Universities UK supports its member institutions in the achievement of their individual aims and objectives by providing high quality leadership and promoting a successful and diverse higher education sector.
As a fundamental principle, we acknowledge that the diversity and autonomy of the UK’s higher education sector are critical to its success.
In all our work we support the strength of higher education throughout the UK, whilst fostering national and regional differences in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. UUK works on behalf of all its members in the UK and on behalf of English and Northern Irish members. Specific work on devolved issues is undertaken by Universities Scotland and Universities Wales for Scottish and Welsh members.
The principal benefits and services we offer to our members are as follows.
Policy development, analysis and research
research, analysis and advice to inform policy positions, advocacy work and campaigns
input to major consultations and reviews which shape higher education policy
access to guidelines, toolkits, good practice and benchmarking material
Advocacy and campaigns
advocacy and influencing to promote the interests of the sector
high profile campaigns to promote higher education
with Universities UK International, representing and promoting UK universities in Europe and internationally
Representing the sector, influencing, and media and political engagement access to networks and contacts across government and beyond
lobbying on behalf of the sector in parliament to influence debates and legislation relevant to higher education
influencing the media on a significant range of issues, often being the first port of call for journalists
influencing and campaigning through social media, including via UUK’s Twitter account of 50,000 followers
Providing information and member-specific services
a regular members-only newsletter from the chief executive
three Members’ Meeting a year and an Annual Conference addressing strategic issues across the UK
high quality and timely information and advice, including legal, technical and best practice guidance
engagement with UUK task groups and policy networks which lead initiatives and advise on UUK policy development
a forum representing the interests of specialist institutions in membership of UUK
opportunities for new vice-chancellors to engage with the challenges of being new in post and to network
Supporting sector infrastructure
Sector-wide negotiations and stakeholder engagement
engagement with sector-wide negotiations that deliver efficiencies and savings including pensions reform, accounting standards, copyright, student accommodation, and rating revaluations
brokering international partnerships and scholarship programmes
strong links with sector networks including the funding and research councils, the Committee of University Chairs, and the National Union of Students
Providing sector services
