Our progress - key performance indicators
To assess our progress towards the ambitions outlined in the vision 2020-2027, we have put in place a set of key performance indicators and targets that span the pillars of the vision.
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These key performance indicators (KPIs) inform target setting across the University and are regularly reviewed in the context of the changing internal and external environment.
The indicators use a mixture of comparative and absolute measures to assess the University’s performance. They sit alongside the overviews of each pillar provided in our Annual Report to provide a rounded picture of the University’s performance, achievements and challenges.
The following principles were used to inform the development of the indicators:
- KPIs are developed for the key pillars of the University vision and sit alongside a regular narrative for Council which reports on progress;
- There will be a link between KPIs and the metrics which faculties and academic departments use to monitor the outcomes of their activity;
- KPIs will use existing mechanisms, robust datasets and be consistent with targets already in place;
- A balance of comparative and absolute five year targets will be set against the KPIs;
- The number of KPIs will be less than fifteen in total, enabling us to focus on key indicators of success.
Key performance indicators 2020-2027
No |
Title |
Pillar | Key performance indicator |
KPI 1 |
Research excellence |
Research | To ensure a high proportion of our research is adjudged to be world-leading or internationally excellent, as recognised in the Research Excellence Framework |
KPI 2 |
Research income |
Research | To increase research income, becoming one of the UK's top five leading research intensive universities |
KPI 3 |
PGR student experience |
Research | To improve the PGR student experience, benefiting student wellbeing and improving timely thesis submission rates |
KPI 4 |
Knowledge exchange |
Innovation | To achieve excellence in knowledge exchange, as recognised by our performance in the Knowledge Exchange Framework |
KPI 5 |
Quality education |
Education | To provide a high quality educational experience for our students, as recognised by our performance in the Teaching Excellence Framework |
KPI 6 |
Employability |
Education | To have a sector-leading employability offer which captures the value of learning and development experiences in and beyond the curriculum |
KPI 7 |
High achieving applicants |
Education | Increase and sustain the number of high achieving applicants that become students at the University |
KPI 8 |
Widening participation |
Education | To support the recruitment of students from under-represented groups, meeting our targets for widening participation |
KPI 9 |
Staff diversity |
One University | To increase the diversity of our staff body and support the career progression of BAME staff |
KPI 10 |
Reputation |
One University | To be recognised as one of the top universities in the UK and continue to be recognised as one of the best universities in the world |
KPI 11 |
Financial sustainability |
One University | Support the financial sustainability and resilience of the University, through the achievement of a target Adjusted EBITDA |
KPI 12 | Environmental sustainability | One University | Become one of the most sustainable research intensive universities in the UK with substantial reductions in our carbon emissions |