Read: The University of Wales Trinity Saint David commits to Social Impact framework
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) has signed up to a new framework to measure its social impact.
UWTSD has partnered with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening to produce an impact report that will map its activities against the Purpose Goals framework.
Launched last year by Greening the Purpose Goals architecture, known as the Levelling Up Goals in the UK, provides a framework to focus efforts on driving equality of opportunity at key life stages and overcoming barriers that people face.
The 14 goals provide a universal benchmark for organisations to measure their impact against and identify where more could be done.
UWTSD joins a growing number of higher education institutions that are committed to the Purpose Goals framework, including Cardiff Metropolitan University. Other organisations including BP, the Co-op and Pennon Group are using the framework, as well as NHS Trusts and local authorities.
A long-term campaigner on social mobility and levelling up both inside and now outside of Parliament, in 2018 Justine Greening co-founded the Social Mobility Pledge to bring organisations together to improve social mobility. The Purpose Goals are the first major piece of work launched by the most committed of these organisations, the Purpose Coalition.
Professor Medwin Hughes, DL, Vice-Chancellor of UWTSD said: “The University looks forward to working with the Rt Hon Justine Greening and to align our activities against the Purpose Goals Framework.
“As civic institutions, established to serve the public good, the UK’s University sector has a crucial role to play in the Levelling Up agenda. As stewards of our communities, we make a profound impact on the wellbeing of the communities and the people we serve.
“The University of Wales Trinity Saint David has a demonstrable track record for supporting economic regeneration and social mobility through knowledge transfer, research innovation, workforce development, as well as by providing a ready pipeline of skilled students and graduates. This partnership aims to ensure that our activities are aligned with the Purpose Goals to maximize our impact at a critical time for the economy and climate.”
Justine Greening added: “The higher education sector has a key role to play in communities by improving access to opportunity. As anchor institutions in the places they operate, universities can ensure more people get better access to higher education and career opportunities regardless of their background.
“Our Purpose Goals give a clear benchmark for universities and other organisations to measure and evaluate their social impact and identify areas where they can go further. I’m excited to be working with Professor Medwin Hughes and the UWTSD team, and supporting them to continue to spread opportunities to those that need it most.”
