Ambition 2027

Finance strategy

We will provide a sustainable, solvent financial position that supports our core activities, and which facilitates the strategic planning, development and implementation of activities and decision-making in all areas.

Priority areas

Maintain long-term financial sustainability and solvency

This means:

  • Increasing our operating surplus.
  • Enabling long-term investment from cash generated by our increased operating surplus.
  • Delivering key strategic projects that will enable sustainable growth for our University.

Maximise value for money across all activities, while understanding that this is not just a financial measure

This means:

  • Following best practice for procurement.
  • Maximising margin for income-generating opportunities.
  • Looking to ensure our carbon zero targets for 2030 are met, both within our University and with our suppliers.

Maintain a clear and robust approach towards financial planning, decision-making and the allocation of resource

This means:

  • Having reliable and timely financial information available.
  • Undertaking robust appraisals of new opportunities.
  • Continually reviewing financial returns of our existing operations.

Ensure the financial risks associated with ongoing activities and new opportunities are communicated and managed appropriately

This means:

  • Ensuring financial risks are appropriately highlighted in our risk register.
  • Staff are empowered to flag potential financial risks.

Ensure high standards of financial probity and accountability

This means:

  • Continuing to ensure a full compliance of Office for Students (OfS) financial requirements.
  • Continuing to ensure compliance with all accounting and legislative requirements.
  • Ensuring compliance with our bond holders’ covenants.
Related links

Find out about all of the strategies helping to deliver our plan

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