The Hour of Awesome Case Studies
Alex Craven, Co-founder and CEO, The Data City
Making civic commitment real: the micro-campus model
John McWilliams, Director of Civic and Alumni Engagement, University of Bristol
How can universities make their civic commitment real? In 2020, the University of Bristol opened a 'micro-campus' in Barton Hill, an under-served community in Bristol. The space encompasses all aspects of University activity, from education to research to recruitment - working in close collaboration with its immediate community. The activities have had a positive impact, both in the community and for the University, and is now an embedded part of the area. The success of the model led to opening a second micro-campus (in Hartcliffe) in 2025, focussing initially on delivering a new kind of University micro qualification, which is already gathering positive feedback from students.
Westminster Working Cultures: building global employability, community and belonging through experiential learning
Alyssa Martin, Senior Alumni Networks Manager, University of Westminster
Established in 2017, Westminster Working Cultures (WWC) is a flagship University of Westminster programme linking alumni engagement, career readiness and short-term mobility. Each year, WWC connects students with alumni and industry partners in the UK and across seven international locations. Approaching its tenth year, the programme has supported more than 1,500 students through immersive experiences that build confidence, networks, career insight and belonging contributing to student success and strong graduate outcomes. This session will explore how the programme, recognised with a CASE Gold Award in 2023, has evolved to meet changing student expectations and institutional priorities while sustaining long-term impact.
Forging ahead - Sheffield’s philanthropic success story
Lindsey Wilson, Deputy Director (Communications), University of Sheffield
Is there ever a good time to launch your first ever multi-million philanthropic campaign? How can you possibly ask for money amidst stock market turbulence and a cost of living crisis? How do you even start a conversation about ‘giving back’ on campus when industrial action is around the corner and workload reduction is top of the agenda? We’ll show how Communication, Collaboration and Confidence have been instrumental to the success of Forged in Sheffield. We’ll take you through planning and executing the public launch, creating award-winning comms and building genuine staff engagement. There’ll also be a hint of what’s to come as we finalise our campaign close plans.
From Electrification to Energy: North East Partnerships Driving Future Jobs
Professor Rene Koglbauer, Dean of Lifelong Learning and Professional Practice, Newcastle University
This case study shows how the North East is scaling a proven partnership model to meet the demands of the green energy transition. Beginning with the Institute of Electrification and Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (IESAM), universities, colleges and industry co-designed pathways to address critical electrification skills gaps. That model is now being expanded through the Energy Central Campus in Blyth - a place-based collaboration bringing together industry, civic partners, Newcastle and Durham Universities. By connecting education, innovation and employment in one ecosystem, the initiative is creating clear routes into high-value clean energy jobs and offering a replicable blueprint for regional growth.
The For Mansfield. Forever. campaign, Mansfield College, University of Oxford
Tess McCormick, Development Director, Mansfield College, University of Oxford
Our fund- and profile-raising campaign is breaking with tradition to project what is distinctive and trailblazing about Mansfield College – how we lead within Oxford and the sector in widening access to elite education. We are projecting a vision for the College’s future, incorporating a major capital project, using student and alumni voices – who themselves are confounding expectations and challenging the status quo. Also innovating in how we created the campaign, we jettisoned the idea of a one-size-fits-all ‘case for support’, in favour of a powerful ‘brand within a brand’ – using bold visual statements, messaging, and imagery.
Building the UK’s Kendall Square: AI, Life Sciences, London’s Innovation Economy and national growth.
Steve O'Neil, Head of Public Affairs, University College London
UCL plays a critical role as a civic anchor in London connecting research, partners and communities to drive inclusive growth. A flagship example is the emerging AI-powered life sciences district around Euston and King’s Cross. Anchored by UCL, UCLH and the Francis Crick Institute, this cluster already combines world‑leading science with industry. New analysis suggests it could add up to £3.5bn annually to the UK economy and create 20,000 jobs by 2035, if supported by coordinated investment and planning. This presentation explores how place-based innovation can have national impact and gain traction with policy makers.
A2U: Redefining who Higher Education is for
Becky Edwards, Co-founder Adversity to University (A2U) and Senior Lecturer, Adversity to University (A2U) and University of Chichester
Higher education is not failing evenly, it is systematically excluding those with the most to gain.
100% of participants affected by homelessness who progress through A2U secure stable housing and employment. 100% of prison participants who complete A2U move into higher education or employment on leaving prison.
A2U is an award-winning, evidence-led programme tackling systemic exclusion, unlocking pathways into higher education, employment and economic participation. Delivered at the University of Chichester with strategic partnerships across justice, defence and the third sector, A2U’s 12-week Bridging Course builds academic capability and core employability skills, grounded in lived experience.
Over 400 participants. Proven outcomes. Systemic change.
Communities Changing Cardiff University: Giving Up Control
Corey Smith, Community Gateway Project Manager, and Ali Abdi, Community Gateway Partnerships Manager, Cardiff University
Abstract: This case study will explore Cardiff University’s decade-long journey of transforming civic engagement through Community Gateway - a platform for long-term, equitable partnerships with local communities. Responding to a resident’s challenge that communities want “a relationship, not an affair,” Cardiff University committed in 2014 to an ongoing long-term collaboration in the electoral ward of Grangetown. The initiative has since embedded over 900 students, academics, and professional staff into more than 100 community-led projects, including the £2 million redevelopment of a vacant building into a thriving community-managed facility.
Empower ESOL: Supporting Latin American parents in South London
Jim Collins, Director of Strategy and Operations, King's College London
Despite an estimated 12,000 young Latin Americans aged 15-24 living in London, only 41 home Latinx students enrolled at King's College London in 2022-23. Research highlights that limited English proficiency is a major barrier preventing many Latin American parents from supporting their children’s education and accessing essential services such as healthcare, housing and legal advice. In response, King’s launched EmpowerESOL, a tailored English language programme for Latin American parents focused on practical communication skills for everyday life. Delivered in partnership with English for Action, Empoderando Familias and Citizens UK, the programme combines classroom learning with student volunteer support, giving learners opportunities to practise conversation in a safe and welcoming environment.
IntoUniversity Scotland Launch
Chris Cox, Vice-Principal (Philanthropy and Advancement), The University of Edinburgh, and Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Glasgow
In 2021 the universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh jointly launched three new learning centres in Govan, Craigmillar and Maryhill with the charity IntoUniversity, which provides local learning centres where young people are inspired to achieve.
This followed a feasibility study to successfully adapt the well established model in England to the very different education landscape in Scotland, and an award-winning joint fundraising campaign.
More than 3,000 pupils are now engaging each year across the 3 centres. Since 2024 we have been piloting a UK first - a new adult learning initiative in all 3 neighbourhoods, engaging with the households of participating schoolchildren.
Thank you to everyone who submitted case studies to be considered for the Hour of Awesome.
