The University of Worcester has been recognised once again as leading the way on entrepreneurship.
Dr Karen Bill, from the University's Business School, with the Centre of Excellence certificate from the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs
It has received re-approval as a Centre of Excellence by the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs (IOEE), making it one of only six education establishments in the UK to achieve this flagship accreditation for promoting and delivering enterprise skills.
The University, which offers a number of entrepreneurship modules in undergraduate and postgraduate studies through its Business School, first achieved Centre of Excellence status in 2016. A two-day virtual visit reaffirmed the University’s commitment and achievements in this field.
Dr Karen Bill, in the Marketing and Enterprise Department of the University’s Business School, said: “We are delighted to receive this award. In particular, the IOEE feedback noted that there is clear evidence of creativity in partnership, working with both internal and external stakeholders and both curricular and extracurricular activity supports students at different stages in the enterprise and entrepreneurship learning journey. We are a University deeply committed to our students and partnerships, so this is very pleasing to hear.”
During the visit, the IOEE commented on the passion for enterprise and entrepreneurship that it had witnessed.
The IOEE have a network of more than 200 centres and academies delivering enterprise and entrepreneurial programmes. Centres of Excellence recognise the importance of creating and sustaining an enterprising and entrepreneurial culture and support continuous enterprise development, improvement and growth.
To gain accreditation, the University fully met all the 12 criteria. These include anticipating and understanding the needs of its students, delivering what businesses and learners want, and proving that it was a learning organisation that has an enterprise culture.
As a Centre of Excellence, the University can deliver IOEE programmes and qualifications and may receive recognition for its own programmes, while staff and students can access IOEE membership. The University has plans moving forward to create further student and staff opportunities with IOEE support.
Anne-Marie McTavish, Head of the Business School, added: “It is important that the University’s Business School has the IOEE accreditation because it flags up our commitment to giving our students the very best support as they develop their entrepreneurial skills. This goes beyond the Business School and it is gratifying to have that recognised by IOEE for the cross-university activity in enterprise and entrepreneurship. This re-approval supports our strategy and allows our students and academics to benefit from the many opportunities this will bring and we look forward to working with the IOEE.”
Sarah Trouten, IOEE Chief Executive, said: "We are delighted to re-approve Worcester University as an IOEE Centre of Excellence. Throughout the re-approval process it was clearly evident the variety and quality of enterprise provision for students both within the curricula and extra curricula. The senior leadership team have demonstrated their commitment to embedding enterprise across the University creating an atmosphere of creativity and imagination and we are very much looking forward to working alongside Worcester to support the exciting plans for future enterprise education provision.”