The University of Lancashire has appointed seven leaders from Lancashire’s voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector as its first Community Fellows.
The new scheme, based in the University’s school of health, social work and sport, aims to strengthen partnerships between the university and community organisations across the county.
The Fellows bring experience, specialist knowledge and strong local networks.
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They will help shape joint projects, support research, influence policy and create opportunities for students through guest lectures, events and volunteering.
The first Community Fellows include Warren Escadale (Voluntary Sector North West), Laura Tilston (Voluntary Sector North West), Garth Hodgkinson (Blackburn with Darwen CVS), Christine Blythe (Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale CVS), Peter Lumsden (VCFSE Alliance Faith Lead), Joe Hannett (Community Futures) and Naz Zaman (Inclusive North).
Dr Bryan Jones, dean of the school of health, social work and sport at the University of Lancashire, said: “This exciting new scheme begins with open conversations about what we can achieve together, what the organisations need from us as a University.
“We share a strong alignment in values, and I’m excited to build on this partnership.”
The University plans to expand the Community Fellows programme over the next year. It follows the model of the University’s successful Leaders in Residence and Entrepreneurs in Residence programmes, which connect students with experienced professionals.
Joe Hannett, CEO of Community Futures, which is based in Fulwood, said: “While we know the work the VCFSE sector does is socially valuable and economically important, the research evidence is still too limited to influence policy and investment decisions effectively.
“Partnership with a university offers a real opportunity to change that. Through stronger research, we can better understand how this sector supports health, wellbeing, employment and opportunity, as well as its wider economic contribution.”
