On visions, plans and progress – shared steps forward

A message from the Chief Operating Officer Patrick Woods.

As we continue to align our work with ACU's Vision 2033, it's encouraging to see real momentum across a number of strategic initiatives - each designed to position us strongly for the years ahead.

Work is now underway on a 10-year action plan (known as our Long-Term Business Plan - LTBP) which will help us translate our vision into tangible, staged outcomes. With clearly defined responsibilities and accountabilities, the LTBP will serve as a strategic compass guiding where we focus our efforts and how we make decisions in support of our long-term ambitions.

It is understood that action is required on the various "Enablers" of our vision. In this context, we have begun early work on upgrading our Banner system (Student Management System) - a significant project that will, over time, deliver a more modern and integrated experience for our student community. In parallel, preparations are underway to commence the initial stage of discovery and feasibility work for a new Human Resources Information System (HRIS), positioning us to better support the future needs of our workforce. Updated Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) guidelines will also be released shortly, supporting our continued focus on flexible, fit-for-purpose ways of working.

Financially, we continue to track well - achieving budget and maintaining a strong position, which is critical for enabling continued investment in strategic priorities as defined by the LTBP in support of Vision 2033.

As this work progresses, it's equally important to reflect on how we lead. Last week's COO Portfolio Leadership Retreat provided a valuable opportunity for the senior team to step back from the operational and refocus on the strategic - and to reconnect with our purpose as a leadership group: to lead with intention, in service of our staff, students, and mission.

A central theme of the retreat was defining what it means to have a shared purpose. Through open and honest dialogue, we explored how a common sense of direction strengthens our leadership impact, anchors our decision-making, and helps unify our efforts across diverse portfolios. It reminded us, that clarity of purpose - collectively held - is essential to leading well together.

Our conversations recognised that leadership is not fixed - it evolves, matures and improves. As our university's needs continue to evolve, so too must our approach to how we lead, collaborate, and support one another. The retreat provided an opportunity to reflect on what it means to hold a licence to lead: to be the facilitators our outcomes and solutions, to support others, and to take shared responsibility for shaping a values-led, future-focused portfolio in support of the university goals.

It's also timely that this staff update coincides with the launch of Viva Engage across ACU. As we look to strengthen collaboration, connection and visibility, platforms like Viva Engage give us the chance to share, engage and lead in new and meaningful ways.

Thank you to all who are contributing to this next phase of ACU's journey. We are, together, taking a shared step forward.