The University of Worcester has been shortlisted for four honours at the 2026 Better Society Awards, recognising its wide‑ranging contribution to making a meaningful difference to society through education, research, and civic action.
The University has been named a finalist in the following four categories: National Commitment to Skills & Training; Best Scheme to Encourage Staff Fundraising; Pro Bono Company of the Year; and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
Professor David Green CBE, Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive of the University, said: “Being shortlisted in four categories at the Better Society Awards is a tremendous honour and a reflection of the dedication of our staff, students, and partners. These nominations speak to our mission: to improve lives through education and research, widen opportunity, and contribute positively to society in every area.”
The University is shortlisted for National Commitment to Skills and Training alongside some of the Country biggest and most well-known employers, including Deloitte, Greene King, Octopus Energy and Santander UK. The University of Worcester’s whole‑institution approach to employability and workforce development has earned recognition for its national impact. It has the highest sustained employment and further study rates of any multi‑disciplinary university in the UK (Government LEO, 2017–2025), and in 2025 was shortlisted for Times Higher Education University of the Year for the fourth time in a decade.
The University’s Charity of the Year scheme has been shortlisted for its innovative and inclusive approach to staff fundraising. In 2025, hundreds of colleagues came together to raise nearly £79,000 for student scholarships and hardship funds.
A major highlight was Vice Chancellor Professor David Green CBE’s 280km Compostela Trek, which alone raised more than £60,000. Alongside this, nearly 100 staff took part in a 24‑hour physical Team Challenge, including a night walk, canoe race, wheelchair basketball, open‑water swim and more, with all activities made accessible and inclusive. Thousands more pounds were raised through baking, crafting, quizzes, and community events.
The University has been recognised in the Pro Bono Company of the Year category for its transformative impact on access to justice through its Legal Advice Clinic. The Clinic provides free, confidential legal advice to local people who might otherwise struggle to obtain support, particularly in family law matters such as childcare arrangements, domestic abuse, and separation.
Supported by local judges, solicitors, and four leading family law firms, the Clinic offers supervised, high‑quality guidance while giving Law students exceptional experiential learning opportunities. In the last year alone, more than 78 students benefited from practical training, with many reporting enhanced skills and improved employment prospects.
Worcester’s sustained, institution‑wide commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) has placed it among the finalists for the EDI Award. The University is top in the country for Quality Education and joint third for Gender Equality in the 2025 Times Higher Education Global University Impact Rankings and has led the sector on fair gender pay for several years.
Through inclusive design principles, sector-leading disability support, robust staff and student networks, and pioneering work with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, Worcester has built a culture where everyone belongs and can succeed. This approach has reduced attainment and continuation gaps and shaped nationally recognised best practice.
The winners of the 2026 Better Society Awards will be announced in May this year.