Social enterprise

As London’s first university to be awarded the Social Enterprise Gold Mark, we aim to make a difference in the world by harnessing our resources, expertise and partnerships to effect sustainable social change with local, national and global impact. 

We're a progressive, responsible and sustainable organisation and this ethos and practice is increasingly embedded in our values, activities and governance. We're proud to put social purpose, positive environmental impact and good governance ahead of financial return.

Making a difference

Our commitment to social enterprise is embodied in our research communities, teaching and learning, and practice. These encompass health and wellbeing, inclusivity and diversity, sustainability, resilience, and social and environmental impact. Together, these areas constitute priorities in our agenda for change. 

Supporting London

We aim to support London’s social enterprise activity through partnership, training and public engagement.

Sustainable social change

We're committed to expanding our social meaning and impact, with the needs of society at the heart of our business modelling.

Global impact

As one of the UK's most diverse and internationally connected universities, we look beyond our borders to bring meaningful change for good through our international social enterprise reach.

Social Enterprise Gold Mark

We're honoured to have been awarded the prestigious Social Enterprise Gold Mark. This accolade, awarded following a rigorous external assessment process, recognises the University as a beacon of social enterprise across a number of business areas central to social enterprise excellence.

We're already building on this achievement by developing a range of ambitious social enterprise projects. Through partnership, training and public engagement we aim to support the social enterprise activities and requirements of communities and organisations in London and beyond, at a challenging moment when the needs of society must feature in any business model.

Social Enterprise gold mark logo

Our impact

We're committed to social enterprise, uplifting our diverse student population and using our skills to give back to our local community.

Watch this video to find out how our Westminster Business School is delivering on this commitment and making a positive social impact on our community. 

Video produced in partnership with The Chartered Association of Business Schools (Chartered ABS) and ITN Productions

Legal Advice Clinic

Our Legal Advice Clinic offers a free legal advice service to the local and wider community, currently assisting around 140 clients each year.

Advice is provided by our student law advisors in the areas of family, employment, immigration and housing law, under the supervision of a practising solicitor or barrister. This in turn offers valuable training for our law students.   

 

Law students consulting at the legal advice clinic.

WeNetwork

Our award-winning WeNetwork (Westminster Enterprise Network) is an enterprise and entrepreneurship hub of the University of Westminster.WeNetwork offers support to current students and graduates to develop their entrepreneurial skills and mindset. We support start-ups, side-hustles and freelancers from all backgrounds and abilities.

WeNetwork hosts a variety of programmes and gives access to workshops, mentorship, funding resources, and expert guidance, all aimed at nurturing the development and expansion of businesses.

WeNetwork is proud to be a recipient of the Enterprise Catalyst, Inclusive Enterprise Education, and People’s Choice awards at the National Enterprise Educator Awards 2023.

 

Creative-Enterprise-Centre