Bath Spa University’s social enterprise work has been recognised with a prestigious Gold Mark, making it the first university in the South West to achieve the standard.
Commons at Bath Spa University’s Newton Park campus | Photo © Bath Spa University / Chris Wakefield
The Social Enterprise Gold Mark is a prestigious accolade assessing best practice through a rigorous external assessment process.
Bath Spa University achieved recognition for its commitment to putting people, communities and the environment at the heart of its work.
The university demonstrated “Outstanding Practice” across areas including governance, stakeholder engagement, business ethics, financial transparency and social impact.
Bath Spa received particular praise for its emphasis on providing employability opportunities for students, as well as linking students to the needs and opportunities within the local economy.
Another highlight was how the university creates additional social and economic impact in the city, with examples including running fully-funded short courses for local residents and providing an incubator space for start-up businesses.
Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor, said: “We are really proud to achieve the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in recognition of the creative and professional approach to social value, justice and sustainability that we are becoming known for with regional, national and international partners.
“As a university wedded to practical outcomes and applying our research and teaching to ‘real world’ challenges, the Gold Mark is part of how we build a nurtured and thriving future with our students, business and cultural collaborators.”
Lucy Findlay, Managing Director of Social Enterprise Mark CIC, added: “A big and well-earned congratulations to Bath Spa University.
“It is fitting that in the process of reaching this prestigious status we helped highlight the amazing work that the University carries out to make sure that their students combine gaining excellent employment opportunities whilst supporting the local community and economy.
“A characteristic of a great social enterprise and pioneering university truly rooted in its locality.”
