University of Southampton

The University of Southampton has launched a Levelling Up Impact Report in partnership with former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening. 

The report measures the social impact of the university against a set of levelling up measures developed by Greening, who is herself an alumni of the University of Southampton. 

The Levelling Up Goals are the UK’s first levelling up framework designed to focus efforts on driving equality of opportunity at key life stages.

The report highlights a number of initiatives and projects where the University of Southampton is practically spreading opportunities. These include:

• The University of Southampton’s work with approximately 100 schools and colleges through its primary, secondary and post-16 outreach programme Learn with US. 

• Work experience and volunteering opportunities, free online learning programmes, e-mentors, talks, seminars and events for students. The university’s Ignite Programme also offers guaranteed first-year internships for 31 students.

• Over the past two academic years the university has committed over £500,000 to create its Online Learning Grants programme. This offers funding to cover the purchase of digital equipment and internet access to reduce the digital divide. 

• The university has ambitious targets and commitments for recruitment and support for progression of young people  to support, mentor and develop underrepresented groups into recruitment including diversity networks, panels and policies.