How We Are Breaking Down Barriers

We see our responsibilities as extending beyond ourselves, our campus, and those who will join us as students. Working with others locally, regionally and nationally, we can be a catalyst for a multi-agency, collective social effort to improve life chances and promote prosperity in our region and nation.

As anchor institutions, universities have the potential to be key drivers of social mobility and economic growth. Our work with Durham University has demonstrated how it is successfully breaking down the barriers to opportunity, using its global leadership to benefit the region. At the heart of its community, it is fostering a pipeline of talent, raising standards and aspirations through its extensive outreach work in schools and providing a nurturing and stimulating academic and social environment for its students.

This report shows how Durham University is shifting the dial on place-based change. The strategic partnerships it has developed with other universities in the region, as well as with local authorities and businesses, have already helped it deliver dynamic and innovative outcomes. These cross-sector collaborations will also enable it to play a full and constructive role as a prominent stakeholder in the newly formed North East Combined Authority, a partnership which will give higher education institutions the opportunity to shape a changing regional landscape.

It’s fantastic to see the strong relationships between the university, Durham County Council, and the NHS being formally acknowledged, and the impact these are having on enhancing social mobility in the region. We all know that social mobility in the UK has stalled over the past decade, and Durham University has recognised its important position in the region. It has led the way on working with people of all ages to help improve access to participation in education, and in using their relationships to drive economic growth. As the report shows, this is just the beginning for Durham University, with collaborative efforts set to continue, paving the way for an exciting future for young people.

We’re proud that County Durham is home to a world class university, which plays a proactive role not just in education, but in research and development, supporting sectors such as health, energy, culture and scientific innovation. From our work in health and social care and ambitions to tackle climate change, to economic investment sites such as NETPark and Aykley Heads, our strong partnership with Durham University allows us to collaborate across all sectors to improve outcomes and create opportunities for residents in both the county and the wider North East region.