LJMU recognised for public engagement work

LJMU has been recognised for its public engagement activities with a national quality mark. 

The university has been awarded the Bronze Engage Watermark by the National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE), highlighting its strong foundations for public engagement and its commitment to deepening this work across the institution. 

This national quality mark acknowledges universities that have embedded meaningful engagement into their strategic priorities and are actively investing in long-term improvement. 

LJMU has demonstrated a strong values-led commitment to public engagement rooted in the civic spirit of Liverpool and reflected in thoughtful leadership, purposeful investment and a growing culture of support.

Paul Manners, NCCPE Co-Director

Strategic clarity and ambition at LJMU

The assessment highlighted deep local partnerships, authentic leadership and growing momentum through initiatives such as LJMU Engage and the public engagement officer role. 

Communities, staff and students were placed at the heart of LJMU’s impact, with clear potential to scale this work further through joined-up structures and clearer access routes.

NCCPE judged that a thoughtful and well-designed action plan provided strategic clarity and ambition for the next phase of development. 

Undertaking the Watermark process has given LJMU a valuable moment to pause; to reflect on our journey, our identity and how our public engagement is seen both within and beyond our institution. We are very proud to celebrate our achievements so far and look forward to working together to shape our strategic support for engagement in the coming years.

Professor Keith George, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Research and Knowledge Exchange 

Professor Zoe Knowles and Gemma Reed from LJMU were presented with the award at the NCCPE engage summit.