As anchor institutions in their communities and cities, universities and colleges benefit society in many ways. This category captures the powerful and innovative ways education institutions are realising their purpose in today’s society to benefit the lives of individuals, communities and wider society. Examples will range from economic, social and environmental impacts with organisations and sectors outside the institution where innovative new approaches to bringing positive benefit can be found.
Although all applications will be considered on their merits, the judges will particularly be looking for innovative community engagement type of initiatives which have an element of proactive, new, community and social concern and positive impacts, rather than the very worthy and commendable ‘grass roots’ and ‘business as usual’ activities. Amongst others, examples might include how an institution applies and exchanges its student and academic knowledge with communities or partner organisations, how it uses its finances and investments, how it designs and manages its campus - all to demonstrate its values and the positive value it brings to society. A powerful example of such innovative and proactive engagement is the Living Lab approach: establishing projects that draw on students’ curricular work or academic research to address real sustainability challenges in stakeholder partnerships with community bodies.
Videos from Finalists who provided them are here and you can read all case studies below.
Displaying 14 results
West Lothian College: Men into childcare/ forest classroom
Climate Ready Clyde - a partnership for a climate resilient city region
Caring Cups for the Chester community
ScienceX - taking science to new audiences
Digital Ambassadors
SEE Change - delivering Social, Economic and Environmental benefits by being an anchor in the community
Student Law Office - facilitating access to justice in the North East
Food + Wood
Za’atari - living our future now
Community Legal Outreach Collaboration Keele - ‘CLOCK’-ing up 9,000 volunteering hours to provide access to justice to 4,000 people
Transforming Life Behind Bars
Biodiversity refreshes a campus naturally
#PassingPositivity Mental Health United
Three gardens - one lasting vision