University of Westminster awarded Social Enterprise Gold Mark for second year

The Social Enterprise Gold Mark is an internationally recognised accreditation, which was renewed by the Social Enterprise Mark organisation following an external assessment. The award provides an independent guarantee that the University of Westminster has met sector-agreed criteria and is operating a genuine social enterprise which is committed to creating positive social change.

The Social Enterprise Mark CIC is the international social enterprise accreditation authority, which recognises and builds the capabilities of social enterprises as competitive, sustainable businesses which are dedicated to maximising social impact.

Since being awarded the Gold Mark, Westminster is already building on its achievement by developing a range of ambitious social enterprise projects. Through partnership, training and public engagement, the University aims to support the social enterprise activities and requirements of communities and organisations in London and beyond, at a challenging moment when the needs of society must feature in any business model.

For example, the University recently developed a new Social Enterprise MSc course which is set to launch in September 2023, which is designed for people with an interest in or already working within existing social enterprises, as well as social entrepreneurs, advisors, officials and sector representatives. It offers an opportunity to gain a formal qualification, learning from other participants working in the sector and interacting with established social enterprises and their advocates.

Westminster Enterprise Network (WeNetwork) has also partnered with the Baker Street Quarter and The Social Enterprise Project Group to develop social enterprise programmes and events to enable students to work with local social enterprises and find innovative and sustainable solutions to long-standing problems. 

The University is a member of SEE CHANGE, a wider social enterprise network across other sectors, and sits on the Peer Learning and Collaboration group and the steering group are currently developing a Social Enterprise Conference which Westminster will host in March 2022. Westminster is also a member of the Social Enterprise Mark Higher Education Network, a group that meets monthly to share best practice among other universities. 

Throughout the year, the University will continue to work on its social enterprise activity, including the development of various University-wide initiatives.

Talking about the renewal of the Gold Mark, Andy Norris, Head of Culture and Inclusion and Director of Social Enterprise at the University of Westminster, said: “The renewal of the Social Enterprise Gold Mark is a testament to the continued social impact our University is making through the work of our students and colleagues and highlights the University’s commitment as an organisation to health and wellbeing, equality and inclusion, working toward and supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. These developments will ensure we continue to make impact that delivers sustainable social, economic and environmental change.” 

Find out more about social enterprise at the University of Westminster.