Community Engagement at UWS

Community Engagement at UWS

At UWS, community means two things: the regions and nations of our campuses in Scotland and London; and our global reach. We aim to be recognised as a leader in forging partnerships to co-create solutions which promote and engender societal change. This is embodied in Strategy 2030, our comprehensive development plan that aligns the university’s goals with community needs, sustainability and educational excellence.

Our community engagement activities are designed to share knowledge, collaborate with and involve the communities we serve and enrich civic life and institutions. Building upon our history, expertise and knowledge, we are committed to embedding and sustaining a culture in which staff, students and our academic Schools proactively engage with citizens, civil society, non-profit organisations, schools and colleges and public sector institutions across a range of community-focused initiatives and activities.

Below are examples of some of the community engagement initiatives in which our staff and the institution as a whole are involved:

One Ren and UWS Partnership

In 2024, UWS and OneRen, a Renfrewshire charity providing cultural, leisure and sporting opportunities to local communities, signed a new strategic partnership aimed at improving access and opportunity for students and staff across both organisations as well as the local community. The partnership will provide joint research and placement opportunities which will be open to UWS students and staff. Both organisations will benefit from pooling their joint knowledge and expertise to enhance service provision and foster innovation. 

UWS is already a corporate partner in the Paisley Museum refurbishment. The new museum is adjacent to UWS’s Paisley campus and public realm, and it is anticipated that further close connections can be made between the neighbouring properties.

The strategic partnership will allow for joint work across the local area’s primary schools, helping to inspire the next generation into education; identify training needs for staff through CPD and doctorates; develop joint research opportunities and collaboration on use of facilities and sharing expertise through subject matter experts across both organisations.

At the signing of the partnership, Dr Victoria Hollows, Chief executive of OneRen said:

We’re delighted to enter into this partnership with the University of the West of Scotland and I have no doubt both organisations – and the wider communities we serve – will benefit from bringing together and sharing our knowledge, expertise and facilities.

Both organisations are committed to tackling inequality and improving health and wellbeing through improved access to education and we will now look at how best to work together to achieve this. It’s also a hugely exciting time to come together, not least as we count down the days until Paisley Museum reopens, bringing with it a wealth of educational opportunities.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice Chancellor at UWS said:

As a place-making institution, we are a university that’s proud to be part of our local communities. Our partnership with OneRen will foster closer relations; allowing us both to build upon our strengths to have greater and more meaningful impact in the area.

This is an exciting opportunity for the university to forge stronger ties with schools and community groups; to exchange knowledge and skills and to inspire current and future learners. This partnership creates an environment in which we can demonstrate further our commitment to Paisley, Renfrewshire and beyond.

Drama Teaching in Local Schools

As part of their Applied Theatre in Practice module, BA Performance students at UWS have been undertaking placements and outreach with partner schools. Students have been holding a series of workshops to enable school pupils to develop their understanding of the practical and theoretical aspects of drama and theatre. UWS students stage performances, dramatic recreations and improvised scenarios, inviting students to work with them and explore their creativity. 

Due to funding cuts, many of the participating schools currently have no access to drama and arts education classes and the collaboration with UWS and its students enables them to deliver structured cultural activities to pupils. The workshops not only offer UWS students the opportunity to perform and gain valuable experience within the industry but also inspire pupils to express themselves. Following the workshops, students leave behind materials for teachers to continue the learning experience with the class. 

The input of UWS students has helped bolster the delivery of arts and drama education at participating schools, with teaching staff fully appreciative of the difference it has made to pupils’ learning journey:

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to work with your students. Our children and our class teachers think it is a fantastic experience and love having you in. They have been engaged throughout with all the inputs and it is great to see our children having so much enjoyment whilst learning new skills. I really appreciate your willing and support in collaborating with us. Your students are a talented bunch and a credit to your campus.

Senior member of staff from a participating school

We are really happy to have them (UWS students). It is a lovely few weeks for my students and it is very important to collaborate with other agencies. Two of my trickier pupils found the input from one particular student especially good and they really enjoyed speaking to her.

- Class teacher from a participating school