Our Purpose
An Explanation
We realised early in the process of our 2025 Conversation, from which this Purpose was developed, that being part of the University of Oxford is integral to the identity and purpose of St Anne’s and that our
aspirations and ambitions have to be set in the
context of the University’s vision.
Aspiration
This is our highest-level purpose, the ‘why’ we
exist and why our people do what they do. I
have seen how dedicated so many members of
College are to their work and, in particular, the
pressure our Fellows put themselves under to
conduct their world leading research, tutor their
students and support the College in a myriad
of ways. I was inspired to hear their answers
when they discussed the fundamental ‘why’
that motivates them. The strong consensus
that it is to understand the world and change
it for the better has been unwavering since it
was first shared. This aspiration surely captures
what education and research is for at an
individual as well as institutional level
Ambition
This is a statement that captures the ‘what’: what we are and what we do. It
contains ambitions that can at some level be monitored and measured, so we can be clear if progress is being made. Although it appears as one sentence, it contains 5 separate ambitions for planning purposes:
- to be a diverse community
- to be an inclusive community
- to contribute to the University’s vision to lead the world in education
- to contribute to the University’s vision to lead the world in research, and
- to secure the College’s legacy and future
Goals
These capture what St Anne’s is or wants to be and do at its best. They form two sections with the lower 3 beliefs specifically representing the commitments of trustees, i.e. members of Governing Body.
Values
Our values determine how we do what we do and have been paired. In some cases the two concepts clearly complement (forward looking & outward facing, diverse & multidisciplinary) in others they contrast, perhaps reflecting a
tension but not a contradiction (ambitious & down-to-earth, independent & collaborative, rigorous & supportive).
Approach
This is deliberately a very short memorable phrase that can be applied by any member of the St Anne’s community to what they do: as applicable to a porter or chef in the kitchens, as it is to a new student, tutor, graduate, or the Principal. It is based on the St Anne’s College motto Consulto et Audacter, translated as Purposefully and Boldly. Individually and collectively, members of St Anne’s carefully consider their purpose and then are prepared to pursue it boldly.
Our Aspiration
To understand the world and change it for the better
Goals
As a community, to:
- Be the home of choice for the brightest and most ambitious students, including those from under represented groups.
- Support, enable and promote the excellence of our academics’ research.
- Inspire and challenge our students to fulfil their academic potential and prepare for future careers.
- Respect, celebrate, listen, and learn from the diversity of people, their ideas, experiences, and achievements.
- Support and guide all in our community to be well and do well, and develop skills and readiness for the future.
- Seek in our decisions and actions to have a positive impact on people, place and planet.
- Build on the College’s rich history and values in the distinct and enduring contribution we make to the University’s future.
- Secure the funding, facilities and resources of a world class college that attracts the brightest minds and supports their aspirations.
As trustees and Governing Body members, to:
- Leave the College stronger than we found it, fit for the long term.
- Discharge our duty of care to staff, students and academics.
- Inspire all students with the joys of intellectual pursuit as we advance world class research.
Our Ambition
To be a diverse and inclusive community contributing to the University’s vision to
lead the world in education and research, and securing the College’s legacy and future
Our Approach
Purposefully and Boldly
Our Values
Forward looking & Outward facing
Diverse & Multidisciplinary
Ambitious & Down-to-earth
Independent & Collaborative
Rigorous & Supportive