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In September last year the Office of Strategy, Planning and Performance (SPP) was created within the Senior Deputy Vice Chancellor’s portfolio. The team’s new Director, Robert Webster, joined UWA last month making the team complete. Robert brings to the role a range of skills and expertise in strategy, planning and business intelligence gained working in the Australian university sector.

The Office manages three key functions:

-          Strategy and Planning, led by Paula Langley

-          Risk and Legal, led by Jeremy Riggs

-          Performance Analytics, led by Natalie Mast

“The Office was brought together to build a comprehensive planning support function to help UWA achieve its strategic aspirations,” Robert says.

“We will work closely with the Executive, faculties, institutes and service groups to help focus our activities on UWA-wide excellence and sustainability.”

“We also have a new focus on performance analytics and converting our abundant data into knowledge and insights. For example how can we gain a deep understanding about courses, teaching, recruitment and services so that students are happy, successful and become active members of the UWA community?”

“By using data analysis to cast a light on these types of scenarios, we will be able to make better informed decisions, manage resources accordingly and achieve our objectives.”

The team has a number of big pieces of work coming up, including working with faculties and service groups on University planning, risk analysis and performance reporting processes.

“These are a foundation that will allow us to develop a coherent and shared UWA work plan. Once we have this we can build a clear bridge between UWA activity and what is required to meet our strategic objectives and maintain sustainability,” he says.

Robert is currently in the process of meeting with faculties and stresses his door is open to chat.

“We’re committed to working closely with all UWA stakeholders and I’m happy to answer any questions people may have about what we’re doing and why,” he says.

“Essentially it’s about collaborating across the University and having ongoing conversations to ensure we are aligned and moving in the same direction. UWA can’t achieve its strategic aspirations and overcome external challenges if we work in isolation.”