Foundation
The way we connect with our stakeholders
Together we can be the catalyst for a step change in the economic and cultural growth of our regions.
At the heart of UHI’s mission is our commitment to creating a transformational impact on the prospects of our regions—its economy, its people, and its communities. We achieve this through collaboration, openness, respect and excellence, ensuring that these values are embedded in everything we do.
We recognise that we cannot achieve this in isolation. True progress comes from engagement, partnership, and shared vision. That is why we actively connect with the people and communities we serve, striving for mutual benefit and collective success.
Foundation is our external network, a vital bridge between UHI and our communities serving as a custodian of our Articles of Association, helping to shape the university’s future, champion UHI’s mission, and driving positive change across the regions we serve.
The role of Foundation and commitment from members
The role of Foundation and commitment from members
Our Foundation is truly representative of all our stakeholders, bringing together external organisations, businesses, community leaders, staff across the academic partnership, students and alumni from every corner of the Highlands and Islands, Moray and Perthshire and beyond.
To be as impactful as possible, we request our members make a commitment to the Foundation, initially for three years, with the request that all members proactively participate in the following:
- To act as a custodian of the UHI articles of association.
- To attend and actively participate in Foundation meetings - 3 meetings per annum online and a conference meeting which is held in-person at a UHI partner venue with the ability to join online.
- From the perspective of stakeholders, to share information of relevance to UHI to feed into UHI strategy.
- To review UHI’s strategy and plans and provide constructive feedback.
- To act as UHI ambassadors, championing the university and its key messages as widely as possible and raise awareness within respective spheres of influence.
- To engage in open innovation with the university, helping solve challenges.
A dynamic two-way dialogue
A dynamic two-way dialogue
Foundation fosters an open, two-way dialogue—allowing us to work together, harness the power of our collective voice, and help shape UHI’s strategy and impact in action. Through this collaboration, we create a university partnership that our stakeholders feel a true sense of ownership over—one that reflects their needs and enriches their lives.
History of Foundation
History of Foundation
Foundation has played a pivotal role in the development and governance of UHI since its inception. Here's a concise overview of its history:
- 1997: The UHI Foundation was established, with Val MacIver serving as its first president.
- 1998: The Foundation made a significant decision to reconstitute UHI with new governance structures, marking a transformative period in the institution's evolution.
- 1998: Donnie Munro was elected as the first Rector of UHI, highlighting the Foundation's commitment to leadership and community representation.
- 2011: The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) is established following the award of university title by the Privy Council.
- 2017: The Privy Council grants research degree awarding powers, allowing the university to award its own doctoral qualifications.
Throughout its history, Foundation has served as a vital link between the university and its diverse communities, ensuring that governance and strategic decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of the region it serves.
Join us in shaping the future
Join us in shaping the future
We invite you to be part of this mission. Help us shape the future of UHI, ensuring it remains responsive to the voices of its stakeholders.
If you’d like to apply to join Foundation, please review the commitments we ask of our members and complete our online application form.
Together, we can build a university that makes a lasting difference.