The report, “Towards a New Era of Collaboration” is the result of work initiated by Universities UK and led by independent Chair Sir Nigel Carrington. It calls for a fundamental shift in thinking, with a much greater focus on how universities across the UK can work together, share services and assets, and collaborate in the national interest.
The report identifies seven key opportunities for transformation, amongst which is the exploration of collaborative structures between institutions, from shared provision of some teaching, federations, partnerships and even mergers.
Beyond calling for more collaborative structures, the Taskforce has set out a series of other opportunities that would help universities drive even greater efficiencies:
- Sharing more services and infrastructure – a concept supported by 91% of senior leaders surveyed by the Taskforce
- Using economies of scale and sector buying power
- Supporting digital transformation
- Adopting a common approach to assessing efficiency and benchmarking costs
- Evolving leadership and governance
- Creating the right policy and regulatory environment that helps universities go further, faster (1)
There is a specific role for LUPC and UKUPC to play working with members to review the effectiveness of existing frameworks, and with HEPA to review the approach to collective purchasing, including promoting national purchasing. The sector is being asked to recommit to make substantial increases in non-pay spend being delivered through framework agreements. More information on how we will respond to the actions required by the report will be provided in due course.
LUPC’s shared procurement service for member organisations, Ensemble Purchasing could also be a solution for some of our smaller members who would benefit from being part of a VAT exempt cost sharing procurement group. Please contact Don Bowman for more information.
(1) Universities UK. (2025) ‘Bold reform needed to transform universities facing critical financial pressures’ Available at: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/what-we-do/creating-voice-our-members/media-releases/bold-reform-needed-transform (Accessed: 16 June 2025).
