Read: Solent University backs levelling up framework

Solent University has partnered with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening to help level up the UK. 

The partnership will see Solent sign up to a new levelling up framework to measure its social impact. As part of the project, the University will develop a Levelling Up Action Plan to map its activity against the Levelling Up Goals. The plan will build on Solent University’s work to widen access to higher education to those from under-represented communities.  

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. The 14 Goals provide a universal benchmark for organisations to measure their impact against and track progress moving forward. 

Solent University joins a growing number of organisations assessing their best practice and measuring their impact against the goals, including the BBC, Compass Group and Direct Line Group, as well as a number of leading universities, NHS Trusts and local authorities. 

A long-term campaigner on levelling up both in and out of Parliament, in 2018 Justine Greening co-founded the Social Mobility Pledge to bring businesses and universities together to improve social mobility. The Levelling Up Goals are the first major piece of work launched by the most committed of these organisations, The Purpose Coalition.

Justine Greening said: “Solent University is an organisation that is committed to levelling up and spreading opportunity further. I am delighted to be working with Professor Karen Stanton and her team on a Levelling Up Action Plan and sharing the work already underway in Southampton and the surrounding areas.

“Anchor institutions, such as universities, have a crucial role to play in levelling up communities. Our Levelling Up Goals give a clear benchmark for these organisations to measure their impact and identify areas where they can go further. Only through working together and towards a common goal can levelling up truly be achieved.”

Professor Karen Stanton

Professor Karen Stanton, Solent University Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are delighted to be working with the Purpose Coalition and key city partners to address the vital levelling up agenda, boosting opportunity and social mobility for our local communities.  

“Following the Covid-19 pandemic we know the challenges we all face as a society cannot be understated. However, Southampton now finds itself with a unique opportunity to come together to drive a sustainable recovery and a successful future.  

“The progress made to date is testament to the fantastic work already being undertaken by partners across the city and, through Southampton Connect, we look forward to building on this momentum and taking advantage of all opportunities available.”