Over the past year, we've supported our members through our policy and advocacy work. We also launched an ambitious long-term plan for universities. Together, these efforts will continue to shape a positive future for the sector.
Making an impact
In a year shaped by sustained financial pressure, political change and growing public debate about the value of higher education, we have worked proactively with governments across the country to make the case for universities.
Our university system is a source of enormous national pride, and key both to individual opportunity and to our national prosperity. Towns and cities in all parts of the UK are better and more successful places because of the role universities play. They are a reason to be optimistic about our future.
Vivienne Stern MBE
Chief Executive
In 2025-26 we have:
- Secured action on university finances. The tuition fee uplift in England is estimated to bring in an additional £5.5 billion of income between 2025 and 2030.
- Forged influential, cross-party relationships. We influenced policy across the devolved nations and our Blueprint proposals have been reflected in key government strategies.
- Positioned universities as proactive partners of government. Our transformation and efficiency programme, Scotland's Future Funding Framework, and Universities Wales' work have shaped regulation.
- Launched our Future Universities Strategy. We engaged 200 employers and businesses and secured support from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to strengthen the long-term reputation of the sector.
- Influenced policy and regulation critical to national renewal. This includes the Industrial Strategy, free speech, immigration and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme. Our work with MoD helped secure £80 million of investment and the creation of a new Research Security Fund.
- Protected the sector’s reputation on a global stage. We protected the Graduate Route and secured the UK’s return to Erasmus and Horizon Europe.
- Supported members to deal with complex issues. We gave confidential advice on issues including campus tensions, research security, foreign interference, and financial matters.
- Delivered outstanding value for money for our members. 98% agreed that we do this, and 92% agreed that we focus on what matters most to the HE sector.
Future Universities
Future Universities is our campaign to strengthen the role of universities in the country’s success.
The UK is navigating rapid social, economic and technological change. Strong universities are vital to driving opportunity, sparking innovation and supporting long-term growth across the UK.