The University of Huddersfield is delighted to announce that its public engagement work has been recognised by the awarding of the Bronze Watermark from the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE).
Winning the Bronze Watermark is a highly significant achievement for the university, which is committed to connecting with the local community to show that its work is relevant and accessible.
How universities engage with the public is recognised by the NCCPE Engage Watermark – a charter mark awarded to universities for excellence in their support and practice of public engagement across all aspects of their work.
Andrew Ball, the university’s pro-vice-chancellor for research & enterprise, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive the Bronze Watermark award.
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“Colleagues from across the university have worked incredibly hard to show the public outside of the institution the exciting work we do and the superb facilities that we have, so this is a wonderful recognition for them.
“The university was founded in 1841 with a mission to educate local working people. That commitment is stronger than ever now as we continue to offer excellent educational opportunities for all, but we also share and connects our world-leading research to create positive impacts with the people who benefit.
“Our public engagement journey is very much on the right path and we will continue to support our staff and students to strengthen and celebrate our culture of purposeful engagement across a broader canvas.”
Paul Manners, co-director of the NCCPE, said: “We are delighted to be able to award the University of Huddersfield a Bronze Watermark award. The review revealed many examples of effective engagement activity, including the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival, the Holocaust Learning Centre, Huddersfield Literature Festival, WOVEN festival, Cosmia Festival and Heritage Quay.
“Public engagement is recognised in promotions criteria; in support offered for students, including training for postgraduate students participating in the 3 Minute Thesis Competition; public engagement is included in the context of the university’s volunteering work; and there is significant engagement expertise in the central team.
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“Partners are enthusiastic about the potential of working with the university and appreciate the creativity and innovation that characterises their approach to working together.
“The university has a clear action plan for the future, with committed resource, seeking to build on these foundations to create a strong culture of public engagement across the institution.”
