We are unique in British higher education by having social responsibility as one of our three core strategic goals, sitting equally alongside our commitment to research and discovery and teaching and learning; and as outlined in Our future: The University of Manchester’s vision and strategic plan.

Social responsibility describes the way we’re making a difference to the social and economic wellbeing of our communities through our teaching, research, and public events and activities. We are committed to measuring the difference we are making through rigorous planning, monitoring and evaluation.

We’ve made five short films showcasing some of the incredible achievements from across the University over the last three years. The films show the impact we have had in four key areas: social inclusion; better health; environmental sustainability and cultural engagement.

Some of these achievements include:

• Top ranking institution for impact against the UN Sustainable Development Goals, 2 years in a row (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings)
• Accredited Living Wage employer
• Committed to becoming a zero carbon university by 2038
• Divesting from fossil fuels and other carbon intensive investments

But there’s much, much more… watch the short film ‘Social Responsibility: Three Years in Three Minutes’ here

Social inclusion 

Our work on social inclusion is all about tackling the social inequalities, prejudices and barriers that continue to affect people’s lives and choices locally, nationally and internationally. We do this through engaging, involving and inspiring different communities locally and around the world. This not only helps to develop our understanding of social inclusion, but allows us to foster inclusive and effective solutions.

A large amount of our work has been delivered through four signature programmes: our School Governor Initiative, the Manchester Access Programme (MAP), our employment and training initiative, The Works; and our Equity and Merit Scholarships.

We have worked hard to enhance social inclusion in both the local area and wider community.

Here’s just a few examples of what we’ve achieved to date:

• Our Manchester Access programme has supporting more than 2,000 local students from families with no experience of higher education into our University.
• Invested over £15 million each year in financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• More than 1,000 staff and alumni have contributed to leadership in state education through our School Governor Initiative
• Became a University of Sanctuary for refugees and asylum seekers
• Supported more than 4,000 local people into work
• Hold a charter mark for race equality

Check out the rest in our social inclusion film here

Better Health

Our work on better health ranges from responding to local health problems; tackling global health challenges and encouraging patient and public involvement and engagement in our health-related work.

We have the UK’s largest medical school and are the largest provider of graduate healthcare professionals to the NHS in the north-west of England. Through collaboration with the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership, NHS trusts and Health Innovation Manchester, we’re tackling key health challenges in our local region through our research, teaching and social responsibility activities.

In the last three years we have accomplished many achievements to support better health locally and globally.

Here’s just a few examples:

• More than 3,000 of our students graduate in healthcare programmes each year
• We formed Health Innovation Manchester
• We have developed 50 healthcare partnerships in the Global South
• We involve over 800 patients and the public in research and education each year

Check out the rest in our better health impact film here.

Cultural engagement 

Each of our unique cultural institutions focus on building civic, national and international partnerships to advance the social, environmental and individual wellbeing of our communities. These institutions engage with individuals, civil society organisations, educators, leaders and employers through diverse collections, ideas, objects, events, performances, exhibitions, partnerships and inspirational spaces.

All of our cultural institutions work actively with schools, colleges and prospective students to provide a place of exchange, inspiration and enjoyment. Our cultural institutions each have their own educational programmes, which are developed and led by specialist staff, and through joint-working with our University’s Student Recruitment and Widening Participation Team.

Our recently launched creative programme, Creative Manchester is a partner for education, funding, inclusion and promotion, offering stakeholders at every level the chance to get involved in Manchester’s arts and culture.

Whilst we’ve got many accomplishments to look forward to, here’s just a few examples of what we have already achieved in the last three years:

• Our cultural institutions received more than a million visitors each year
• World’s first carbon literate museum
• 4,000 local school and college students use our libraries every year
• Jodrell Bank Observatory awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site Status
• Established pioneering Office for Useful Art

Check out the rest in our cultural engagement impact film here

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