51cg

The Directorate of Strategy, Planning & Data Insights plays a central role in shaping and enabling the University’s strategic ambitions.  Working closely with senior leaders across the University, the Directorate provides professional expertise in institutional planning, performance management, data analysis & insight, risk management, project management, and strategic change and transformation.

The Directorate leads the institutional strategic planning process, which underpins delivery of our Aberdeen2040 strategy, and which forms part of a wider, integrated annual planning process.  This includes the development of plans to support delivery of strategic priorities at university and local levels, and monitoring of institutional and local Key Performance Indicators, aligned to our Aberdeen 2040 commitments, alongside risk management, degree programme management and student number planning.

Our Data Insights team supports the effective development, monitoring, control and reporting of institutional performance measures and oversight of key datasets, providing valuable insights and enabling interventions as needed.  The team provides institutional leadership with critical management information and performance reporting, plays a key role in overseeing statutory and regulatory returns, and monitors league table performance, education and student experience indicators. 

Our Project Management Office serves as a centre of excellence for project management, supporting the successful delivery of strategic and transformational projects and programmes across the University.  It provides oversight of the University’s portfolio of strategic projects and programmes, reporting into the Senior Management Team, and is responsible for maintaining the institutional Project Management Methodology, provides training and support in project management skills and provides a valuable project assurance service, including Independent Value Assurance Reviews on significant and transformational projects.

Strategic Planning

Project Management Office

Data Insights

The Governance team plays a central role in supporting the University’s governance framework, ensuring effective decision-making, transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance.  The team provides expert advice and professional support to senior leaders, governing bodies and committee members, fostering a culture of good governance and continuous improvement. 

The team is responsible for the effective operation and co-ordination of University business through the institutional governance framework, ensuring compliance with legislative requirements, the Scottish Code of Good Higher Education Governance, and sector best practice. 

The University’s governance framework comprises three principal bodies and their associated sub-committees:

• University Court (the governing body of the University):
  • Audit & Risk Committee
  • Finance & Resourcing Committee
  • Governance & Nominations Committee
  • Remuneration Committee
  • Partnership and Negotiating Consultative Committee (PNCC)
  • Pension Advisory Group
    
    
• University Senate (responsible for all academic matters relating to teaching and research):
  • Senate Business Committee
  • Honorary Degrees Committee
  • University Education Committee
  • Quality Assurance Committee
  • University Research Committee
    
    
• General Council (representative body comprising graduates and most serving or retired academic staff):
  • General Council Business Committee

The Governance Team also designs and leads governance improvement projects, including statutory and best practice governance effectiveness & efficiency reviews.   The team provides authoritative advice and guidance on a range of governance matters, including the interpretation and application of the institutional Delegated Authority Schedule, decision-making processes and the signature and use of the University Seal.  

Governance Contacts:

For general governance queries, please email gest@abdn.ac.uk.
For general Senate queries, please email senate.admin@abdn.ac.uk.

The Executive Support team provides high-quality executive, professional and administrative support to members of the University’s senior leadership team, enabling effective leadership and decision-making across the University and supporting the successful delivery of the University’s strategic priorities. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing professional support for senior leaders through the provision of professional advice, guidance and the preparation of briefings, reports, presentations, speeches and correspondence;
• Leading and co-ordinating projects and initiatives of strategic and institutional significance, ensuring delivery against defined objectives and priorities;
• Delivering comprehensive executive support, including diary management and travel co-ordination;
• Managing financial administration processes, including invoices, expenses and budgetary monitoring;
• Managing and servicing key leadership meetings and forums, including the Senior Management Team, University Management Group and other groups as required, ensuring effective administration, co-ordination and follow-through of actions and decisions.

Leadership of the University’s contribution to the DFN Project SEARCH 51cg programme is also provided from within the Executive Support team.  Project SEARCH is a one-year Internship programme supporting young people (aged 16-24) with additional needs across Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire to gain skills and experience to move into employment.

Executive Support Contacts:

For further information, please reach out to the relevant Executive Support team member or contact Heather Crabb, Head of Principal's Office (h.crabb@abdn.ac.uk), tel: 01224 272404.