Our strategy

Our strategy

In 2017, we re-examined our mission, vision, values and plans against the background of significant changes in higher education. Across the University we asked ourselves, fundamental questions about our organisation, its impact and the way we work. From that our Transforming Lives strategy was created.

In 2020, with a global pandemic and a fundamental set of challenges and opportunities for universities, we started to look ahead at how we need to adapt to be ready for the future. 

Our Transforming Lives strategy is now driven by a new set of values and priorities which recognise the impact of the pandemic on Sheffield Hallam - and society at large. These set out our beliefs, philosophies and principles, alongside our objectives to succeed, and provide a clear direction for us to continue our journey to becoming the world’s leading applied university.


Our mission

We transform lives. We shape our students' futures, preparing them for whatever they choose to do, and create knowledge that provides practical solutions to real world challenges.

Our vision

We will be the world's leading applied university, achieving outstanding outcomes for our students and society, showing the world what a university genuinely focused on transforming lives can achieve.

Our strategy is delivered through three core activities

man in a laboratory carrying out an experiment

Research and innovation

Our research and our industry partnerships provide innovative, practical solutions to real challenges.

A student studying

Teaching and learning

Our students are confident, creative, resilient and responsible - prepared for whatever they decide to do.

Outside the front of the University

Commitment to place

We are a beacon for what a university can do for and with its community.


Our priorities

A member of student support and a student viewing an information booklet and having a discussion

Academic offer

Shape our teaching, research and innovation, so that it makes a real difference to our students and society.

A view of Sheffield from the train station.

Place and profile

Embed 'place' in our work, and extend our civic ambitions and commitment to socio-economic change.

A group of business people seated around a conference table in the University's Charles Street building

Financial sustainability

Deliver sustainable and consistent financial performance, so that we can. continue to invest in our university offer.

Drone image of the Sheffield Hallam University city campus

Estate and infrastructure

Create a flexible learning and working environment for students and staff, both on and off-campus.

A businessman and a student in a high visibility jacket review a site plan on a whiteboard

People and organisation

Ensure that we have the structures, capabilities and workforce we need to drive achieve our strategic aims.

Students walking on a trail

Social responsibility

Ensure that our values, and our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion are embedded in our work and community.