and to understand the value of
their own contribution to its success.

Our Shared Vision is an important tool

for all staff as, together, we make the
vision a reality.

See
Change
2007.
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The University of Sheffield

What we have achieved Nobel laureates

so far… 1945
Medicine/ 1967 1996
Physiology Prize Chemistry Prize Chemistry Prize
Lord Florey Lord Porter Sir Harry Kroto
Joseph Hunter Chair of Professor of Physical BSc Chemistry 1961,
Pathology 1932-35 Chemistry 1955-66 PhD 1964
• • • • •
1953 1993
We are recognised as a leading Medicine/ Medicine/
Physiology Prize Physiology Prize
international university that delivers Sir Hans Krebs
Lecturer in
Richard Roberts
BSc Chemistry 1965,
Pharmacology 1935-45, PhD 1968
learning, teaching, research and Professor of
Biochemistry 1945-54
knowledge of the highest quality.

Learning and teaching Crossing boundaries

“This splendid and Applying research processes and principles to learning and “The University of We have significant research strengths in multi and inter-
unique Institute is Sheffield is a key
testament to Sheffield’s
teaching, we have evolved a distinctive learning and teaching partner for us in our
disciplinary research, in which researchers from different
outstanding track environment. We excel at developing talent and equipping ongoing efforts to departments and academic disciplines join forces in new
record in arts and source the best
humanities research,
our students and alumni to succeed throughout their research expertise
approaches to discovering and understanding research
and to its long-term professions and careers. around the world. questions. Our research infrastructure includes three
commitment to The AMRC provides
promoting cutting-edge us with a top quality
Research Institutes, each leading the way in interdisciplinary
collaborative and inter- Research manufacturing research and boasting facilities unique in the UK. They
disciplinary working Research and
and supporting Development Centre
are the £20 million North Campus, a major new multi-
knowledge transfer.” Our outstanding performace in peer review assessments in Europe, and we disciplinary complex (which includes the Kroto Research
are delighted to be
Professor
testifies to the strength, high quality and wide range of our working so closely
Institute for Nanoscience and Technology), the Informatics
Philip Esler internationally recognised research activities. with such an Collaboratory for the Social Sciences and the Humanities
Chief Executive innovative and
The Arts and dynamic group of
Research Institute.
Humanities Our research is amongst the world-leading in, for example, engineers.”
Research Council
Humanities Research
materials engineering, bioscience, regenerative medicine, Sir Michael Jenkins
Business, industry and enterprise
Institute building advanced manufacturing, aerospace engineering and UK President of Boeing
opening, 24 May 2006 AMRC opening event
nanotechnology. Its quality has led to partnerships with 2004
We have a long-standing reputation for sharing our
leading global companies including Rolls-Royce and Boeing. research discoveries with local, regional, national and
“Pricewaterhouse
Coopers recruits in
Our reputation for, and approach to, translating research “Students from
international partners. As a result we attract to the city
consistently large into practice distinguish us in the Higher Education sector. Sheffield are among and the region world-class organisations that want to
numbers from the the best in the
University, valuing
One example of our success is a unique research facility in country.”
benefit from our excellence and expertise. Their presence
the academic rigour South Yorkshire, where our research staff are working with is an important example of our tradition of working in
and flexible outlook DLA Piper
of its graduates.”
global companies to develop world-leading, innovative Leading law company
partnership with the local economy.
advanced manufacturing solutions.
Pricewaterhouse-
Coopers LLP
The success of companies such as Biofusion, launched
We contribute to global research themes including new to commercialise the practical business and industrial
initiatives on environmental change, identities (digital, applications of University research, demonstrates our
national, social, political) and energy. Each of these entrepreneurial strengths; and we have developed new
demands a multi disciplinary approach for maximum approaches to nurturing entrepreneurial skills in our
impact. A number of Queen’s Anniversary Prizes – most students.
recently for research on ageing – have publicly recognised
our significant contribution to the intellectual, economic,
cultural and social life of the nation.
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The University of Sheffield
Key challenges
Our environment is changing fast, so we cannot afford
to rest on our laurels. In five priority areas in particular,
we intend to strengthen our competitive position by
influencing and leading the way in student and research
markets, within a complex financial environment.
1 Developing student skills and capabilities
Both potential students and their potential employers now
have sophisticated expectations of graduates and the
benefits that a good university education should provide for
individuals, employers and society. So we will promote the
skills and capabilities of the ‘Sheffield Graduate’ and ensure
that our students are equipped with the qualifications
and the generic and specialist skills necessary to drive
innovation. We will help to increase the proportion of the
UK population holding a degree and delivering world-class
skills.
2 Attracting funding
Building on our outstanding performance in peer review
assessments and major research awards, the level of our
research income and the quality and impact of our outputs
will be amongst the highest in the UK. The widening range
of funding sources will also be reflected in our balanced
portfolio of awards and research support. Our ability to
capture our market share of funding will be critical.
Our shared vision
3 Meeting and exceeding
customer expectations
Competition for students, clients and partners is growing
increasingly intense. It is vital that the we stand out from
competitors by exceeding customer expectations at every
point of contact. Achieving a consistently excellent quality
of customer service is a top priority and we will continue
to foster high-quality relationships with our stakeholders
and partners.
4 Competing globally for students,
staff and partners
In the face of intense competition and volatile overseas
demand for UK higher education, we are focused on
competing effectively in international markets for students,
staff and strategic partners. Our priorities are predicting
and addressing changing patterns of demand in
international student recruitment, establishing strategic
educational partnerships, and offering attractive new
teaching and research opportunities for staff from
overseas.
5 Managing effectively in times
of uncertainty
At a time when changes to tuition fees are being
implemented in England and diversification into non-
government funding is increasingly important for
universities, effective and efficient governance, leadership,
and management are high on our agenda. We are ready
to meet the challenges of the ever-changing and highly
complex environment in which we work.
We have taken all five of these themes into account within
the plan that follows.
Our
Five
Key
Challenges.
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The University of Sheffield Our shared vision

Our vision
Where we aspire to be

The University will be firmly positioned amongst the

world’s leading universities, recognised for the impact,
excellence and distinctiveness of its graduates and
research activities.

The
Achievement
Of
Excellence.

We will Goal

• Offer academic programmes that change our students’ lives for We will produce Sheffield Graduates
the better, equipping ‘Sheffield Graduates’ to make a difference who demonstrate impact, excellence
in their chosen field, profession or career and achieve personal and distinctiveness in their chosen
fulfilment field.

• Inspire our graduates and engender in them a quest for Measure

knowledge
We will recognise our success by
• Engage students in knowledge creation and nurture their desire assessing how leading international
to discover and understand; and, through inquiry-based employers view the Sheffield
learning, develop their understanding of their chosen academic Graduate.
discipline

• Use our excellent research to ensure that individuals and

groups are at the forefront of professional practice in learning
and teaching

• Provide a global learning and teaching environment in which

our students benefit from an international dimension in their
studies.
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The University of Sheffield Our shared vision

Our vision
Where we aspire to be

The
Frontiers
Of
Knowledge.

We will Goal

• Set the agenda in terms of global research activities We will be one of the top five universities in the UK based
on peer review assessment.
• Recruit, retain and provide sustained development for the very
best people and those with the potential to set tomorrow’s Measure
research agenda
We will recognise our success by evidence of our relative
• Position our University at the forefront of academic discovery position based on national and international peer review
assessment.
• Develop a critical mass of strategic partnerships and
collaborations with world-leading institutions and
organisations in which the process of discovery is mutually
beneficial.
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The University of Sheffield Our shared vision

Our vision
Where we aspire to be

The
Impact
Of
Innovation.

We will Goal

• Work with a greater number of strategic partners We will achieve a high global impact through innovation and
(particularly leading international companies, high technology through applying our entrepreneurial skills in teaching and
start-ups and key policy makers in government and govern- research.
mental organisations) for mutual benefit and to help them to
remain globally competitive Measure

• Drive innovation and technological advances that make an We will recognise our success by evidence of a range of
impact locally, regionally and globally collaborations with internationally known partners.

• Share our discoveries, through scholarship, learning, teaching,

innovation and entrepreneurial activity, by means of mutually
beneficial partnerships

• Be a magnet for inward investment into the city and the region

• Consolidate our position as a university leading the way in

developing entrepreneurial and innovation skills and
opportunities for students and staff

• Maximise commercialisation and spin-out benefits from our

research activities.
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The University of Sheffield Our shared vision

Our vision
Where we aspire to be

The
Power
Of
People.

Staff Students
We will We will

• Value all our staff for what they contribute and achieve
• Help all our staff to understand their roles in the University
and to share a clear sense of purpose
• Encourage our staff to deliver outstandingly in all their
activities and areas of responsibility
• Encourage our staff to be creative and innovative
• Help our staff to understand and appreciate the roles and
contributions of others, and the importance of diversity
and partnerships
• Promote the highest standards of behaviour including respect,
integrity and commitment
• Excel in developing skills and expertise.
• Place the student experience at the centre of our
educational activities
• Attract the very best students and those with high potential
from diverse backgrounds, lifestyles and nations, and foster
their talent
• Enable our students to experience, as part of their University
environment, an international dimension to their personal and
academic development
• Engender in our students a commitment to personal growth,
self improvement, enterprise and life skills development,
preparing them to make their full contribution to the societies
in which they live
• Share with our students a lasting sense of civic and regional
pride, encouraging them to seek opportunities to give back to
the communities in which they live

• Work with the Union of Students as an effective partner in

providing a holistic student experience

• Encourage a lifelong and mutually beneficial relationship

between alumni and their University.

Goal Goal

Our staff will be committed to We will have a reputation for the

excellence in all they do and have a highest standards of education and
strong sense of contribution and research skills to attract the best
achievement. students.

Measure Measure

We will recognise our success by the We will recognise our success by the
extent to which independent surveys extent to which our students highly
confirm that our staff highly recom- recommend the University as a place
mend our University as as excellent to study.
place to work.
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The University of Sheffield Our shared vision

Our vision
Where we aspire to be

The
Sense
Of
Belonging.

We will Goal

• Ensure that our staff feel that they belong to a local, regional
and global academic community and actively contribute to
education and knowledge creation
• Ensure that our staff belong to a dynamic, diverse and
inclusive University
• Encourage pride in our University’s civic heritage and the region
We will actively contribute to the
success and prosperity of the city and
region through partnerships and
support for local industry, commerce,
public services, schools and colleges,
the international quality of the staff we
attract, and the impact of our staff’s
engagement with the city and region.

• Actively contribute to civic life, regional economic Measure

regeneration and the provision of lifelong learning
opportunities for our communities
• Nurture in our alumni a pride that motivates them to support
and promote the University throughout their lives.
We will recognise our success when
independent surveys illustrate the
impact and benefit of the engagement
of our staff in the city and region.
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The University of Sheffield Our shared vision

Our vision
Where we aspire to be

Delivering
On
Our
Promises.

We will Goal

• Create an environment that supports and promotes Our stakeholders will trust us to
achievement and success deliver on our promises.

• Offer students, staff and partners excellent service Measure

• Innovate and excel in the provision of support services We will recognise our success by the
extent to which independent surveys
• Take a lead in implementing new ways of working among our evidence a high degree of satisfaction
professional support teams, departmental teams and partners amongst our stakeholders and
partners with the quality of the
• Provide an excellent working environment in which estates and services we deliver.
facilities contribute to the wellbeing and creativity of all
students and all staff

• Enable staff to manage effectively and deliver in their areas of

responsibility

• Actively and effectively promote the University and its

staff and students, disseminating discoveries, celebrating
individual and collective successes and promoting
achievements to internal and external audiences.
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Our 2020 promise The

Achievement
Of
Excellence.
Each year we will review progress towards each of seven
goals and will publish a short summary for staff and other
stakeholders.

Building on the consultation process that influenced

the creation of this plan, we will consult staff and other
The
University stakeholders on important issues relating to our Frontiers
progress towards turning Our Shared Vision into reality.
Of
Finally, here again are our mission, vision and goals. They Knowledge.
are our promise to our students, our staff and our other
stakeholders.

Our mission: why we are here Our goals The

To discover and understand
Our University works to improve the world by seeking to
understand it.
Our vision: where we aspire to be
The University will be firmly positioned amongst the world’s
leading universities, recognised for the impact, excellence
and distinctiveness of its graduates and research activities.
1 We will produce Sheffield Graduates who demonstrate Sense
impact, excellence and distinctiveness in their chosen
field.
Of
Belonging.
2 We will be in the top five research universities in the UK
based on peer assessment of our research performance.
3 We will achieve a high global impact through innovation
and through applying our entrepreneurial skills in
teaching and research.

4 Our staff will be committed to excellence in all they

do and have a strong sense of contribution and
achievement.
The
Power
5 We will have a reputation for the highest standards
of education and research skills to attract the best
Of
students. People.
6 We will actively contribute to the success and prosperity
of the city and region through partnerships and support
for local industry, commerce, public services, schools
and colleges, the international quality of the staff we
attract, and the impact of our staff’s engagement with
the city.

7 Our stakeholders will trust us to deliver on our promises.

The
Impact
Of
Innovation.