Our strategy for 2026-2029
This is the strategy for the work of the Third Age Trust, providing a framework for its role in supporting u3as and promoting and raising awareness of the u3a movement.
Our vision
What we’re trying to achieve.
A future where everyone has the opportunity to have a positive and fulfilling later life through lifelong learning.
Our mission
How we'll achieve this.
Promoting, supporting and strengthening the u3a movement.
How we'll achieve our aims
We promote u3a by:
- Publicising the impact that u3a has on individuals, communities and society
- Raising awareness using traditional media, social media, PR and marketing campaigns
- Working with a range of partners that help us extend our reach.
We support u3as by:
- Working with u3as to co-create the resources they need to thrive
- Delivering a high-quality information, advice and guidance service
- Investing in digital services to prepare u3a for the future.
We strengthen u3a by:
- Creating opportunities that bring u3as together to share best practice and inform our work
- Working with u3as to identify new services and opportunities for growth
- Developing and providing opportunities for members to engage nationally.
Our Vision and mission strategy document can be downloaded in pdf format by clicking the button below.
This is the strategy for the work of the Third Age Trust, providing a framework for its role in supporting u3as and promoting and raising awareness of the u3a movement.
Strategic Aims for the u3a movement
These four Strategic Aims for u3a were shaped by the findings of a 2021 consultation.
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To promote a u3a collective identity (Single u3a)
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To maximise the benefits of u3a membership to current members and to attract the next generation (Next Gen)
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To advance an exciting u3a learning experience (Enjoy)
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To collaborate with like minded organisations at all levels of the movement (Emerge and Collaborate)
Our governance
The work of the Third Age Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees. Two formal committees report to the Board, one on Finance and another on Governance. The Board receives reports and recommendations from these committees to enable the Trust to fulfil its objectives.
The Board also works closely with the u3a Council to ensure that member voice is at the heart of strategy development. The Board is attended by the Chief Executive Officer, who is also Company Secretary, in a non-voting capacity, and, from time to time, by the senior managers from the u3a staff team.