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    • Keele Open Strategy Journal

    Keele Open Strategy Journal

    Keele University is at an important point in its development. By November 2026, we will have a new institutional strategy that sets out a distinctive and ambitious vision for the University, shaped through wide engagement across our community. The Keele Open Strategy Journal sits at the heart of this process, providing an open, transparent and genuinely collaborative way for ideas to be shared, developed and debated.

    The Keele Open Strategy Journal provides an open and transparent record of how ideas have contributed to the development of Keele University's next institutional strategy.

    Throughout 2026, colleagues from across the University have submitted ideas through the Open Strategy process. These ideas have been reviewed and refined through constructive feedback from the Strategic Ideas College and Peer Review College before being published here.

    Read more + Close - about the Keele Open Strategy Journal

    The Journal is designed to make strategy development visible. The ideas published here do not represent final University policy. Rather, they form part of an ongoing conversation about Keele's future and will help inform the development of the new University Strategy.

    We welcome engagement from staff, students, alumni, partners and members of the wider community. Readers are encouraged to share their views and perspectives using the comment facility at the bottom of each article. Thoughtful discussion, challenge and debate are an important part of the Open Strategy process.

    Throughout 2026, the Vice-Chancellor and senior leadership team will draw on the ideas, themes and discussions captured within the Journal as the new University Strategy is developed. The Journal will also serve as a lasting public record of the contributions made by colleagues and stakeholders in shaping Keele's future.

    Read and comment on Keele Open Strategy Journal articles

  • ID000 Re-establishing Keele’s Leadership in Broad, Future-Focused Education ID000 Abstract: We propose that Keele should reassert a defining feature of its founding vision: the belief that a broad, interdisciplinary education produces more capable, adaptable, and socially engaged graduates. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID003 Universal Learning at Keele ID003 Abstract: An approach to learning that enables high-quality participation across physical and digital spaces, ensuring that students can remain connected to the academic community regardless of circumstance A Unique Keele Education, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID004 Keele University Dental Institute ID004 Abstract: There is an urgent need to expand the number of UK Dental, Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy training places2. For 2025-6 Dentistry remains one of the top 10 most-applied for courses A Unique Keele Education
  • ID005 Reduced Working Hours Proposal ID005 Abstract: As the University shapes its future strategic direction, this is an ideal moment to explore a reduced‑hours working week for staff with no reduction in salaries. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID006 Green Salary Sacrifice Scheme ID006 Abstract: Keele University has a significant opportunity to strengthen its sustainability leadership by expanding staff access to environmentally beneficial technologies through enhanced salary sacrifice scheme Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID007 Strong in shaping ourselves ID007 Abstract: Global geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and changing international alliances are fundamentally reshaping the environment in which universities operate. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID008 Using Keele’s Campus and Green Spaces ID008 Abstract: Develop Keele’s campus & green spaces as a flagship outdoor learning, sustainability engagement & creative placemaking environment; reposition the campus as a living laboratory & cultural destination Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID010 Embedding Digital Accessibility ID010 Abstract: As Keele's activity becomes increasingly digital, accessibility is not a peripheral technical issue, but a fundamental condition of inclusion, quality and trust. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID011 Development of an integrated leadership and management route ID011 Abstract: Employability is biggest metric that we get asked about on open/visit days and leadership and management (L&M) modules would provide the university with a USP with regard to this. A Unique Keele Education, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID015 Block/Condensed Timetabling ID015 Abstract: Keele should move to a system where timetabling is condensed into blocks, such that students experience all of their scheduled classes across a smaller number of days of the week. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID016 A Centralised On Campus Jobs Service ID016 Abstract: An on-campus service would bring a range of benefits around the student experience from well-being, mental health, financial support, skills development, creating belonging. A Unique Keele Education, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID017 Excellence ID017 Abstract: In a competitive sector with well-established markers of quality, an effective way to stand out and succeed is to be excellent – and be recognised as such, nationally and globally. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID018 The Pursuit of Truth ID018 Abstract: Keele has been and should continue to be a pioneer in the field of university education. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID019 In the Company of Friends ID019 Abstract: Currently Keele is too much of an ivory tower on a hill. Too many people in the local area never visit and have never visited Keele. Civic and Community Activities
  • ID020 Civic And Commercial Sense ID020 Abstract: Keele currently hosts and is the lead institution for Higher Horizons, a partnership of the Government funded outreach programme. Higher Horizons has never been funded directly by the university. Civic and Community Activities
  • ID021 Uphill Struggle - The plight of the commuting student ID021 Abstract: National trends and recent Keele enrolment suggests that the commuting student is increasingly mainstream and typical, not the exception. A Unique Keele Education, Civic and Community Activities, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID024 Transnational engagement, collaboration and community building ID024 Abstract: Engagement and collaboration are vital in an globalised world, in which to be global is to be local, regional, national and international, connected physically, digitally and consciously as we are. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID025 Upskilling the Workforce ID025 Abstract: The UK workforce requires significant upskilling if national productivity is to improve and remain competitive in a rapidly changing global economy. Many sectors are experiencing skills gaps. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID026 Short Courses with a Global Reach ID026 Abstract: Keele University could expand its global reach and income by offering short online courses focused on major international issues and professional skills. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID027 Supporting New Parents at Keele ID027 Abstract: We propose that policy and support for expectant and new parents at Keele is given key consideration and reflects the needs of the workforce with a view of a second phase looking at wider support Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID028 The Keele Community Garden and Play Space for All ID028 Abstract: Keele University takes pride in its distinctive 600-acre campus, which is central to the student experience and to the University’s identity as a community-focused institution. Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus, Civic and Community Activities, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID029 Employer Partnership Panel for Future-Ready Graduates ID029 Abstract: To remain ahead of this curve, Keele could adopt a more systematic approach by establishing a core panel of employer partnerships A Unique Keele Education, The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID030 Keele One Health Institute ID030 Abstract: The Idea is to establish a ‘One health’ research hub in Midland which goes along with Keele’s sustainability theme. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID031 AI in Professional Services ID031 Abstract: By building AI into the new University strategy for PS, and creating a structured space for collaboration, the University would better leverage existing AI capability within PS Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID033 Change Management ID033 Abstract: Change Management is a structured approach to leading the people side of transformations, ensuring new processes, technologies, or structures are adopted smoothly Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID038 Building Digital Confidence for a Future‑Ready University ID038 Abstract: To prepare students for a digital-first workforce, we must first build the digital confidence and capability of our staff Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID051 Building strong, long-lasting and visible partnerships ID051 Abstract: Keele should implement a strategy to strengthen and increase the value of existing and new partnerships between researchers and patient charities and organisations. The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID054 University-wide research funding implementation and delivery ID054 Abstract: That could Keele adopt a university-wide approach to supporting grant/funding applications and research success. The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID058 Transforming research so it can be used by those who would benefit ID058 Abstract: Our idea is to build Knowledge Mobilisation for impact into every research portfolio. Keele’s research strategy has emphasised its institutional strength in Knowledge Mobilisation for impact. The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID059 Meeting the Growing Demand for Flexible PGT Delivery ID059 Abstract: This proposal utilises quantitative and qualitative evidence on the upward trend in demand for flexible delivery of PGT programmes, and offers recommendations to enable Keele to remain competitive. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID060 Adjunctive Researchers ID060 Abstract: The idea is to strategically increase research productivity and international collaboration by introducing adjunct researchers. The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID062 Institute for Creative and Cultural Industries ID062 Abstract: The idea is to develop a cross-University Keele Institute for Creative and Cultural Industries (KICCI), which will organise and increase the academic and partnership work of creative activity at Keele The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID064 Multimodal/intermedial research network/centre ID064 Abstract: Establishing a multimodal/intermedial research network and, ultimately, centre to bring together researchers and practitioners to exchange ideas (university - community) and showcase current practice. The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID065 Enhancing Entrepreneurial Culture at Keele University ID065 Abstract: This proposal recommends launching an annual multi-day Start-Up Fair at Keele University to cultivate a stronger entrepreneurial culture and better equip graduates for an innovation-driven economy The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID066 International Partnership Hubs at Keele ID066 Abstract: Rather than only exporting Keele programmes overseas, we could develop institutes with our international partners, or work with new ones. A Unique Keele Education, The Future of Research and Innovation, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID078 A collaborative cross-institution QTS route for Science and Mathematics ID078 Abstract: Keele could introduce a collaborative Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) route which partners with Staffordshire University's subject specific PGCE courses in the Sciences and Mathematics. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID081 Streamlined and Standardised Systems Architecture ID081 Abstract: One response to challenges facing the HE sector could be creating a strategic and agile approach to investment, aligning technology capability to strategic direction, whilst minimising operating costs A Unique Keele Education, The Future of Research and Innovation, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID091 Re-imagining our Global Challenge Pathways ID091 Abstract: To address the challenges faced by today's graduates, we propose that Keele’s Global Challenge Pathways project is re-imagined, rebranded, expanded and offered to all Keele undergraduate students. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID092 Refocusing Priorities: Teaching First ID092 Abstract: We should not vie to represent ourselves as aspiring to a research-oriented RG-type position. We will not out-compete the Russell Group on research, but we can and do on the quality of our teaching A Unique Keele Education
  • ID103 Keele Commercial Function ID103 Abstract: Establish a small team dedicated working across the institution to identify, assess, prioritise, secure and deliver tendered opportunities, external grant funding and other financial instruments Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID108 Creating Clear Career Pathways and Internal Talent Mobility for IDS Staff ID108 Abstract: This proposal sets out a practical approach to improving career progression and internal mobility for IDS staff, with potential to scale across Professional Services. Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID112 Skills Recognition, Profiles and Organisational Mobility for Staff ID112 Abstract: This proposal suggests a redefinition or reimagining of staffing structures, both academic and amongst professional services across the University Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID130 Keele Amphitheatre Renovation Project - Revisited ID130 Abstract: We propose to restore the “amphitheatre” in Terrace Wood so it can be used as an outdoor laboratory and multifunctional event space. Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID133 Overnight Campus Accommodation for Commuting Students ID133 Abstract: Overnight campus accommodation for commuting students who want to attend a social event or ensure they are on campus for an early exam or lecture the next day. Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID137 Home and Away: Enhancing Campus for Commuter Students ID137 Abstract: Many students have very intensive days coupled with long commutes, and the opportunity to cheaply stay overnight may reduce their costs as well as provide convenience and greater freedom to study Civic and Community Activities, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID139 Affordable campus housing for recent Keele graduates ID139 Abstract: Allowing recent Keele graduates to rent University properties, provided that rents are set at an affordable level for individuals beginning their first graduate roles. Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID141 BSc in Performing Arts - Musical Theatre and/or Dance pathways ID141 Abstract: With the nearest course locations being Staffordshire, Manchester, Leicester, and Liverpool. Given this, this is a course that the University may be consider offering in the future. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID144 Keele Scouts Engagement Programme ID144 Abstract: Keele University could develop a structured programme of engagement with the UK Scouting Association, enabling Scouts, Cubs, and Explorers as well as similar organisations such as Guiding Civic and Community Activities
  • ID147 Research & Impact Strategic Development Fund ID147 Abstract: Keele could establish a University-wide Academic Buyout Fund to give Keele the flexibility to release academic time for strategically important research, impact, engagement and partnership activity The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID158 Improving Campus Space Utilisation ID158 Abstract: The University has 43 buildings located unevenly on campus. This is a large number of buildings for the size of the student body and involves high maintenance costs, alongside other challenges. Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus
  • ID161 A Vision for English at Keele ID161 Abstract: Evolution beyond routine curriculum refresh is necessary to the programme’s survival, so we propose a review of the English offer, principally in terms of portfolio but also extracurricular activity A Unique Keele Education
  • ID184 Research Specialisation and Reduction of our Research Funding Deficit ID184 Abstract: We should restructure our research to focus on key specialities and to provide support for staff to work in interdisciplinary teams to create critical mass in the areas we decide to focus on. The Future of Research and Innovation
  • ID185 Have our programmes become too specialist? ID185 Abstract: Keele was once known for allowing students to study two subjects in one degree. Accelerated Redesign introduced broader, integrated degrees with joint projects, avoiding separate subject silos. A Unique Keele Education
  • ID188 All academic staff, at every level of seniority, should teach  ID188 Abstract: All academic staff in the University, at every level of seniority, should undertake some teaching in each academic year A Unique Keele Education, Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID193 The Long-Minded University: A Century-Scale Living Artwork at Keele ID193 Abstract: We propose that Keele establishes a defining, long-term cultural programme that unfolds over decades—positioning the University as a leader in long-minded thinking and civic imagination. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design
  • ID200 The Volunteering University: Embedding Civic Contribution ID200 Abstract: We propose that Keele becomes known as The Volunteering University — a university where staff, students, alumni and the wider community are united through a shared commitment to civic contribution. Civic and Community Activities, Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID201 A University Fundraising Campaign to Support Strategic Priorities ID201 Abstract: Keele University should launch a coordinated fundraising campaign looking to secure over £20 million over five years, supporting a focused set of priorities. Institutional Effectiveness and Organisational Design, Civic and Community Activities
  • ID202 Bringing Keele Hall Back to the Heart of the Campus and Student Experience ID202 Abstract: This idea would transform Keele Hall into a fully accessible, high-quality, multi-purpose space that plays a central role in teaching, student experience, community activity and key moments. A Unique Keele Education, Sustainability and Innovative use of our campus
  • ID206 Active campus, active staff ID206 Abstract: This idea is about normalising movement as part of the working day as a visible and supported part of our culture; and legitimising time during the day for physical activity - not just at lunch. Improving staff and student experience and wellbeing
  • ID217 From Science Park to a Nationally Significant Innovation District ID217 Abstract: Keele’s Science and Innovation Park should be expanded to create a nationally significant Innovation District — a place where research, business, skills and community activity are brought together. The Future of Research and Innovation