Progress on the Scottish Government Social Impact Pledge, Social Investments, and how the Community Grant Scheme is making a positive impact. Social impact refers to the positive and meaningful contributions made by an organisation to enhance the wellbeing, development, and overall quality of life of the communities it engages with. For the University of Edinburgh, this impact extends beyond academic achievements and encompasses activities that address social, economic, and cultural needs. Over the past year, we've contributed to positive social impact across Edinburgh, Lothians, Fife and Borders through a range of initiatives. Scottish Government Social Impact Pledge In February 2023, the University made its third round of Social Impact Pledges to the Scottish Government. The University identified three ways it could make a difference to local communities over the year. Social Impact Pledge Way 1: extending support to New Scots The University has made significant strides in building on its University of Sanctuary status, reaffirming its commitment to supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Three highlights: The University hosted two key conferences for University of Sanctuary stakeholders and organised community-building activities, such as social film screenings, to help New Scots build their communities here in Edinburgh. The University’s Centre for Open Learning launched its Postgraduate English Programme Scholarship for Displaced Persons in 2023. This was awarded to a local Ukrainian mother. As of August 2023, 630 New Scots had taken Sanctuary English classes to date, with 270 during the 22/23 academic year. Academic Language and Literacies for In-sessional Studies and the Graduate Writing Centre now have spaces prioritised for At-Risk scholars attending the University. Way 2: providing free veterinary support to the pets of people experiencing homelessness ‘Dick Vet in the Community’ officially opened its doors in autumn 2023. The premises on Nicolson Street are now well-signed and fully-equipped and provide an easily accessible and central location for their All4Paws community project. All4Paws are a team of dedicated staff and students at the University’s Vet School who provide free veterinary services to the pets of people who are homeless or vulnerably housed. The project has proven extremely popular, with increased interest over recent months, not only from people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness, but also from those who are unable to afford veterinary care and from support workers and nurses for the pets of people who are housebound. Way 3: providing space for community engagement projects. Located on the busy thoroughfare of Nicolson Street in Edinburgh’s Southside, the new outreach centre officially opened in autumn 2023 and has been used by a range of community projects and partnerships based at the University. This vibrant space serves as a hub for various initiatives, hosting events, workshops, and collaborative projects with local organisations. The community space provides an easily accessible and central location for the All4Paws project, as well as a range of other community activities. These have included Gaelic conversation groups, a research project on the links between urban green and blue spaces and health, and a British Sign Language group. Image Paws on Campus: Therapet session in 127 Nicolson Street Championing Social Investment Image £618,476\nTotal cash awarded;\n\n176\nCommunity organisations have received funding;\n\n26,372\nIndividuals benefitting (conservative estimate);\nAround 1/3 of 157 projects reported University involvement during their grant; Impact evaluation completed; Findings of equalities impact assessment acted on. In 2023, the University was ranked 5th globally for Innovation and Industry by THE rankings. By the end of 2023, the £8 million Social Investment Fund had almost been fully committed. The fund supports a wide variety of Scotland and UK-based projects including: a housing scheme in the city of Edinburgh: Social and Sustainable Capital’s Social Housing Fund a community-owned wind project in North Ayrshire: Social Investment Scotland’s Social Growth Fund social entrepreneurs from traditionally marginalised communities: Big Issue Invest’s Growth Impact Fund Socially positive investments Community Grant Scheme In 2023, an impact evaluation of the Community Grant Scheme was completed, highlighting demographic reach and impact of the scheme between April 2017 and April 2023. Impact evaluation Our analysis confirmed that more organisations have been funded in areas with higher concentrations of households experiencing one or more societal inequalities. From the data we could obtain, we found that a greater number of children and young people were benefiting from grantee projects when compared to other groups, whereas projects that benefit LGBTQI+ groups are relatively underrepresented. Action, since taken to engage with the LGBTQI+ community to ensure that their needs are being met by our scheme, suggests that their needs may already be met well by other resources. HTML Groundswell Scotland In a noteworthy update to the University's grant scheme, a project managed by organisation Groundswell has emerged as a shining example of the impact that targeted financial support can have on community initiatives. Groundswell Scotland is a surf therapy non-profit organisation for trauma recovery. They facilitate programmes designed to improve and develop self-regulation, embodiment practices and healing tools through surfing’s connection to nature, community and self. This grant has supported grassroots projects focused on environmental sustainability, community resilience, and social inclusion. By highlighting the success of Groundswell, the University showcases its dedication to facilitating positive change at the grassroots level, empowering local communities to address their unique challenges. HTML To have Edinburgh University on board from early on acted as leverage for significant funding from a number of different supporters and we are extremely grateful for the University’s early adoption of this project. Funding has now been secured for the project for the current year two and in part for year three. Edinburgh Women's Aid University of Edinburgh Community Grant Scheme: Five year impact evaluation Image James Appleton: Groundswell Scotland session Our Community Plan Our Community Plan Our Community Plan: support social impact This article was published on 2024-07-22
