Medr publishes its vision for Wales’s tertiary education and research sector

Medr, the organisation that funds and regulates tertiary education and research in Wales, has published its first Strategic Plan for a more ‘joined-up and inclusive sector’.

The Plan, which was consulted on publicly in September and October 2024, sets out Medr’s ambitions for a collaborative sector that delivers high-quality learning and research, meeting the needs of the economy and society, improving participation rates in tertiary education, and creating more flexible pathways for learners.

Medr provided employers, trade unions and learners, alongside tertiary education providers and other stakeholders, with an opportunity to get involved in the consultation, which drew more than 100 responses.

These responses were considered for the final version, which was approved by Welsh Ministers on 25 February 2025.

Professor Dame Julie Lydon, Chair of Medr, said:

“I am proud to be here as I believe in – and in fact, I am the product of – the transformational power of tertiary education and research. We are all ambitious about Wales’s future: for our people, our communities, and our economy. We are committed to ensuring that the tertiary education and research sector plays its part.

“To ensure that every learner in Wales finds their path, we need a coherent tertiary education and research system – one that makes the most of the potential of our people and of our providers. Medr is here to ensure we have that system.

“This Plan is the first step towards realising that ambitious long-term vision. We are looking forward to working with partners to turn it into a reality.”

Simon Pirotte OBE, Chief Executive of Medr, said:

“We want every learner in Wales to find the best learning for them: the right type, in the right place, at the right time. We are confident that our vision is shared across Wales, and that by moving forward together, as one sector united by shared ambition and purpose, we can unlock the potential of a system that is greater than the sum of its parts.

“We know that the meaningful involvement of our stakeholders and partners is key to Medr’s success in ensuring our tertiary education and research system delivers for learners and for Wales. That’s why we have engaged regularly with all parts of the system: learners, providers, and organisations that operate across the sector, as well as local authorities, trade unions, the Welsh Government and other public bodies. We have also actively involved our workforce in developing the Plan. We will continue to work in partnership as we put our plan into action.

“We have already delivered our short term objective to get us up and running. From this smooth transition we will now move towards delivering our vision – both for us as a regulator, and for the tertiary education and research sector. I am privileged to have been entrusted with building this organisation, and providing a solid foundation upon which Medr can realise its ambition for a strong tertiary education and research sector.”

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, said:

“There are many opportunities available to post-16 learners in Wales, whether it be academic or vocational. Medr’s role is to help shape and drive improvement across the tertiary education sector in Wales to best support our learners.

“Medr’s plan comes at a very important time for post-16 education, as a government we want to increase participation in this area. Medr will play a vital role in this work to continue to deliver the education, skills and economic growth we need in Wales.”

Strategic Plan 2025-2030