Being Westminster: Our refreshed strategy

The Being Westminster strategy is our guiding light, shaping and steering us collectively as a community of colleagues, students, alumni and partners. This year, we have looked at the strategy through a new lens, reviewing what has gone well and what we need to change, redefining our ambitions to create Being Westminster 2022–2029.

Since we created and launched Being Westminster in 2018, our strategy has set us fair to respond to local and global challenges and make progress in the areas that matter most to us. As alumni, you have supported us along the way. As ambassadors for the University and as dedicated volunteers and partners, you have played an invaluable role in shaping Westminster into who we are today.

But the world in which we operate is changing – with a different UK and world political landscape, the impact of the pandemic and the everincreasing role of technology.

These changed landscapes bring both challenges and opportunities, and the refined focus our refreshed strategy sets out will help us navigate our way through and towards a sustainable future together.

A GLOBAL UNIVERSITY WITH LONDON ENERGY

Work towards the refreshed strategy was ongoing for a year or more. During that time, we analysed our progress, thought hard and worked together to identify where to go next. We held workshops to encourage discussion about our purpose and commitments, and a colleague survey to determine the most impactful ways we can be a supportive and sustainable institution.

We agreed, above all, that our University is a place where discoveries are made, barriers are broken, diversity is celebrated and where everyone is welcome.

The refreshed Being Westminster strategy was published in May, with objectives set out in four key areas. These include:

• Education: We will offer personalised education, underpinned but our inclusive curriculum.

• Research and Knowledge Exchange: We will maximise our positive impact for societies in the UK and around the world.

• Global Engagement: We will raise the international reputation and reach of the University.

• Employability: We will connect students and employers for graduate success.

The last of these – employability – is where you, our alumni, are so important. We want to ensure that all of our students benefit from employability-led learning, and engagement with employers and industry. The programmes through which we will achieve this – Westminster Working Cultures, Future Ready Mentoring and alumni speaker events, such as What it Takes – all rely on your support and dedication as engaged volunteers. I am so very grateful for your support and look forward to working with you to achieve this objective.

OUR PRIORITIES

As a compassionate, progressive and responsible institution, we have determined the three key priorities that will inform and guide us in all we do.

Wellbeing: Without doubt, my number one priority has – and always will be – the wellbeing, health and safety of our students, my colleagues and all those within our University community. As a University, we believe that everyone has the right to feel fulfilled and connected to a community of people who are passionate about making a positive impact on themselves, our workplaces, study spaces and those around us.

Inclusion: Westminster will be known as a place where everyone can bring their whole self and know that they belong. As a responsible institution, we strive to ensure and to champion equality. As a progressive institution, we take pride in our diversity. As a compassionate institution, we commit to an inclusive culture that allows students and colleagues to reach their full potential.

Sustainable development: We take inspiration from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in how we drive our actions, activities and governance across our University. As a community, we bring together our collective energies to play our part in addressing the climate crisis and inequalities to enable a more sustainable and socially just world. You can read more about the progress we have made towards the SDGs on pages 34–37 of Network magazine.

LOOKING FORWARD

Launching our refreshed Being Westminster strategy is a significant milestone for us all, setting our course for a positive future together over the next seven years. All in our unique, special and distinctive Westminster ways.

It is our shared values and purpose, and collective energies and commitments, that have enabled us to navigate through the challenges of the last years. And it is this shared purpose and collective energy that will help us through the next period, in ways in which we continue to be authentic in staying true to who we are as a community.

All best wishes,

Dr Peter Bonfield, Vice-Chancellor and President