08 January 2026 
Emma Walton-Pond, Communications Officer
People professionals play a vital role in the success, resilience and long-term sustainability of higher education. As the sector continues to navigate complexity, change and opportunity, the need for strong, connected and well-supported HR teams has never been greater. That is why we are pleased to share the UHR Plan 2026–2030, which sets out our vision, priorities and commitments for the next five years.
At the heart of the plan is a clear ambition: to support people professionals at every stage of their career and to strengthen the impact of the people profession across UK higher education. Developed with members firmly in mind, the plan builds on what UHR already does well while responding to the evolving needs of the sector.
Our vision for 2026–2030 is for UHR to be the leading network for people professionals in higher education, driving innovation and excellence in people management. Our mission reflects this, focusing on collaboration, professional development, resources and policy influence, all designed to help people professionals thrive and deliver impact within their institutions.
Throughout the plan, there is a strong commitment to integrity, inclusivity and continuous improvement, both in how UHR operates and in how we support our members to work within their own organisations.
Our priorities for the next five years are:
The UHR Plan 2026–2030 is more than a strategy document, it is a shared roadmap for how we will work with and for our members over the next five years. It reflects the collective strength of the UHR community and our ongoing commitment to supporting people professionals to succeed, influence and lead positive change in higher education.
We encourage all members to take the time to read the full plan and explore what it means for you, your role and your organisation. Together, we look forward to shaping a strong, inclusive and successful future.
UHR
