Administrative and Service Departments Annual Review
In December 2004, the Registrar introduced the ASDAR process: Administrative and Service Departments Annual Review. ASDAR is incorporated into University financial planning procedures and the setting and evaluation of departmental objectives and activities.
The Aims of ASDAR
To ensure that the spending patterns of central administrative units match the strategic priorities of the University;
To identify and eliminate or reduce in scale any activities that no longer match current needs or priorities going forward;
To focus the resources of central administrative units upon the new challenges/opportunities facing the University;
To provide a vehicle for the annual demonstration of strategic intent and value for money to colleagues and stakeholders.
Through ASDAR, a range of review mechanisms are used. Each department makes an ASDAR submission in which they outline long-term priorities and deliverables, a resource assessment and areas of excellent practice. Following initial assessment of these submissions, the Registrar convenes review groups to discuss the contents of the submissions and issues arising from them. Some reviews are "light-touch", some involve an internal panel of senior administrators and senior academics, and some involve an external panel drawing in experts from the relevant field.
Results of Previous ASDARs
