University launches Social Responsibility Strategy
20 Nov 2013
Inspiring and upbeat event shows how we are making a difference
The University formally launched its social responsibility strategy at an event in Whitworth Hall.
The event welcomed members of the Board of Governors and the General Assembly, staff, students and alumni, as well as colleagues from local organisations and the wider social responsibility community.
President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell delivered a keynote address at the event, speaking about social responsibility as one of three core goals of the University.
Nancy summarised: “Our first two goals of world class research and outstanding learning and student experience might be characterised by the question ‘what are we good at?’ In contrast, social responsibility can be characterised by a different question; ‘what are we good for?’”
Alongside Nancy were Julian Skyrme, Director of Social Responsibility and Professor Aneez Esmail, Associate Vice-President for Social Responsibility.
Aneez explained: “The strategy highlights the University as an essential contributor to the betterment of the wider society, something that is in the DNA of this institution.”
The inspiring and upbeat event provided an opportunity for guests to meet some of the people who have been featured in the Make a Difference campaign and learn more about the priorities and programmes at the centre of the strategy. Guests also watched a film that illustrated the differences that are being made as a result of some of the social responsibility programmes developed by the University.
Two new publications were launched at the event: ‘Measuring the Difference’ illustrates the significant economic and social impact created by the University and the second: ‘A Guide to Social Responsibility at the University of Manchester’ outlines the priorities of the strategy and the many ways our staff, students and alumni can become involved and continue to make a difference. The Guide will be distributed to all staff in December’s edition of UniLife.
The launch also marked the finale of a two-month awareness-raising campaign which highlights how staff, students and alumni are ‘Making a Difference’ by featuring them on purple circles across campus and sharing their stories on the Make a Difference blog.
Further information
More information about the social responsibility strategy programmes and priorities and ways you can get involved and make a difference are available on the newly launched social responsibility website and in this video:
All other enquires should be directed to Lisa Govey, Communications and Engagement Manager in the Office for Social Responsibility, at: