Read: Bournemouth University signs up to social impact framework

Bournemouth University has partnered with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening and committed to a new framework to measure social impact. 

As part of the project Bournemouth University will develop an Impact Report to map its activity against the Levelling Up Goals. 

The report will build on Bournemouth University’s work to increase opportunity and ensure clear routes into higher education for all communities as well as supporting students throughout university to improve progression into well paid and high skilled jobs. 

Established last year the Purpose Goals architecture, known as the Levelling Up Goals in the UK, provide a framework 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. 

Bournemouth University joins a growing number of universities that are committed to measuring their social impact, including the University of Southampton, the University of York, Northumbria University and the University of Reading amongst others. Other organisations that have committed to the framework include the BBC, bp, Amazon and Compass Group, as well as a number of NHS Trusts and local authorities. 

Justine Greening said: “The higher education sector has a key role to play in levelling up communities by improving access to opportunity. As anchor institutions in the regions they operate in, universities can ensure more young people get better access to higher education and career opportunities regardless of their background. 

“Our Purpose Goals, which align closely to the Levelling Up Missions recently published in the government’s Levelling Up White Paper, give a clear benchmark for universities and other public sector organisations to measure and evaluate their social impact and identify areas where they can go further.

“It’s great to see Bournemouth University’s commitment to the levelling up agenda and I’m really looking forward to working with Professor John Vinney and his team to maximise the university’s social impact.”

Ian Jones, Head of External Engagement at Bournemouth University: “At BU we’re committed to our region, to use our skills and expertise to be a catalyst for growth, to support businesses and organisations, and make education accessible for the community. We’re delighted to be involved in this initiative as we continue in this to work for the benefit of the region.”