University hits the Gold Mark once again thanks to breadth and depth of social enterprise work

The University of Northampton’s commitment to making a beneficial impact on communities and the environment has been recognised with a national recognition for the second year in a row.

The ‘Social Enterprise Gold Mark’ is awarded by the Social Enterprise Mark CIC to organisations who are leaders in being open, honest and fair in terms of their governance procedures, business ethics and how they fund social and environmental impact projects.

The Gold Mark was originally awarded in recognition of the University’s dedication to social innovation and social impact, either corporately or through its outward facing projects through its Changemaker initiative.

Changemaker is a University of Northampton-wide initiative which focuses on staff and students finding solutions to environmental or social problems to improve people’s lives, either at home or abroad.

By retaining the Gold Mark, the University of Northampton shows it continues to demonstrate excellence in these areas.

Welcoming the Gold Mark Wray Irwin, Head of University of Northampton’s Centre for Employability and Engagement, said: “The breadth and depth of the University of Northampton’s commitment to delivering social impact through our Changemaker student experience, has been singled out as the defining component of its Gold Mark recognition.

“Delivering social impact through Changemaking enables every student and member of staff to pursue their passion and address social inequality and environmental issues in a way that ‘transforms lives and inspires change’ so I’m really pleased we have kept the Social Enterprise Mark CIC.”

Lucy Findlay, Managing Director of Social Enterprise Mark Company CIC, added: “Over the past year that the University of Northampton has held the Social Enterprise Gold Mark, I have been impressed with the  social enterprise leadership and ‘social value for money’ that runs ‘like a stick of rock’ throughout the University.

“It’s not just words, it’s action – with students, the wider community and other partners.”