Whole-of-Society Defence: The Role of University Governance

The 2025 Strategic Defence Review (SDR) highlighted the growing risks of global instability and hybrid warfare, calling for a whole-of-society approach to defence and security. Most commonly, universities’ contribution to defence is seen through the lens of research collaborations in STEM disciplines, technological innovations and the interface with critical national infrastructure. Yet, their wider civic role—as anchors of stability, centres of critical thinking, and hubs for community support—makes them indispensable to a broader whole-of-society approach to national resilience.

More recent commentary on the SDR has begun to highlight additional contributions that universities could offer, recognising their critical role in strengthening national preparedness[1]. Indeed, my colleague at Newcastle University, Dr Katharine Wright has written on the need for university leaders to appreciate the place for higher education in defence alongside a more coordinated approach from government[2]. Yet with no formal protocol to integrate universities into national resilience, what practical steps can AHUA members take to support a whole-of-society approach? Here are some suggestions, in no particular order:

1. Strengthen Partnerships, for example through Military Education Committees (MECs)

Universities already collaborate with the armed forces through Military Education Committees, which oversee the support for officer training and often have strong links with Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Associations. Through regional engagement, MECs therefore provide a structured way for universities to contribute to defence personnel readiness alongside the delivery of skills training and support for current students.

Additional steps:

• Support MEC activity and ensure regular reporting is embedded into normal governance.
• Review how the institution supports the Armed Forces Covenant and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
• Explore opportunities for joint training or leadership development with local service units.

2. Embed Civic Resilience into Governance

AHUA members are central to compliance with national security legislation and Freedom of Speech duties. Beyond regulation, universities act as trusted civic anchors during crises, providing safe spaces, disseminating accurate information, and sustaining local stability. The Strategic Defence Review also links economic security (reducing poverty) to national security, arguing that investment in jobs, social mobility and wellbeing creates a “defence dividend” that makes populations less vulnerable against hybrid threats. Universities therefore have a role to play to enhance civic resilience through core governance activities.

Additional steps:

• Ensure regulatory and compliance frameworks are aligned with national security requirements.
• Develop protocols for community engagement during emergencies, including communication strategies.
• Promote academic freedom as a cornerstone of resilience and informed debate.

3. Enhance Risk and Resilience Planning

Learning from COVID-19, universities have demonstrated significant progress in risk and resilience planning. New legislation such as the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act has also resulted in new protocols and emergency procedures to protect students, staff and visitors, working in collaboration with “blue light” services.  Building on progress for institutional security and continuity, strategic risk registers and resilience exercises can be enhanced to consider universities’ capacity to support societal recovery during emergencies.

Additional steps:

• Incorporate civil resilience scenarios into annual risk exercises.
• Engage with local resilience forums and emergency services to align plans.
• Assess how university infrastructure could support community needs during crises.

Conclusion

The Strategic Defence Review identified the need for a landmark shift in national resilience – and two of the three authors are serving chancellors at UK universities. While the SDR itself did not include a framework for integrating universities as part of a whole-of-society approach to defence, that work has nevertheless begun. AHUA members are uniquely positioned to recognise and embed resilience into governance to ensure higher education stands ready to play its part in national defence and security.

[1] The-Wartime-University-–-The-role-of-Higher-Education-in-Civil-Readiness.pdf

[2] Realising Societal Resilience for a Whole of Society Approach to Defence | Royal United Services Institute