Triangle
home Introduction and strategic aim Risks to equality of opportunity Objectives Intervention strategies
Whole provider approach Student consultation Evaluation of the plan Provision of information to students
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We have set our objectives and targets based on our assessment of performance. Where possible, the objectives and targets will be measurable by the Office for Students (OfS) APP Data Dashboard. The University of Nottingham's (UoN) objectives aim to address the most pressing indications of risk and their associated risks.

Given the current limitations of the OfS Dashboard in terms of provision of the latest performance data, we have supplemented the dashboard with our own internal data. This data closely aligns with the OfS' methodology. It provides a more up-to-date understanding of our performance and, consequently, enables us to set realistically ambitious targets. Where our internal data has shown gaps have further increased, we have adjusted our targets to reflect the extra challenge.

To ensure that we set targets that are both ambitious and realistic, a methodological approach has been adopted, examining factors such as engagement, external influences, financial investment, and internal considerations, including key dependencies with strategic programmes whilst also considering the significant financial challenges faced by the sector.

Additionally, an important factor considered when setting objectives, targets, and creating intervention strategies is intersectionality. We felt it was crucial to recognise that prospective and current students may possess multiple characteristics that need to be taken into account when establishing targets and framing intervention strategies. This ensures effective and efficient progress in reducing the inequality of opportunity for students at UoN.

We recognise that while not all indications of risk may directly align with the specific objectives outlined in this plan, those that are not objectives must be actively monitored and we will implement interventions as appropriate. By distinguishing key strategic priorities from monitoring, we can better focus our resource allocation. Objectives and targets outlined within this plan will be monitored and reported internally as seen within the monitoring of the plan section, in addition to externally by the OfS.


Objective one

To increase the proportion of students studying at UoN from lower socio-economic backgrounds we will focus on increasing the proportion of Free School Meal eligible students, which will also support our IMD Quintile 1 intake. We will also continue our collaboration with the national Realising Opportunities programme to support underrepresented students into higher education.

We will increase the percentage of students eligible for FSMs to 12% by 2028/29. We will do this by targeting our widening participation and outreach activities and improving the conversion rate of FSM-eligible applicants. We will also contribute to increasing the proportion of Realising Opportunities students tracked into HE who access a research-intensive university within two years of becoming ‘HE ready’ from a baseline of 48% in 2019/20 to 58% by 2028/29.

Objective two

To improve the experience and differential outcomes of different ethnicities, with a focus on Asian and Black students. We will monitor the difference in non-continuation rates between Black and White students. We will reduce the awarding gap between Asian and White students to 7% by 2028/29. We will reduce the Black and White awarding gap to 14.3% by 2028/29. We will achieve this by developing a more inclusive curriculum, continuing professional development related to inclusive teaching practice, enhancing co-curricular offerings, and engaging in cultural change.

Objective three

To improve the experience and differential outcomes of mature students by monitoring non-continuation and completion rates and reducing the awarding gap between mature and young students. We will reduce the mature student awarding gap to 7% by 2028/29. This will be achieved through the development of inclusive curricula and co-curricular enhancements that develop mature students’ sense of belonging.

Objective four

To improve the experience and differential outcomes for students from low-socioeconomic backgrounds. We will monitor completion rates and reduce the awarding gap for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds. We will reduce the awarding gap for FSM-eligible students to 9% by 2028/29. This will be achieved through the development of inclusive curricula, improved information and guidance, and improved financial support offering.

 

Intervention strategies and expected outcomes