Guests from across the Liverpool City Region joined Vice-Chancellor Professor Claire Ozanne and Mayor Steve Rotheram at the launch of Liverpool Hope University’s ambitious Strategic Plan.
Speaking in the University’s new i3 Building, Professor Ozanne explained that the Strategic Plan was developed in collaboration with staff, students and stakeholders from across the region, with an emphasis on working together to find solutions that benefit citizens across society.
“This strategy demonstrates how the University will build on its academic excellence and the impact of its research so that we give our students even greater opportunities and contribute more to the growth of our region,” she said.
“Our ambition is to be an anchor organisation in our region by providing innovative solutions to local and global challenges, developing fully rounded graduates who work for the common good and a skilled and future ready workforce that supports social and economic growth.”
The Strategic Plan has five central pillars. The first refers to a values driven culture that puts people first and the second addresses the provision of an educational experience that fosters high achievement and ambitions in students and changes lives for the better.
A third pillar draws on increased collaboration in research and emphasises the importance that Liverpool Hope places on research, scholarship and knowledge exchange making a real impact.
Becoming more publicly engaged, whether with international partners or local businesses and third sector organisations, to enhance Liverpool Hope’s voice and influence is at the centre of the fourth pillar. The University will play an increasing role in decision-making and delivering on local and national priorities in the areas in which it has expertise.
The final pillar is centred around sustainability, with positive steps towards carbon net zero targets already being made.
Professor Ozanne added: “As an ecologist, environmental sustainability is close to my heart. We will address this across our portfolio and in the stewarding of our estate to reduce and mitigate our footprint on the natural world.”
Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, welcomed the Strategic Plan, stating: “The Liverpool City Region is a wonderful place, with all of the raw ingredients to flourish and drive growth. Our outstanding universities are key to translating that vision into reality.
“From leading the digital revolution to establishing ourselves as the UK’s Renewable Energy Coast and global leader in green energy, I’ve got big plans to deliver on our potential. But I want to ensure that local people are in pole position to take advantage of the jobs, businesses, investment and opportunities we create.
“Liverpool Hope is driven by similar values and ambitions that drive my administration. A hunger for innovation, social responsibility, creativity and determination are central to our ethos. If we are to take advantage of the boundless opportunities that lie ahead we’ll need all of them in plentiful supply – but I’ve no doubt that we’ll see Hope more than doing their part.
“Many of the values and ambitions of Hope’s Strategic Plan dovetail with those of the Liverpool City Region’s strategy. Liverpool’s universities play a massive part in the life of this city and are integral to the shaping the economic and social future of our region.
“I am particularly pleased to hear Hope’s approach to innovative and transformational education that changes the lives of students, their families and the communities they come from. I believe that the City is at the cusp of innovation that will bring world leading ‘big data’ opportunities to the region driven by a unique digital infrastructure that is driven by green energy.
“To reap the advantages of this, we need skilled students, who are informed and empowered to ask the right questions and find answers to the solutions these new opportunities are bringing to us.
“I would like to thank Professor Ozanne for inviting me to speak today and look forward to working closely with Liverpool Hope”.
Professor Ozanne closed the event by asking supporters and partners to: “Join us in our journey over the next five years as we make our unique contribution to the growth and prosperity of the City Region”.