I am delighted to say that last Friday (3 July) the University’s Council approved the establishment of a new School of Lifelong Education and Future Skills (LEaFS).
Recommended by Senate, the School will aim to support the Sussex 2035 strategy, and the Recovery and Rebuilding Strategic Plan, with a focus on providing diverse routes for learners to access Higher Education throughout their lives, and develop skills for the future. It will support the University's approach to international, national and regional skills priorities, helping us to respond to these more effectively.
The new School will bring together a range of existing activities and teams within a single academic unit, enabling greater strategic planning, coordination and a clearer structure for engaging with all Faculties and Divisions.
The aims for the new School, which will be integral to the University’s Education and Student Life strategic plan, will include directly supporting student recruitment and income growth, promoting our civic engagement in education, and enhancing our reputation for high-quality learner experience.
LEaFS will be phased in over the coming year and formally launch in December 2026. Several internal academic roles will be advertised in due course. I am very pleased to be able to announce that Dr Maria Restuccia has accepted the role of Academic Lead for Online Distance Learning and I look forward to working with her in the new School.
The School, which will sit outside of the Faculty structure but have close links with all four Faculties, will have an office base on campus, it is yet to be decided where this will be. It will be led by an academic Dean (0.4 FTE), and I am happy to invite internal applications for this. The job description can be found on the University jobs page.
If you would like to apply please submit your application online by 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July.