UCLan shows it is a university for the people after scooping top community engagement award.

Being part of the community is paying dividends for university chiefs in Preston.
The Lancashire Science Festival at UCLan attracts thousands to the public day year on yearThe Lancashire Science Festival at UCLan attracts thousands to the public day year on year
The Lancashire Science Festival at UCLan attracts thousands to the public day year on year

The University of Central Lancashire has won a major award for the way it works with the local community, providing services and facilities for the public as well as its students.

The Institution has been awarded the Silver Engage Watermark by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement after demonstrating a high level of commitment and a firm plan for further improvements.

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The award is for things like organising and hosting the award-winning Lancashire Science Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, and running a host of school, college and community events.

Public engagement is also at the heart of the university's £200 million Masterplan with the new civic square being created to join the city of Preston and the university together like never before.

UCLan vice-chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin said: "We are delighted to be awarded the Engage Watermark and for our work in this area to be recognised on a national stage.

"Public engagement is a vital part of our role as a civic University and we look forward to further developing two-way engagement with our local communities over the coming years."

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Paul Manners, co-director of the NCCPE, said they were impressed with the high level of commitment from UCLan to engage with the public and he added: " We hope the university will use this success to inspire others to follow their lead."

He said: “Since the early days of the NCCPE we have been championing a culture in higher education where public engagement can thrive.

"The Engage Watermark offers a bench marking opportunity for institutions to evidence their commitment and achievements – combined with intelligence gathering to inform their future planning."

He added: " The university is lucky to have a well-respected central public engagement team, and the partners we spoke to talked passionately about UCLan investing in Preston."

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