Pictured above: The Memorandum of Understanding
signing
The University of Northampton has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with The Young Foundation, marking the start of a new
relationship aimed to further develop the University's strengths in
social enterprise.
The Young Foundation will now base one of its expert Social
Entrepreneurs in Residence at the University, making Northampton
the first university in the UK to host such a position. The new
post, part of Northampton's move to being a 'campus without
frontiers', is part of the University's strategy for helping to
deliver radical change and improvement in service development and
employment opportunities across Northamptonshire.
Professor Nick Petford, Vice Chancellor of The University of
Northampton, explained:
"The signing highlights our commitment to rapidly becoming the
UK's number one university for social enterprise. We are working
hard with our partners in the public, private and third sectors to
take the opportunities of transforming the provision of some
services. Northampton wants to be the University that adds real
social value to the community."
"Our social enterprise strategy consists of three elements: a
new student offer; the integration of social enterprise with
teaching and learning and research in all Schools/Departments; and
significant outreach work in the community. The Social Entrepreneur
in Residence is designed to help us with the third element. It is
an appointment for the county as well as for the University."
"The Young Foundation, which has over 50 years' experience
bringing together innovation and entrepreneurship to meet social
needs, will play a pivotal role in supporting Northampton's
ambitions.
Joop Tanis, Head of Health Launchpad at the Young Foundation,
where the Social Entrepreneur in Residence programme was developed,
said:
"By combining social values with business acumen, social
enterprises can create innovative and sustainable services, often
delivering more for less. We are excited about the opportunity to
have one of our Social Entrepreneurs in Residence at the
University, placing them in the heart of the local community and
adding to the capability of the third and voluntary sector."