LJMU first university to be recognised with Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value Award

LJMU is the first university to be recognised with a Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value Award in acknowledgement of the institution’s dedication to creating social value across the region.

The award celebrates LJMU as an ‘anchor institution’ with a university-wide effort contributing to impactful social value through projects and initiatives such as tackling period poverty by providing free menstrual products for students, staff and visitors on campus; supporting local communities through pro bono business, accounting and legal advice clinics; and partnerships with industry to find sustainable solutions to challenges such as climate change and supporting the adoption of innovative new technologies.  

The award application was driven by the Centre for Management Development and Innovation at LJMU, a partnership with Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust (LUHFT), which combines academic rigour and real-world application to support the improvement of culture, processes, innovation and practice through the enhancement of management and leadership.

Social Value Business works in partnership with the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Social Care Partnership to administer the Cheshire and Merseyside Social Value Award.

Richard Dickins, Managing Director at Social Value Business, said: “Congratulations to LJMU on this accomplishment. It's a testament to your dedication to social responsibility and sustainability”.

Lisa Knight, Head of the Centre for Management Development and Innovation, said: “This award represents a milestone for LJMU; it affirms the institution's commitment to social value and supports our continued efforts to embed social value across all areas of our operational ethos. The award serves as a tangible acknowledgement of our efforts to integrate social, economic, and environmental considerations into decision-making processes, highlighting our role as a forward-thinking and socially responsible anchor institution within the Liverpool City Region.”

About the Social Value Award

The award focuses on the four main themes of social, economic, environmental and innovation impact and enables, supports, and recognises organisations that:

• Improve staff motivation, performance, productivity, health, and wellbeing
• Showcase the ethical and moral contribution that they make to local communities.
• Maximise strengths and offer (buildings, knowledge, skills, resources) for the benefit of local communities
• Build connections and collaborations to achieve community outcomes and mutual benefit across sectors and organisations
• Enhance learning and leadership across the public, business, industry, voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise sectors
• Maximise local investment and support the growth of the local economy
• Collaborate and work in partnership with complementary organisations to deliver enhanced services