Imperial in 2019–20 | Annual Report and Accounts 2019–20
IMPERIAL’S BENEFIT TO SOCIETY We deliver public benefit by educating some of the world’s brightest students, creating a climate where staff can thrive, and building deep and lasting ties with our community and partners.
Imperial’s objects, mission and strategy Our Royal Charter, granted in 1907 when the College was established, defines our objects, or guiding principles. These are to provide the highest specialised instruction and the most advanced training, education, research and scholarship in science, technology and medicine, especially in their application to industry; and in pursuit of these objects to act in co-operation with other bodies. These objects continue to underpin our mission today. Our Strategy guides our work towards achieving this mission. We define the foundations of our work as our specialisation in science, engineering, medicine and business; our world class core academic disciplines; our emphasis on multidisciplinary research; and our vibrant, research-led, entrepreneurial environment. In our focus on people, we commit to building a supportive, inclusive and highly motivated staff community; enriching the student experience; and building strong relationships with our alumni and friends.
About public benefit As an exempt charity under the laws of England and Wales, by virtue of the Exempt Charities Order 1962 and the Third Schedule to the Charities Act 2011, each of Imperial’s purposes must be for the public benefit. The Office for Students regulates universities as charities on behalf of the Charity Commission. The Council, as the College’s Trustee, sets and reviews its objects and activities, with due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on the reporting of public benefit, particularly in relation to the advancement of education and fee charging.
Partners are critical to achieving our goals, and we commit to strengthening collaborations across the globe; working with industry to translate our innovative ideas into real-world benefits; informing decision-makers to influence policy; and sharing the wonder and importance of what we do with the public, schools and our local communities. The enablers that underpin our success are the strengthening and diversification of our revenue; professional support, consistent processes and appropriate technology for staff and students; and a commitment to acting courageously and innovatively when pursuing new opportunities.
Local students investigate architecture in White City as part of Creative Bricks, a collaborative outreach project by Imperial, The Royal College of Art and West London Zone.
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