Skip to main content
Diversity page header

University of Salford - Inclusive structures driving transformational change

Facilitated by Advance HE's 2021-22 Collaborative Development Fund Project, this case study is the University of Salford's contribution to the 'Inclusive institutions: enabling and supporting culture change' project.

The University of Salford project team explored cultural enablers that drive transformational change within our institution and our project has evidenced that a more inclusive culture grounded in a sense of belonging and value, leads to more impactful transformation when ingrained at the heart of large scale HE change projects. We highlighted ten enablers which are drawn from the strength and barrier themes that stem from the analysis of the research. 

We learned that the sticky culture at the heart of the institution provides an inclusive environment for impactful transformation based on strong foundations and organisational cohesion. Factors for success were strongly related to how change feels; and through consideration of the lived experience and the understanding of pre-existing cultures, more effective communication and a more connected inclusive approach can be adopted to drive transformational change.  Where this was present the outcome was more positive feelings about change across all levels of the organisation.

Our interactive case study captures key learning points enacted from transformational change that leans on and learns from pre-existing models. Success was found through tapping into shared motivations and personal drivers to craft an inclusive vision through the development of a culture of trust and belonging. We showcase our findings through a range of digital assets providing an evidence base for members seeking to explore and embed inclusive culture transformation.

Buff line

Introductory blog

In this introductory blog, Professor Jess Power gives an overview of the University of Salford project and shares her thoughts on inclusivity and belonging to drive institutional transformation within the higher education sector.

Read the blog
Jess Power
Buff line

Aims and objectives

The key objectives of the project were threefold: 

  • to examine how an institution can encourage a new culture to evolve 
  • to investigate the differences in the facilitation of culture transformation between four diverse Academic Schools  
  • to measure the impact in relation to benefits to staff in terms of wellbeing, a sense of belonging, value, and career development.

Interactive case study

The University of Salford project findings are showcased through a range of digital assets providing an evidence base for members seeking to explore and embed inclusive culture transformation.

Download the outputs
Student on laptop
Buff line

Project team

Jess Power

Professor of Teaching and Learning
,
University of Salford
Jess Power
Jess is Professor of Teaching and Learning at The University of Salford and lead for the newly formed Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre. She is a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Fellow of The Textile Institute, Fellow of Chartered Management Institute, and a National Teaching Fellow.

Matthew West

Flexible Learning Facilitator
,
University of Salford
Matthew West
Matthew is the Flexible Learning Facilitator at the University of Salford working within the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre. He has worked in HE for 30 years and within the field of Learning Technologies for the last 15 years.

Davina Whitnall

Researcher Development Manager
,
University of Salford
Davina Whitnall
Davina is Researcher Development Manager at the University of Salford and a freelance training consultant, writer and coach. She has worked in organisational development for over 20 years and in HE for over 13 years.

Eve Blezard

Researcher
,
University of Salford
Eve Blezard
Eve is an early career researcher passionate about improving local communities' sustainability through combined research and practice. She has recently completed her thesis at Salford University entitled: 'Change, Loss, and Community: Residents’ narratives of life on a social housing estate'.

Pouria Rafati

Researcher
,
University of Salford
Pouria Rafati
Pouria is a second-year PhD student in the field of Bionanotechnology. He is a Salford international excellence scholarship awardee and an early career researcher investigating novel methods of cancer therapy.

Andrea Stein

Researcher
,
University of Salford
Andrea Stein
Andrea, from South Africa, is in the 3rd year of her PhD in Applied Psychology. She is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society (BPS) MBPsS.

Paul Broster

Associate Dean Academic (Student Experience)
,
University of Salford
Paul Broster
Paul is Associate Dean Academic (Student Experience), School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology at the University of Salford. He is the School’s lead for student experience, working with a range of stakeholders to ensure students engage in high quality programmes and are equipped for fulfilling careers.

John Dermo

Academic Developer
,
University of Salford
John Dermo
John is an Academic Developer in the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre at the University of Salford, linked to the School of Arts, Media and Creative Technology. He is joint Programme Leader for the PG Cert in Academic Practice and leads on academic professional development and talent recognition, supporting staff with HEA Fellowship applications and Teaching Excellence Awards claims.

Siân Etherington

Academic Developer
,
University of Salford
Sian Etherington
Siân is an Academic Developer in the Learning and Teaching Enhancement Centre at the University of Salford, and consultant to the School of Health and Society. She is Co-chair of Salford Community for Excellence in Learning and Teaching and SCELT Pedagogic scholarship scheme and mentoring group, and joint Programme Leader for the PG Cert in Academic Practice.

Claire Hookham

Associate Dean Academic
,
University of Salford
Claire Hookham
Claire is the Associate Dean Academic (Quality and Enhancement) at Salford Business School. Claire has over 15 years' experience in Learning and Teaching within Higher Education, across three institutions.

Helen Keegan

Senior Lecturer
,
University of Salford
Helen Keegan
Helen is Senior Lecturer in Interactive Media at The University of Salford. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a National Teaching Fellow. She has a strong track record in curriculum and learning innovations, particularly focusing on technology-enhanced learning, open educational practices and emerging technologies.

Neil Withnell

Associate Dean Academic
,
University of Salford
Neil Withnell
Neil is Associate Dean Academic for the Student Experience in the School of Health & Society at the University of Salford. He has a passion for excellence in learning and teaching.