SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities

A scoping report compiled by Professor Margaret Greenfields and colleagues at Anglia Ruskin (Nov 2019) investigated the impact of migration in the Fenland area. Benefits of the project consist firstly of greater knowledge of the employment patterns, residence and accommodation, use of welfare services and support needs of the migrant workers. Secondly, the project will explore with stakeholders, including employers, the potential for devising innovative data-management methods for supplying accommodation and work flow/labour market data on migrant workers’ employment availability as well as supporting supply of high quality service provision data to local statutory agencies.

SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities - Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.

Buckinghamshire New University works in close partnership with Bucks Students’ Union as part of our wider commitment to make a positive impact to the environment, in the community and across our campuses. The University shares information about its sustainability activities on its website, along with external recognition for our University community’s positive impact. In December 2018, Bucks was awarded a Gold accreditation for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and we were proud to receive the highest Gold standard.

Our staff and students volunteer around 14,000 hours each year to support initiatives to make a positive difference in our local communities. These include raising awareness of homelessness and raising money/providing donations to Wycombe Homeless Connection; beach and river cleans; and supporting the Give to Fresh initiative to tackle hygiene poverty.

The University’s Director of Estates chairs meetings of a Community Liaison group which includes members from the police, local care homes, Neighbourhood Watch, local civic councillors, Bucks Students’ Union and town business partners.

Professor Sri-Kartini Leet is part of the newlyformed Buckinghamshire Cultural Strategy Group which explores how creativity and culture can enhance quality of life, health and wellbeing for the people that live and work in the county. The group also contributes to other key agendas and policy areas for Buckinghamshire, including skills, education, growth and regeneration. To date, networks of creative/cultural players have been created for mutual support and collaboration, and a number of projects planned with the National Trust at Hughenden Manor, Wycombe District Council, and the Elgiva Theatre in Chesham.

The School of Health Care and Social Work’s community and primary care programmes require students to question: “What is a community?” In the modules associated with these programmes, the meaning of sustainable communities from a health and social perspective are examined. Community capacity building and community development initiatives are explored. Examination of the Marmot review and Marmot cities is investigated and discussed to see how to improve the life chances of people within these cities - improving population health and wellbeing.

Clean air / water, sanitation and the public health risks of poor air and water quality and sanitation are explored in our Public Health degree programme as well as in respiratory care modules.

Students on BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Illustration worked together with Computing students and the Community Safety & Wellbeing Team on the Safe Places scheme for Buckinghamshire County Council. Students worked in cross-disciplinary teams to design and a build a website/app to be used by the local community to offer support for vulnerable people in being more independent.

Graphic Design and Illustration students also designed the identity, posters, leaflets and films for the Bucks New University #NeverOK campaign to raise awareness of sexual violence on campus. In addition to projects with Thames Valley Police and Hughenden Parish Council, they have also created a storyboard for One Recovery Bucks (adult drug and alcohol support service for Bucks County Council) which illustrates the treatment and recovery journey of a service user.

Our Dance students put on an end of year show each summer and local schools, care homes and other community groups are invited along to watch the matinee performance for free. This helps to bring the local community together and gives the opportunity of watching dance and attending the theatre to individuals who may not normally have this chance.