How can universities support disadvantaged communities

Others, as you say, are principally preoccupied with REF requirements. Seems a bit of a missed opportunity, not least as universities must surely find different roles for themselves in the current climate.

Delighted to see this call to Engaged Scholarship here. I keep sounding this song at my university. I hope it will keep this key dialog moving forward. You can find it here, if interested. Well said indeed! Universities are starting to engage in engagement as institutions instead of just as collectives of academics who have frequently engaged their scholarship with non-academic partners. Beyond the ubiquitous technology transfer in Canada we are starting to see investments in an institutional capacity to support knowledge mobilization in the ResearchImpact network of universities.

We are seeing institutions beginning to proactively support the engagement of researchers for the benefit of local communities. Your email address will not be published. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Notify me of new posts by email. Search for:. Blog Admin September 24th, How can universities support local disadvantaged communities? About the author Blog Admin. Posted In: Impact Research ethics. Pingback: How can universities support local disadvantage Leave a Comment Cancel reply Your email address will not be published.

Resource type: Report. Get Citation close. Citation only Full record End Note. Plain Text Rich Text. Send Email. Summary Downloads Related content Universities can support disadvantaged communities by providing access to opportunities and facilities, resources and expertise. It found that: Universities could do more to support disadvantaged communities by using their distinctive position as leading local institutions, and by recognising the role they can play as major employers and their involvement in local economic development.

Many universities had established links with schools and colleges in disadvantaged communities, aiming to widen participation in higher education. Some universities developed outreach programmes which had been effective in reaching marginalised groups and individuals. Some academics developed collaborative research with disadvantaged communities, based on mutual benefit. Key points Most universities thought community engagement was important. Many were actively involved in local organisations concerned with community development and economic regeneration.

Universities had established links with schools and colleges in disadvantaged communities as a key part of their efforts to widen participation in higher education. Some universities developed outreach programmes which had been effective in reaching disadvantaged and marginalised groups and individuals.

In addition to educational courses, university outreach included arts, culture and sports activities. Student placements and projects in community settings provided valuable learning opportunities, and can help community organisations by providing an additional resource. Student volunteering was widespread, well-established and popular. Staff volunteering was much less developed, but had considerable potential. Universities could do more to support disadvantaged communities by using their distinctive position as leading local institutions, and by recognising the role they can play as major employers and their involvement in local economic development.

Some universities were much more active than others in supporting disadvantaged communities. Institutional commitment to this is a key factor, together with a good understanding of needs, opportunities and relationships, and policies to support these activities. Background This study shows what universities can do to support disadvantaged communities in a difficult economic climate.

Provision in the community More than two-thirds of universities offered outreach education to local disadvantaged groups. Student learning in community settings Student placements and projects in community settings can provide valuable learning opportunities, and can also help to support community organisations. Research with disadvantaged communities Collaborative research with communities rather than on them can be a valuable source of support for disadvantaged communities.

Doing more to support disadvantaged communities Universities can do more. Institutional commitment and successful engagement Institutional commitment is a major factor in successful community engagement. Conclusions and implications Many universities supported disadvantaged communities through their involvement with local organisations, student volunteering and widening participation programmes, and also through their teaching and research activities.

The policy implications are: For universities, there are real opportunities to support disadvantaged communities in many ways, and good examples of effective practice that can be copied. Universities need to be committed to this, organised to deliver it, and prepared to take risks and respond to opportunities. Government and the funding councils need to encourage and support universities to play their part in supporting disadvantaged communities.

That encouragement could take various forms, including an expressed Government commitment, funding support for sustainable university initiatives, and interventions to help universities learn from and encourage each other.

Further research is needed to explore: How disadvantaged communities are responding to the support they receive from universities. How beneficial is it, and in what ways? How have relationships been established and developed? What are their strengths and limitations? What efforts have been made to evaluate the work of universities in disadvantaged communities. What evaluative methods are most appropriate and how can evaluation be used to help shape practice?

The possibilities for recruiting university employees from disadvantaged communities and ensure that more of the economic impact of universities reaches these communities.

What practical interventions can be developed?