Much has changed since our last strategic plan, Ideas Can, concluded in 2020. As we look ahead, we are excited to begin shaping a new strategy that reflects our collective priorities and guides the Federation in the years to come. This strategic planning process will be shaped by the voices of our members, partners, and the broader humanities and social sciences community, ensuring that it supports us all in responding to new and emerging challenges and contributing to a strong and sustainable future.
While the Federation’s Board of Directors is responsible for approving the Strategic Plan, we believe that whole community participation is essential to its success. We are committed to engaging our members throughout the consultation phase to ensure we reflect a shared vision for the Federation’s future. By learning more about the priorities and aspirations of our community, we aim to develop a strategy that is both grounded and forward-looking.
We are working with Higher Education Strategy Associates (HESA) to support the Strategic Plan's development. HESA’s team includes highly experienced facilitators with deep knowledge of the higher education sector.
Development timeline
- Phase 1: Intensive consultation
- A survey of Federation stakeholders (spring) [Complete]
- A series of engagement sessions with Federation members, stakeholders, and the community (Congress 2025 in-person consultations, summer virtual consultations) [Complete]
- Phase 2: Strategic development (August 2025) [Complete]
- Phase 3: Plan development and finalization (Autumn-Winter 2025)
Latest update (January)
Approaching the Federation’s next strategic phase
The development of the Federation’s next strategic plan, 2026–2030: Inflection Point, is nearing completion. It will be released publicly in March. Inflection Point marks a period of careful reflection on the conditions facing the humanities and social sciences (HSS), and on the Federation’s role within a changing postsecondary landscape.
Developed through consultation and analysis over the past year, the plan will set out clear directions for the Federation’s work over the next five years, including how we strengthen national infrastructure, support our members, and respond to emerging pressures and opportunities across the sector.
We look forward to introducing the plan and outlining how it will guide the Federation and the community in the years ahead.