Acknowledgement of A Rupert University's Innovative Projects for Making a Practical Difference
Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is making waves in the higher education sector, with three of its nominees shortlisted for the prestigious University Alliance Awards 2025. The ceremony, which will take place on 18 September at the University of Hertfordshire, promises to be a celebration of innovation, community impact, and dedication that extends beyond routine duties.
Dr Mirna Guha, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at ARU, is one of the individual nominees. Her work, although specific details are not yet disclosed, has been recognised for its outstanding impact, contributing notably to university life or community engagement.
The ARU Social Work team is another nominee, shortlisted for its impactful contributions, likely involving professional social work education, community outreach, and partnerships that address social issues. Their work evidently extends beyond academic instruction to real-world social impact, aligning with the Alliance Awards’ focus on local and global community benefit.
The Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS), a team-based initiative at ARU, is also in the running for an award. This scheme is recognised for its role in supporting vulnerable individuals, most likely students or community members, through trusted and reliable adult relationships. Such schemes typically provide guidance, safeguarding, and mentorship to promote wellbeing and success.
The response for the Alliance Awards 2025 was phenomenal, with over 250 nominations across nine categories. The judging process was competitive and close, with some categories receiving over 25 nominations. The judges for the awards are experts from across the higher education and research sector.
In addition to these nominations, the BA (Hons) Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship course at ARU has been designed to embrace inclusive teaching for neurodivergent and disabled students. The course incorporates reflective wellbeing check-ins to improve compassionate resilience.
The ARU Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS) is also shortlisted for the Local Impact Award, supported by UCAS. TAS is a collaboration between ARU, Cambridgeshire County Council, and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care System (NHS), and it helps young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough with safe spaces, mentorship, and guidance.
The winners of the Alliance Awards 2025 will be announced at the ceremony. Dr Guha is also nominated for the Research and Innovation Impact Award for improving domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) services across England.
This recognition reflects ARU’s ongoing commitment to excellence in education and societal contribution. Dr Guha is leading initiatives to promote racially diverse leadership within DASV support services and advises Peterborough Women's Aid on the Dahlia Project.
In summary, Anglia Ruskin University's nominees for the University Alliance Awards 2025 embody the Awards' core values. They are:
1. Dr Mirna Guha - Individual nominee, exceptional personal impact within university/community 2. Trusted Adult Scheme - Team initiative, providing mentorship and safeguarding through trusted adults 3. ARU Social Work Team - Academic and professional team, delivering social impact and community engagement
The University Alliance, which represents professional and technical universities in the UK, is hosting the ceremony. The Awards' categories have been renewed for 2025, reflecting the continued focus on recognising innovation, impact, and dedication in higher education.
- Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) is shortlisted for the University Alliance Awards 2025 in three categories, showcasing their commitment to education, research, and social impact.
- The BA (Hons) Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship course at ARU is designed to cater to neurodivergent and disabled students, promoting inclusive teaching and wellbeing.
- The ARU Trusted Adult Scheme (TAS) is not only shortlisted for the Alliance Awards 2025 but also for the Local Impact Award, supported by UCAS, for its work in supporting vulnerable individuals in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
- Dr Mirna Guha, a Senior Lecturer in Sociology at ARU, is recognized for her outstanding impact on university life and community engagement, and she is also nominated for the Research and Innovation Impact Award for her work on domestic abuse and sexual violence services.
- The ARU Social Work team is shortlisted for their impactful contributions in professional social work education, community outreach, and partnerships that address social issues, aligning with the Alliance Awards’ focus on local and global community benefit.
