Trilogy Partners with the University Design Forum For Social Impact Research Project

Trilogy is partnering with the University Design Forum to undertake a research project into how universities deliver social impact. The research around social value is clear: communities need space in which to organise, meet, deliver activities and offer mutual support. Time, resources and specialist expertise can also help scale up delivery or support community leaders to do more. 

However, with the retraction of public sector funding, good quality spaces and access to expertise for community groups can now be hard to find. Universities, with their public service mission, are well placed to make a difference here. University estates, at certain times of the day or year, have space to offer. Academics have specialised expertise and their students are seeking volunteer opportunities – through which to develop their skills and experience. Carefully designed research projects have the power to connect with community members – fostering engagement and empowerment. 

Gathering best practice from universities across the UK, May Molteno will investigate what the most innovative universities are doing to deliver social value in their surrounding communities – initial interviews have highlighted river clean ups, affordable workspaces; free space for lifelong learning courses; and refugee support projects.