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University plays key role in social mobility research


Chamber strategic partner Nottingham Trent University has been selected to co-lead a national centre to research and develop best practices for universities on how to improve social mobility. Working with King’s College


London and the Behavioural Insights Team, the consortium has been chosen to establish and oversee an evidence and impact exchange. The Exchange – a charity that


will launch this spring – will focus on developing an evidence-based understanding of ‘what works’ to facilitate the access and success of students from underrepresented groups to higher education. Working with experts across the


sector, the consortium will develop an online toolkit, disseminate best practice and develop research forums to inform all higher education providers in their approaches to social mobility. Professor Edward Peck, Vice-


Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, said: “It is a privilege for NTU and our partners to be selected to establish this important national centre which will help improve the ways in which higher education providers engage with


Edward Peck


of the 55th best company to work for in the UK. Bob Moore, Managing Director


at Utility Alliance, said: “We have spoken many times about how proud we are at the progress Utility Alliance has made since we set the business up just under four years ago. “In that time we have been


recognised as the Hartlepool Business of the Year, an award we were extremely proud to win in recognition of the work we have done in our own area. “From there we have earned


regional and then national recognition in some very high profile awards ceremonies, but it really is something else to be listed in the Top 100 Companies to Work For in the UK when you consider the amount of competition we have. “The plaque we have been


presented with will take pride of place on our trophy cabinet, and I would like to thank all of the staff at all levels of the business for the part they have played in helping us achieve this fantastic recognition.”


business network April 2019 9


‘It is a privilege for NTU and our partners to be selected to establish this important national centre’


students from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. “Through employing an


evidence-based approach, NTU makes a significant contribution to social mobility. This centre is an evolution of that approach, enabling all of us in the sector to develop a better understanding of the needs of underrepresented groups. “It will enable people from


diverse backgrounds to gain better access to higher education, to have better experiences at university, and to have better access to graduate jobs when they leave.” Nottingham Trent University – the


2017 Times Higher Education University of the Year and the Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018 – recruits a quarter of its home undergraduates from households with a combined income of £15,000 or less. The institution has an impressive


graduate employment rate, with four out of five graduates securing graduate entry jobs or training six months after leaving NTU. These


figures are broadly the same for all students, regardless of economic or ethnic background. King’s College London is a


research-intensive, selective university, a member of the Russell Group and the University of London. It has a track record of commitment to and innovation in widening participation. The Behavioural Insights Team,


which was formerly part of the Cabinet Office, is a social purpose company and one of the largest conductors of randomised control trials in public policy in the country. The OfS will fund the Exchange


for three years until it is expected to become financially sustainable. David Woolley, Director of


Student and Community Engagement at Nottingham Trent University, said: “NTU has long been committed to finding out ‘what works’ in higher education social mobility initiatives. We are really excited to partner with like- minded institutions to progress this important agenda.”


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