Bronze watermark awarded to University for public engagement work

The University of Suffolk has been awarded a Bronze Watermark award by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), which recognises universities’ engagement with the public.

Sophie Duncan, Co-director of the NCCPE, said “The NCCPE seeks to enhance the quality and impact of public engagement with the HE sector.

"We're thrilled to award Suffolk a Bronze watermark award, recognising their strengths, support for, and dedication to public engagement”

“We were inspired by the university's commitments to making an impact locally, and their excellent engagement with local organisations to address community needs.

"We are excited to see how Suffolk builds on these strong foundations to grow and develop their engagement work”. 

Winning a Bronze Engage Watermark is a significant step and demonstrates an institution’s clear commitment to developing and enhancing their approach to public engagement.

To gain the award, an institution must demonstrate an understanding of current strengths and weaknesses and have an action plan and resources allocated to make improvements. 

Professor Emma Bond, Pro Vice-Chancellor Research and Knowledge Exchange at the University of Suffolk, said: “I am delighted that we have received a bronze watermark award in recognition of our commitment to public engagement and for the framework we have put in place to support it.

"I would like to thank my colleagues across the University to who embed the principles of public engagement in their work.”

Professor Jenny Higham, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Suffolk, said: “As a civic university, public engagement is at the heart of everything we do and supports our ambition to deliver a positive transformation within the region.

"This watermark is an important milestone in our growth as we continue to build strong relationships with our research, business and local communities.”