Top 100: University remains ambitious in the face of ‘increasing financial and operating challenges’

If ever the University of Gloucestershire was all-in it is now; tough headwinds continue, but the university is staring them down - and has put millions of pounds of investment on the table.

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Clare Marchant, vice chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire

Increased financial and operating challenges have demanded 'robust budgetary control' at the University of Gloucestershire, but a new leader is in place and the institution remains determined to pursue its exciting plans.  

When Steven Marston arrived at the university back in 2011 significant challenges were also afoot across the sector, but the new vice chancellor's weapon of choice was ambition - and when he moved on last summer he left in place a “significant transformational programme”.  

The task of ensuring those programmes are a success has now fallen to former UCAS boss Clare Marchant, who took on the role on a salary reportedly in the region of £200,000.  

According to the university’s most recent annual report, just published, that “transformational programme” is focused on “establishing an affordable cost base, growing income and improving outcomes and to further improving the student experience”.  

If you read that and assume all is not well under the bonnet of what is also one of Gloucestershire’s key economic catalysts, you would be quite wrong.  

Its plans to reach the economies of scale it desires are bold, on track and if anything the future has never looked so bright.

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