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Our people are our most important asset

Our people are enormously important to us. They don’t just play a role in keeping our University running day to day - they’re central to our long-term success, and to helping us deliver against our overarching strategy and our unique purpose.

Our strategy keeps us moving in the same direction, our purpose and values set the tone for everything that we do.

Our purpose

The reason we’re here is simple: we want to enrich lives and change the world through the advancement of learning.

Our purpose guides the choices we make, inspires our people and our students, and drives us to promote inclusivity, civic responsibility, and much more.

Find out more about our purpose and values here.

Our core lived values

We have also defined what we call our Core Lived Values. Linking to our brand attributes, these are the guiding principles which drive us all every day, whatever our role at Durham.

  • Inclusivity

Together we celebrate difference, value one another, and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

  • Integrity

We are open, honest, ethical, lead and manage by example, and follow through on our commitments.

  • Collaboration

We listen to each other, disagree well, have a commitment to academic freedom, are compassionate, and work as a team to achieve our goals.

  • Commitment to Excellence

We strive for the highest standards of achievement in everything we do with an enthusiasm to learn, succeed, and flourish.

  • Citizenship

We develop well-rounded people who make a positive difference to local, national, and international communities and change the world.

Learn more about our Core Lived Values.

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