Award-winning University grounds team is a force for good

The team responsible for maintaining the University’s outside spaces has scooped an award for creating a positive social impact.

The 1st Degree Facilities grounds team was named Social Venture Start-up of the Year at the University’s recent Changemaker Awards 2017.

The team, led by Grounds Supervisor John Howes, has delivered a range of initiatives to integrate a number of community organisations within University life.

Working with Olympus Care, St Andrew’s Healthcare and Workbridge, the team has invited service users onto campus to shadow them in their duties, providing valuable work experience opportunities.

John said: “We are delighted to be recognised with this award. Our new partnership with charities and care providers is a brilliant example of social inclusion which not only benefits the community groups, but also gives our staff the experience of working with people who they might not otherwise have come into contact with.”

You can find out more about the grounds team’s partnership with Olympus Care on the website.

Pictured accepting the Changemaker award are Martin Bradshaw and Angie Bruce.