What we did in year one

Progress we've made in the first year since we published the Community Plan, and also where we need to do more. From the period November 2020 - November 2021.

In November 2020 the University reaffirmed its commitment to the city through the creation of new Community Plan 2020-25. The plan outlines how we plan to bring about positive social impact and act responsibly and collaboratively with communities in our local region.  

Just over a year has passed, and we wanted to share a summary of what the University's staff and students have been working on over the last year: where we’ve made good progress; where we still need to do more; and what we’ll be focusing on this year.  Read our case studies and scroll down to  find out more!

Supporting local communities through Covid-19

The University had a role to play in vital research and knowledge exchange, as well as providing resources, volunteering and funding throughout the pandemic to support our local communities to respond to the pandemic.

Working to end homelessness

Over the last year, the University has invested in research, funding and support for people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh.

New learning centre in Craigmillar

IntoUniversity Craigmillar opened in April 2021, providing additional educational support to young people aged 7–18 living in an area traditionally associated with social deprivation. 

Helping people get back into employment through the arts

The University’s Museums team have established an effective partnership with Access to Industry, a charity that works with individuals to support them into education and employment.  

Delivering workshops in schools

Delivering on our social impact pledge to support vulnerable groups and areas of multiple deprivation, whilst facilitating knowledge exchange through STEM engagement. 

Staff volunteer in their local communities

University staff give time back to their local communities through volunteering.

Further progress

Here are some other areas within the Community Plan that we're pleased to say we've made progress on in the first year. 

Other areas we've been making progress

Where we can do more

The Community Plan covers five years (2020-2025) and we know we can’t achieve everything in the first year. There are some things we are planning to work on in the coming years.

Where we can make more progress