Webinar: How to embed employability and civic engagement in HE

**UPDATE: A recording of the webinar is available below**

A team at London South Bank University (LSBU), with support from the UPP Foundation, have created the UK’s first student-led Energy Advice Centre (EAC), combining civic action with sustainability. Providing bespoke advice to householders and small businesses on how to reduce their energy bills, it is an example of how to provide both work-ready skills for students as well as helping universities’ local communities.

This approach to teaching and learning, known as ‘service learning’, integrates community service with academic studies, teaches civic responsibility, strengthens local communities and allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, through community-based projects and partnerships.

On Wednesday 4 June 2025 from 1pm to 2pm, HEPI is hosting a webinar to consider the ways in which this approach can support student learning and development while also supporting civic partnerships.

The webinar follows the launch of a toolkit from LSBU and the UPP Foundation, which offers practical guidance on how other universities can establish similar initiatives, and explores examples from other institutions.

Panel speakers:

• Richard Brabner, Executive Chair, UPP Foundation
• Ben Lishman, Dean of Students, London South Bank University (LSBU)
• Kristina Kerwin, Director of the EAU at LSBU and an LSBU PhD student
• Professor Lynne Bianchi, Vice Dean for Social Responsibility, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility, University of Manchester
• Martin Edmondson, Chief Executive Officer, AGCAS (Association of Graduate Careers Advisory Services)
• Chaired by Nick Hillman, HEPI Director

Register your place here