Radical Collaboration: a new playbook for university leaders

In the face of mounting financial pressures and structural challenges, the higher education sector is being called upon to think differently. A new joint report from KPMG UK and Mills & Reeve, Radical Collaboration: A Playbook, offers timely and practical guidance for university leaders exploring new models of working together.

Commissioned by Universities UK’s Transformation and Efficiency Taskforce, the playbook responds directly to sector-wide calls for clarity on how institutions might collaborate more deeply—whether through shared services, strategic alliances, or more transformative partnerships. It sets out a framework for navigating the complex decisions involved in rethinking institutional structures, with a focus on cost-efficiency, resilience, and long-term sustainability.

As Martin Priestley, Head of Education at Mills & Reeve, notes, the playbook is “invaluable” for institutions seeking to collaborate more effectively. Justine Andrew, Head of Education, Skills and Productivity at KPMG UK, adds that the report arrives at a “crucial time” and provides a “roadmap” for navigating the sector’s current complexities.

The report demystifies the concept of radical collaboration, offering a toolkit of ideas, structures, and questions to help leaders assess what might work best for their institution. It does not prescribe a one-size-fits-all solution but instead encourages thoughtful, iterative exploration of what collaboration could look like in practice.

Sir Nigel Carrington, Chair of the UUK Taskforce, describes the report as “an important step” in enabling the sector to engage with new ways of working. Professor Sir Chris Husbands highlights its accessible presentation and deep analysis, calling it a valuable resource for shaping the future of higher education.

For senior leaders, Radical Collaboration: A Playbook is more than a report—it’s a strategic tool for navigating change with confidence and clarity.