Bath Spa University has become the first in the South West – and only the fifth in the whole of the UK - to have its work as a social enterprise recognised through a prestigious international accreditation scheme.
The Social Enterprise Gold Mark champions social enterprise best practice through a rigorous external assessment process, with Bath Spa achieving the accolade for its commitment to putting people, communities and the environment at the heart of its work.
Social Enterprise Mark CIC, which awarded the accreditation, said the university demonstrated outstanding practice across areas which were central to social enterprise excellence, including governance, stakeholder engagement, business ethics, financial transparency and social impact.
Bath Spa received particular praise for its emphasis on providing employability opportunities for students, as well as linking students to the needs and opportunities within the local economy.
Another highlight was how it creates additional social and economic impact in its home city, such as running its fully funded short courses for residents and providing an incubator space for start-up businesses.
Bath Spa vice-chancellor Prof Sue Rigby said: “We are really proud to achieve the Social Enterprise Gold Mark in recognition of the creative and professional approach to social value, justice and sustainability that we are becoming known for with regional, national and international partners.
“As a university wedded to practical outcomes and applying our research and teaching to ‘real world’ challenges, the Gold Mark is part of how we build a nurtured and thriving future with our students, business and cultural collaborators.”
Social Enterprise Mark CIC managing director Lucy Findlay added: “A big and well-earned congratulations to Bath Spa University.
“It is fitting that in the process of reaching this prestigious status we helped highlight the amazing work that the university carries out to make sure that their students combine gaining excellent employment opportunities whilst supporting the local community and economy.
“A characteristic of a great social enterprise and pioneering university truly rooted in its locality.”
Bath Spa is one of the UK’s leading creative universities. It offers a wide range of courses across the arts, sciences, education, social science and business to 7,000-plus students.
