The University of Worcester, one of the top universities in England for social mobility, has committed to a new levelling up framework to measure its social impact.
University's St John's Campus
Worcester, which was shortlisted for University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards in 2019 and 2020, is one of the best universities in England for employment 1,3 and 5 years after graduation, according to government data, yet also has one of the highest proportions of state educated students at 97%.
In partnership with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening, the University will develop a Levelling Up Impact Report to map its activity against a new set of goals. The Levelling Up Goals 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 and identify where more can be achieved.
The report will build on the University of Worcester’s work to increase opportunity for its students and ensure clear routes into higher education for all communities.
The University joins a growing number of higher education institutions that are committed to the Levelling Up Goals. Organisations including BP, Compass Group and Pennon Group, as well as a growing number of NHS Trusts and local authorities, are also working with Greening on this new framework.
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 Levelling Up Goals are the first major piece of work launched by the most committed of these organisations.
Justine Greening commented: “The University of Worcester is already making a real impact when it comes to social mobility and it is great to see its commitment go even further. I’m looking forward to working with Professor David Green and his team to see where we can boost opportunity even further, especially now that we face the challenges of a growing opportunity gap in the wake of Covid-19.
“Universities are anchor institutions that play a crucial role in levelling up communities. By committing to measure their impact against the Levelling Up Goals they are creating a powerful and pioneering shift towards being truly purpose-led organisations.”
Professor David Green CBE DL, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University of Worcester, said: “The University of Worcester combines high quality education with a truly inclusive approach. We know this works for our graduates who are amongst the country’s most employable. This exciting new partnership will generate further opportunities for our students to compete for employment with some of the country’s most prestigious firms as they seek to work in a fairer more inclusive way themselves. Justine Greening and her colleagues are to be congratulated in establishing this practical initiative to put Universities and our students together with companies. This is a win-win for all concerned and the country as a whole”