Leadership Framework

We are proud of our Leadership Framework, a key initiative designed to shape a positive and engaging culture at the University of Bedfordshire. It’s all about creating a working environment where our staff can thrive and deliver the best outcomes possible for our students.

Based on feedback from all staff, and considering the diverse and specific needs of our students, the framework was developed by our Strategic Delivery Group (SDG)—comprising 45 of our most senior leaders. The framework sets out the essential competencies and behaviours that define great leadership at our university.

• Watch our introductory video here to learn more about the Leadership Framework! 

What is the Leadership Framework?

The Leadership Framework provides clear guidance on what we expect from our leaders and how they contribute to a thriving work environment. It is built around four key pillars:

• Future Focused

Leading change to ensure the success and sustainability of our university.

• Connect and Include

Championing an inclusive, anti-racist, and values-driven culture.

• Create, Learn, Deliver

Driving innovation, continuous improvement, and impactful results.

• Build Brilliant Teams

Supporting, developing, and inspiring our people to reach their full potential.

 

Who is the Leadership Framework for?

Leadership is not just about job titles—anyone can be a leader. While line managers have specific responsibilities in embedding the framework, we encourage all staff to apply these principles in their daily roles.

Supporting Leadership Development

To help leaders to live our Leadership Qualities, we are introducing a Leadership Development Programme for line managers, with training courses covering:

✅ Leading and managing change

✅ Wellbeing for managers

✅ Creating an anti-racist culture

✅ Managing and improving performance

These development areas focus on some of the most crucial Leadership Qualities. As such as ask all line managers to participate in this training.

A broader learning and development programme is also available for all staff, covering topics such as bullying and harassment, dignity and respect at work, neurodiversity, anti-racism, and project management.

Embedding the Leadership Framework

✔️ All line managers will be expected to integrate Leadership Qualities into their annual PDR objectives.

✔️ Regular training, blogs, and resources continue to reinforce the framework.

✔️ Ongoing feedback and evaluation will ensure its effectiveness.

We are at the start of this exciting cultural change! Over time, more resources, videos, and updates will be added to this page.