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.
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.
KPI data available through reporting services (Staff login required)
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 |