University of Salford joins campaign to highlight economic and social impact of universities
The University of Salford is teaming up with the Purpose Coalition to participate in the Raising Standards, Creating Opportunities campaign and to further develop its work on social impact.
The University has been an anchor institution in Salford for over 125 years since it was founded as the Royal Technical Institute. It has always been fully committed to providing a first-class, real-world education for young people in the Salford and Greater Manchester area and plays a key role in boosting social mobility across the region.
Raising Standards, Creating Opportunities is an advocacy and policy campaign which highlights the role of UK universities as engines of social mobility, key to providing the fundamental building blocks of opportunity for communities that need them most. It is focused on sharing best practice, highlighting the practical steps that partner universities across the country are taking to maximise their social and economic impact.
Chair of the Purpose Coalition and former Education Secretary, Rt Hon Justine Greening said:
It is fantastic news that the University of Salford is joining our Raising Standards, Creating Opportunities campaign. Universities play a crucial role in their local areas, above and beyond their primary function of providing degree-level education for their students. The best, purpose-led universities also improve standards in schools and drive economic growth in their communities. It has always been very clear to me, especially during my time as Education Secretary, that higher education is integral to delivering these two key policy objectives.
The University of Salford is already working hard to identify those furthest away from a level playing field to ensure that they have access to the sort of opportunities that will make a difference to their lives. It has also shown that it is particularly adept at promoting stronger technical education routes, including apprenticeships, opening up new opportunity pathways for its students while also servicing the needs of the growth industries of the future in the technology and green economy sectors. The partnerships it has developed with local stakeholders, together with the deep understanding it has of their communities, means that it can successfully engage to extend opportunity where it is needed most. Its approach is key to improving social mobility, especially in our most disadvantaged areas.
Professor Nic Beech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Salford, added: “I am delighted to announce that that we are joining the Raising Standards, Creating Opportunities Campaign.
As a Civic University, we are committed to improving social mobility for people in Salford, Greater Manchester and beyond.
At Salford, we take pride in delivering an education that not only equips students with academic knowledge but also provides hands-on experiences crucial for a successful life journey.
In collaboration with local civic leaders, community groups, businesses, and educational institutions, we are resolute in our commitment to expanding opportunities for people from all walks of life.”
