University of Exeter

Since joining as a partnership in 2022, the University of Exeter and its two student unions, Exeter Students’ Guild and Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union, have been actively engaged with Responsible Futures. The partnership’s involvement with Responsible Futures started as a grant-funded grassroots initiative started by an academic and a student intern, which then developed into a whole-institution programme supported by a full-time role, student interns, and a working group.

‍

Following its first student-led audit in 2024, the partnership achieved accreditation.

‍

The partnership has continued to build momentum since accreditation. Evidence gathering and preparations are underway for the next audit in June 2026.

‍

Host Partnership 2025/26

‍

The Partnership is serving as Host Partnership for 2025/26 and will hold a virtual event for staff and students from Responsible Futures institutions in the UK and internationally later this year.

‍

“The framework and ethos of Responsible Futures have provided a clear roadmap for embedding sustainability in learning in line with our institutional values and ambitions, supporting our progress. Being part of this programme has transformed how the institution co-creates with students, staff and the student unions and it has fostered a culture of shared responsibility across the University. It is modelling the kind of partnerships and youth leadership needed for meaningful, sustainable change.

It is beyond exciting to be a Host Partnership for the year, and we are looking forward to sharing about our journey with other partnerships, while supporting and learning from theirs.”

Sara Agbenro, Sustainable Education Assistant

‍

‍

‍Highlights of work

‍

• News article: University of Exeter, Exeter Students’ Guild, and Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union awarded Responsible Futures accreditation
• Webpage: University of Exeter’s involvement with Responsible Futures
• Case study: Empowering students by recognising their time and efforts
• Case study: Sustainable student life at the University of Exeter
• Partnering with the Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union on passing a Climate and Nature Emergency motion
• Using the arts and creativity to raise awareness and engage the university community with sustainability issues
• SOS UK-led training for incoming Guild Student Officers, covering ESD and Responsible Futures

‍

“The University has allowed me to take my passion for sustainability and environmental education and activism and empowered me to tailor my university experience around this.”

‍Becky, Responsible Futures Communications and Engagement Intern

‍

“We have used one of our self defined criteria in 2024 to highlight the work of the arts and creative campaigns in raising awareness of the climate crisis. This is a snapshot of our collaboration with the Sustainability Team, a student group, and the Arts and Energy Collective on World Mental Health Day”.

‍

‍

‍Key contacts

‍

The University contact for the partnership is Sara Agbenro. If you would like to learn more about Responsible Futures at Exeter, we are happy to provide further information or make introductions and to support where we can.