News

University receives national praise for “inspiring” community schemes

(2 October 2008)

Durham University has won national praise for its support of social and economic regeneration in the North East.

The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) described Durham’s outreach strategy as “distinctive” for its commitment to enhancing the future of the region. HEFCE praised the University – one of only eight institutions recognised nationally – for linking together its local, regional, national and international engagement. Professor David Eastwood, Chief Executive of HEFCE, drew attention to the University’s plans for the Durham Phoenix project describing it as “particularly inspiring”. The Phoenix project is a University-led partnership working with a number of local organisations including regional development agency One NorthEast which is helping to fund the scheme. Professor Eastwood’s comments came in a letter responding to Durham’s Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF) 4 outreach strategy to develop commercial activity arising from the University’s research work and to extend its engagement with the wider community. Professor Eastwood said: “It was felt that Durham’s strategy was distinctive for its commitment the University gives…to taking forward local and regional economic and social regeneration. “Its work planned in the Phoenix project, which aims to articulate the needs of local communities to the University and its key partners to help empower them, raise aspirations and provide support for local initiatives, is particularly inspiring.” Professor Chris Higgins, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said as one of the world’s leading universities Durham could use its expertise and influence to play an important role in the regeneration of County Durham and the wider North East region. Professor Higgins said: “Durham University is a key contributor to not only the economic prosperity of the North East but also to the social well-being of the region’s communities. “We are committed to using our world-renowned expertise to positively impact on issues affecting the lives of local people such as health, the environment and social inclusion and we are pleased that our efforts have been recognised by HEFCE.” Lesley Calder, One NorthEast’s Head of European and Skills Strategy, said: “Access to the wealth of knowledge and expertise available at Durham University is a real benefit to local communities as we work to increase the social and economic prosperity of the region. “Engaging people is an important part of driving forward regeneration and this is recognised by HEFCE in their praise for the outreach work at Durham.”