Read: University of Southampton launches Levelling Up Impact Report
The University of Southampton has launched a Levelling Up Impact Report in partnership with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening.
The report measures the social impact of the university against a set of levelling up measures developed by Greening, who is herself an alumni of the University of Southampton.
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 report highlights a number of initiatives and projects where the University of Southampton is practically spreading opportunities. These include:
The University of Southampton’s work with approximately 100 schools and colleges through its primary, secondary and post-16 outreach programme Learn with US.
Work experience and volunteering opportunities, free online learning programmes, e-mentors, talks, seminars and events for students. The university’s Ignite Programme also offers guaranteed first-year internships for 31 students.
Over the past two academic years the university has committed over £500,000 to create its Online Learning Grants programme. This offers funding to cover the purchase of digital equipment and internet access to reduce the digital divide.
The university has ambitious targets and commitments for recruitment and support for progression of young people to support, mentor and develop underrepresented groups into recruitment including diversity networks, panels and policies.
The University of Southampton is part of the The Purpose Coalition - a cross-sector group of UK universities, businesses and public sector organisations who have purpose at their core.
President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Southampton, Professor Mark E Smith said: “I am delighted that the University of Southampton has entered into this partnership with the Purpose Coalition, to work together to improve opportunities for people and communities across the region.
“We care deeply about our local area, and while we often think about levelling up in the context of the north-south divide in this country, there are parts of our own city that feel left behind. One of the key pillars supporting our Strategy is civic engagement because we believe that universities have a big part to play in helping their surrounding communities and businesses realise their potential.
“This collaboration with the Purpose Coalition will help us to inspire the highest levels of achievement among our local community, bringing in the widest range of voices for an inclusive Southampton”
Justine Greening added: “I know first hand the transformative impact of studying at the University of Southampton. Doing my Economics degree at Southampton absolutely turbo charged my opportunities in life and shaped my future life for the better.
“Universities have a key role to play in levelling up communities and Southampton is showing that through its various projects and initiatives to spread opportunity. This report shows the measurable impact that the University is having on its students and the local communities it serves. The best practice featured within the report should be shared widely and could be used by others who are wanting to go further.”
You can read the full report here.