The University of Winchester: Using Data to Redefine Community Impact

Nestled in the historic city of Winchester, in the south of England, the University of Winchester was originally established in 1840 to train teachers to serve disadvantaged communities. 175 years later, its goal to serve its community remains unchanged. 

Doing More with Less

In 2023, the University launched a strategic plan centred on transformational education and civic responsibility. A key element is Knowledge Exchange, focusing on applying knowledge for the greater good rather than just transferring it to students.

However, meeting local needs through education requires a deep understanding of the University's surrounding economic landscape and job market strengths and gaps. It was crucial to be strategic - but equally important to be realistic. With limited resources, the University had to understand exactly where its efforts would be best placed to maximise value. 

The Solution: Harnessing Lightcast Data

With impactful, long-term projects like this, priorities must be defined based on reliable data, not guesses. Recognising the need for evidence-based decision-making, the University of Winchester partnered with Lightcast to access its powerful Analyst tool.

1. Creating a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Strategy 

The University embedded data from Analyst into its CPD course approval process, ensuring every course aligns with job market needs. According to Jo:

We’ve had instances where faculty proposed courses based on anecdotal feedback, but Lightcast data revealed just six relevant job postings in two years . The data closed that conversation down quickly. We could then argue that access to Lightcast data saved us a lot of money in staff time.

Lightcast data also helped expand existing offerings, such as identifying demand for project management skills in healthcare, leading to plans for a cross-faculty "agile project management in healthcare" course.

2. Targeting Regional Impact with Economic Clusters

With much larger universities nearby in Southampton and Portsmouth, the University of Winchester knew that mimicking the strategies of these bigger institutions in bigger cities could only take them so far.

Why try to compete?" says Jo. "Wouldn’t it be more effective to find where geographically our expertise can have an impact and target those areas rather than following the herd?

Using Lightcast’s StrengthFinder and Cluster Explorer reports within the Analyst platform, the University pinpointed economic clusters where its strengths align with local needs. This data-driven focus allows the University to make a mark in a competitive region by targeting areas where it can lead rather than follow. 

Lightcast has enabled the University to serve its community more effectively, focusing on areas where its contributions can create lasting regional benefits. Jo explains:

We have been able to really look at the way in which the University is embedded within the local community and are taking a leading role within that strategy.

3. Increasing Regional Engagement 

The University has leveraged Lightcast’s insights to strengthen collaborations with organisations such as the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and the Winchester City Council. By identifying key economic drivers through reports in Analyst such as Cluster Explorer and Business Unit Count, the University has taken a proactive role in regional projects.

A prime example is its leadership in the Winchester District Cultural Strategy 2024-2030. Lightcast data helped map the creative and cultural sectors, benchmark progress, and guide the strategy’s long-term success. As Jo attests:

Lightcast data is a powerful tool for testing ideas before committing and providing evidence to back our decisions.

Building Confidence and Creating Impact

By embedding Lightcast data into its strategy, the University of Winchester has seen measurable results, ensuring its efforts are both impactful and sustainable.

Faculty members now have the tools to make data-driven decisions, ensuring effective resource allocation by focusing on opportunities with real local demand. Plus, by combining its rich heritage with Lightcast data insights, the University of Winchester is redefining what it means to serve its community in a competitive landscape. 

Looking ahead, the University plans to expand its use of Lightcast data across all faculties and explore its potential for programme identification and review exercises.

Lightcast gives us the confidence to move forward.

If you would like to explore how you can use Lightcast data to review your course portfolio and drive regional impact, contact our team below. 

💡 Check out more case studies on how universities are using our data to help achieve their mission.

• How Falmouth University is Shaping a Future-Ready Portfolio

• The University of Huddersfield: How Lightcast Is Empowering University-Wide Transformation

• The University of Derby: Using Lightcast to Review Courses and Boost Employability 

• Nottingham Trent: Using Lightcast to Create a Portfolio for a New University Hub

• Open University of Catalonia: Boosting Course Quality and Improving Graduate Employability