The award recognises our work to support estranged students, and this year’s awards were focussed on driving institutional change and embedding institutional policy and practise.

The university signed the Stand Alone Pledge in August 2022 as a mark of commitment to our estranged students.

Following the fantastic work of our Accommodation, Widening Participation, Funding and Finance, and Support and Wellbeing teams, the university has received the Stand Alone Pledge Award in three categories: Finance; Accommodation; and Mental Health and Wellbeing.

The awards recognise the following developments for our estranged students:

• Accommodation Bursary – provides eligible first year care experienced and estranged students with support to cover the costs of their university accommodation.
• Guarantor scheme – supports care experienced and estranged students who wish to move into private accommodation from their second year.
• Care Experienced and Estranged Bursary – offers up to £2,000 per year for eligible students starting in September 2023.
• Dedicated staff to support care experienced and estranged students in our Widening Participation, Support and Wellbeing, and ResX teams. These teams offer support at pre-application and arrival, and throughout their studies.

Vikki Welch, Associate Director Student Living, said: “I am absolutely delighted that we have been recognised by StandAlone for the initiatives we have implemented across the Student Living teams. The implementation of the Accommodation Bursary scheme has been a career highlight for me and I am hugely proud of our commitment to supporting and encouraging applicants from a care and estranged background to flourish here at Nottingham”.

Visit the Stand Alone Pledge website to find out more about our commitment.