Approaches
- By increasing our commercial return, we will be able to sustain, grow and enhance our strategic ambitions.
- In conjunction with a range of partners we will be able to grow our programme of commercial activities to increase commercial income.
- By implementing systems and processes that support commercial growth we will be able to act swiftly on opportunities.
- In diversifying our sources of revenue, we will be able to mitigate any risk to our primary sources of income.
Case Study: The Friends of Herstmonceux Castle Estate
Financial Sustainability
We resolved to start 2023 by thinking long and hard about how we can best channel the overwhelming sense of support for the Castle that exists in our local community.
In January, we created a new network called, The Friends of Herstmonceux Castle Estate - one unified supporter group, we dare say with very different connections and history with the Castle – but undoubtedly a shared appreciation of the work that goes on here.
Membership of The Friends of Herstmonceux Castle Estate confers several additional benefits, including invitations to several exclusive, free, members only events throughout the year, a free castle tour, a free garden tour and some special out-of-season events.
The Friends of Herstmonceux Castle Estate scheme drives local interest in the work of Bader College as well as arguably the better-publicised and immediately obvious biodiversity and rewilding projects on the wider Castle Estate. Any funds we raise through our memberships, ticket sales and donations throughout the year will be used to support work on our estate’s infrastructure and the gardens and grounds themselves, to help preserve our reputation for delivering an outstanding visitor experience.
As of June 2023, we have had a great response to the initiative, with over four-hundred supporters having applied for membership.
Empowering People
Our ambition is to foster an environment where the contribution of all colleagues is recognised and respected. We actively encourage creativity and enterprise and continue to build on our reputation for attracting, rewarding and retaining colleagues who share our collective ambitions and demonstrate the expertise, experience and behaviours to deliver them.
Exceptional Education
Through our exceptional and unique education programmes our students develop the knowledge, skills and attributes to equip them to investigate and solve some of the world’s most complex problems. By personalising learning, which combines academic theory, practical experience, and personal development, students are able to accelerate their learning in an inclusive and supportive environment that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration with their professors and peers from across the globe. We collaborate with partners to take our students’ learning beyond the traditional classroom environment.
Enhancing our Estate
As custodians of our historic Estate, we continue to develop it in a sustainable manner, safeguarding it for future generations. In delivering our strategic ambitions, we have a positive impact within the local community and more widely. We play an important international role in nature restoration and biodiversity, whilst working to become nationally recognised for the sustainability of historic buildings.
Financial Sustainability
The careful stewardship of resources by Bader College ensures that we remain financially and environmentally sustainable. By enhancing our commercial activity and working together collaboratively, we ensure a sustainable financial model that underpins all our educational, estate and community activities.
Connecting in the Community
We play an important role in our local, national and global community by using our resources, expertise and connections to enrich the prospects of our students, our partners and those around us.