Spotlight on the New Responsible Futures Advisory Group

This academic year, Responsible Futures has formed a new Advisory Group with the aim of strengthening leadership, enhancing positive outcomes, and expanding the impact of the programme framework. The group will foster collaboration, provide healthy challenges to the design and delivery of the programme, and amplify the student voice to drive positive change across the sector. By focusing on research, visibility and good practices through the eyes of students, the Advisory Group will help shape the future of Responsible Futures and its significance as a mark of quality and commitment to sustainability and education.

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Institutional representation

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Three Higher Education Partnerships were selected to join the inaugural Advisory Group, along with two student staff. Professor Georgina Gough (Professor of Education for Sustainable Development) represents the University of the West of England, Teresa Cox (Senior Manager in Access Curriculum) represents the Open University, and Professor Goudarz Poursharif (Founding Director of Aston Professional and Professor of Sustainable Engineering) represents Aston University. All three institutional members will also work with their students’ unions and associations to feed their ideas into the group.

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Here is what Professor Georgina Gough says about her experience and vision for the RF Advisory Group:

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“UWE Bristol and The SU at UWE are delighted to be part of the first Responsible Futures Advisory Group. We are passionate advocates for Responsible Futures, with its robust focus on partnership, collaboration and student voice. As a Responsible Futures partnership of eight years, we feel that we have useful experience to offer other partnerships. We are proud to have the opportunity to use our deep engagement with education for sustainable development to support the ongoing evolution of Responsible Futures through this new advisory group. We believe that the group can ensure that new and established RF partnerships gain value from the community which SOS-UK facilitates through Responsible Futures.”

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Professor Goudarz Poursharif has also shared his thoughts and plans for the group:

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“We would like to collaborate with other institutions and SOS-UK to make impactful change in UK Higher Education through Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). The advisory group provides thought leadership and a collaborative space for sharing best practice as well as spearheading efforts and initiatives to change the landscape of education leading to a globally and socially responsible holistic educational experience. I would like us to be able to drive forward the urgency around ESD in the UK Higher Education through putting in place collaborative and impactful initiatives that provide direction to the sector.”

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Finally, Teresa Cox has further shared her experiences about the accreditation process and thoughts about the advisory group:

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“Going through the Responsible Futures accreditation process vastly increased my knowledge and understanding of sustainability within the institution, increased networks and almost gave ‘permission’ to have those challenging conversations.  The Open University has a core Sustainability Group who are incredibly enthused and passionate in what we do and welcome sharing these experiences to collaboratively work with others, spread best practice and ideas to achieve great things. We look forward to working in partnership with the other institutions, building relationships and broadening networks. We are excited to work together to equip our students with the knowledge, values, skills and competencies, for them to become great sustainability leaders, and in turn for them to influence others within their own life to make a difference and make change happen in the face of climate change."

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Student voice

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Student voice is represented in the group through CJ and Hridita, who have taken up new roles as Programme Coordinators in the Responsible Futures team. In this role, they contribute to the overall shaping of the programme, along with making valuable contributions to the Advisory Group. They support the coordination and development of programme areas to maximise Responsible Futures impact and reach, both across the UK and internationally. They also support core staff in resource maintenance, communications and the development of the programme.

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“As the coordinator of the Responsible Futures programme and a student staff member, I believe the recently established Advisory Group is a fantastic chance to further the collaboration between students, faculty, and institutions. Diverse viewpoints can come together to address sustainability issues and recognise accomplishments. To create a more inclusive and sustainable educational future, the advisory group will make sure that student voices are at the forefront.” - Hridita, Programme Coordinator

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“I am very excited about the growth members of the Advisory Group will promote for the programme. I think that it is essential to have a collective of ideas to ensure the goals of Responsible Futures will be met and exceeded. I am always inspired by meeting people within this space, and this group provides a unique opportunity to embrace the voice of all members involved.” - CJ, Programme Coordinator

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We are delighted with the great potential of the advisory group and the important impact it will have on the Responsible Futures programme, and the sustainable education space more broadly. Thank you to our passionate and invaluable members who continuously give their time in contribution to the programme. Thank you to Responsible Futures 23/24 Host Partnerships, the University College of Estate Management and University of Strathclyde partnerships for your leadership in sharing good practice over the last academic year.

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Explore the rest of the Responsible Futures website to learn more about the programme!