University earns national award for inclusive approach to education
Birmingham City University has earned national recognition for its commitment to creating opportunity for all through its inclusive approach to education
The university picked up the title of Higher Education Provider of the Year at this year 's Education Awards, which celebrate and reward outstanding contributors to the education sector.
Judged by a panel of independent experts and facing stiff competition from across the UK, the University clinched the title at the ceremony, thanks to its continuing efforts to widen participation in higher education among those from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.
The judges cited the University 's student population, many of whom are the first in their family to go onto higher education, as evidence of its inclusivity drive and praised ongoing work to widen participation, such as its partnership with the national education charity IntoUniversity.
The collaboration, which saw the opening of an IntoUniversity Education Hub in the Kingstanding area of Birmingham, has just celebrated its second anniversary, and offers young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access to after-school academic support, mentoring, workshops, and trips.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Julian Beer said: “The University 's mission statement is to be the University for Birmingham, ensuring that equality is advanced in everything we do. ”
“We are thrilled that our continued commitment to providing a level playing field - where students, staff and professionals within the region can succeed without limitations - is being highlighted in such a way. ”
The judging panel also commended the university for the practical support it provides to the region 's businesses, creatives, and entrepreneurs, as well as the help it has offered students and graduates in boosting their employability prospects.
Projects include Graduate Re-Tune, which supports local unemployed and underemployed graduates to secure graduate-level work placements and jobs; Higher-Level Skills Match (HLSM) - part-funded by the European Social Fund - an account-managed recruitment and upskilling service; and its professional mentoring programme, contributing extensive, tailored industry insight to over 650 students and graduates.
The university 's Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network (BSEEN), which offers students and graduates a package of intensive start-up support for new ventures, also received special praise for helping over 97 new start-ups get up and running.
In addition to winning the title Higher Education Provider of the Year, the University was also a finalist in the Transforming Lives Through Partnerships category.