Our values and behaviours
Our values and behaviours have been developed with extensive input from people across our university community.
Through a series of engaging values workshops we gathered insight from over 400 people about what our values really mean in practice and how these relate to our many different roles and contexts. This insight was then used to develop a set of behaviours under each of our values.
Our behaviours are there to guide our actions and decisions and to help us all understand what we can expect of each other.
Whether we’re collaborating with other colleagues, engaging with students, or contributing to our community, these behaviours serve as a helpful guide to ensure our values are reflected in all that we do.
Authentic
We are honest, trustworthy and open, we respect one another and build confidence across our community.
We do this by:
- Being truthful and open in all our communications, even when it’s difficult.
- Actively listening to others, acknowledging their feelings and responding with compassion.
- Speaking up to challenge behaviours that undermine our purpose and values.
- Staying true to our word, ensuring what we say matches what we do.
- Seeking to understand where others are coming from and trusting that their intentions are positive.
Adventurous
We are progressive, ambitious and strive to achieve our best.
We do this by:
- Exploring new ideas and approaches knowing that we won’t always get it right and that it might feel uncomfortable.
- Embracing setbacks and viewing failures as an opportunity to learn, continually improve and grow.
- Pioneering new methods that set new standards in education and research, inspiring others to follow.
- Being open to change and working collaboratively with others to navigate and implement changes effectively.
- Believing in our own ability and that of your colleagues to do the right thing at the right time.
Responsible
We are accountable for our actions, we care for ourselves, others and our environment.
We do this by:
- Taking ownership of our work and evaluating the potential consequences of our actions and decisions.
- Setting and agreeing realistic expectations for ourselves and others.
- Offering support and assistance to one another, voicing concerns and recognising that our collective success depends on the well-being and growth of us all.
- Adopting environmentally friendly habits, participating in sustainability initiatives, and promoting environmental stewardship.
- Adhering to university policies, procedures and regulations, and legislation to ensure a compliant and safe environment for us all.
Creative
We work imaginatively and innovatively. We find solutions and we are smart in the way that we apply our resources and capitalise on our strengths.
We do this by:
- Approaching our work with curiosity, seeking new knowledge and asking questions.
- Readily sharing our skills, expertise and talents, whilst recognising and appreciating the strengths of others.
- Making the most of the resources available to us and not letting perfection get in the way of timeliness.
- Thinking beyond our immediate responsibilities, considering the larger context of our work, and collaborating across different teams and departments.
- Removing obstacles and giving responsibility to others, providing support where needed.
Collaborative
We foster team spirit and create a strong sense of community. We work together with colleagues, students and partners.
We do this by:
- Engaging with each other, our students and partners in a timely and considerate way to co-design solutions ensuring everyone feels heard and respected.
- Setting aside time to build and nurture relationships, developing networks and understanding each other’s priorities and goals to enhance collaboration.
- Celebrating our achievements and milestones together, acknowledging the efforts and contributions of everyone involved.
- Being prepared to seek and receive constructive challenge and feedback.
- Participating in and encouraging open, honest and clear communication.