Read: Marjon backs levelling up

Plymouth Marjon University has partnered with former Education Secretary Justine Greening  and signed up to a new levelling up framework. 

The University will work with Greening to map its activity against a new set of goals launched to provide a benchmark for organisations to measure their social impact. The Levelling Up Goals are the UK’s first levelling up framework designed to focus efforts on driving equality of opportunity at key life stages. 

As part of the work, Plymouth Marjon University will join like-minded higher education institutions in the Levelling Up Universities Coalition. The Coalition brings together those universities leading the way on the levelling up agenda. 

A growing number of organisations are assessing their best practice and measuring their impact against the goals, including the BBC, BP, Cisco, Channel 4 and the Ministry of Justice as well as a number of NHS Trusts and local authorities. 

Justine Greening said: “Levelling up the UK can only truly be achieved by action from anchor institutions within our communities and universities have a key role to play in this. Our Levelling Up Goals give a clear benchmark for organisations to measure their impact and identify areas where they can go further.

“Plymouth Marjon University is a purpose-led organisation with leaders who are committed to levelling up. I’m looking forward to working with Professor Rob Warner and the team as part of the Levelling Up Universities Coalition and maximising its social impact in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.”

Professor Rob Warner said: “Marjon is a university centred on student success. Our first cohort of students in 1840 included some from the local workhouse, and ever since we have been dedicated to providing opportunities for all with the ability to succeed. Many of our students are first in family to go to university, and we work hard for them to thrive in their degree and move into highly rewarding professional careers. 

“Higher Education has a life-changing impact upon our students, who bring transformative opportunities to others across the South West region and beyond. We warmly welcome Justine Greening’s timely initiative, and look forward to working with her in the Levelling Up Universities Coalition.”