University of Kent announces new partnership to boost student opportunities

The University of Kent has announced a new partnership with the Purpose Coalition that will create new opportunities for students to work with employers and organisations committed to improving social mobility.

Former Education Secretary Rt Hon Justine Greening, who chairs the Purpose Coalition, visited the University to mark the announcement and learn more about Kent’s work in widening participation, graduate employability and collaboration with employers, local government and community organisations.

The Purpose Coalition brings together universities, employers and public sector organisations that work together to improve social mobility by tackling barriers to opportunity. Kent will formally join the Coalition at the start of the new academic year. Through the partnership, students will have opportunities to build professional networks, gain paid, flexible work experience through the Purpose Lab programme and work with organisations committed to improving social mobility.

Hosted by Vice Chancellor, Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor James Hopker, the visit included Kent Law School, Kent and Medway Medical School, the Careers and Employability Service, and the University’s business engagement and innovation activity.

Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura said:

“We were delighted to welcome Justine Greening to Kent and to share some of the work taking place across the University to support our students and wider communities.

“Creating opportunities for students is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to widening access to higher education, helping students develop skills and prepare for their future careers, and work with partners across Kent and Medway. At the University of Kent every student is part of a community where ambition counts and opportunity abounds.”

The visit began at Kent Law School, where Professor Lisa Dickson introduced the award-winning Kent Law Clinic. One of the first university law clinics in the UK, it gives students the opportunity to work on real cases while providing free legal advice to people across Kent.

Justine also heard about initiatives including Legal Bites, support for commuter students and plans to strengthen links with the legal profession through a new industry advisory group.

At Kent and Medway Medical School, Professor Chris Holland outlined the school’s mission to train more doctors for Kent and Medway while widening access to medicine for local students. During a tour of the £52 million Pears Building, Justine visited the school’s high-fidelity GP simulation facilities, where students practise clinical and communication skills before treating patients.

Discussions also focused on improving access to medicine in coastal and rural communities. Justine heard how local partnerships are helping talented students into the profession, including one student from Chatham who secured support from Medway Council to study at Kent and Medway Medical School and is now training to become a doctor in the region.

Justine also met with James Corbin, Head of Careers and Employability, and Nick Lancaster, Director of Business Development, Research and Innovation, to hear how the University is helping students prepare for graduate careers.

The team showcased initiatives including guaranteed work experience for every student, the Empower programme for widening participation students, the Dress for Success wardrobe and the Year In programme, which enables students to spend an additional year developing skills in areas such as journalism, coding, data analytics and languages. Discussions also explored how artificial intelligence is changing graduate recruitment and the importance of ensuring students are equipped for a changing world of work.

James Corbin, Head of Careers and Employability, said:

"One of the most rewarding parts of our work is seeing students discover what they're capable of when they're given the right opportunities. Partnering with the Purpose Coalition means we can create even more of those moments, helping students build their confidence, gain real-world experience and take positive first steps into careers where they can really thrive."

The visit concluded with discussions on the University’s business engagement and innovation activity, exploring how Kent works with businesses, public sector organisations and other partners to translate research into practical solutions that support economic growth and benefit communities across the region.

Reflecting on the visit, Rt Hon Justine Greening, Chair of the Purpose Coalition, said:

“The visit to the University of Kent was a powerful reminder of the role universities play in driving opportunity, innovation and impact.

“From seeing the law and medical schools, to meeting the employability team, it is clear that Kent is focused on giving students the skills, confidence and real-world experiences they need to succeed.

“We are delighted to be working with the University of Kent through our Purpose Lab project. It’s a great opportunity for students to gain paid, flexible work experience and use their voice to influence organisations.”