The project is a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by Innovate UK. In the first six months of the KTP, the team has created: New branding and labelling throughout the business Brand new Instagram and TikTok accounts, and a refreshed Facebook account A suite of video reels to build strong social media engagement Too Good to Go: surprise bags that support Haighs core sustainability principles and reduce food waste A new low-carb range including bread, biscuits and desserts have been developed, test marketed and are starting to be launched to new customers A unique Master Baker Experience, providing a new innovation service to test bake new products for other companies To drive change within Haighs Bakery and manage the running of the KTP, LBU recruited Leeds Beckett BA (Hons) Business Management with Marketing graduate, Katie Johnson, to the role of Strategic and Digital Marketing Lead. Dr Catherine Ashworth, Academic Lead on the KTP, said: In only six months the KTP has already brought significant value and impact to Haighs. Katie is doing a fantastic job as KTP Associate the new Too Good to Go surprise bags are consistently selling out, and the new low-carb thins bread sold out within a week and has already achieved five-star customer reviews.
Social infertility refers to prospective parents who do not have the ability to conceive or have children due to social, relational, or environmental circumstances rather than purely physiological causes. The NICE guideline focuses on people with health-related fertility problems - people with a medical cause of infertility or who are unable to achieve pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular, unprotected penile-vaginal intercourse or after six cycles of artificial insemination. Researchers from four universities and a lived-experience panel from the Online Sperm Donation Project welcome the publication of the updated NICE guideline but think it could go further. Dr Rhys Turner-Moore is a Reader in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University and leads the Economic and Social Research Council-funded Online Sperm Donation Project, which brings together researchers from Leeds Beckett, University of West Scotland, University of Manchester, Pillowfort Productions and the University of Sussex. Dr Turner-Moore said: "While it's positive that NICE has updated its guidelines around fertility treatment, by only focusing on people with health-related fertility problems they are missing a large number of people who want children but are unable to conceive without help. "We're calling on NICE to develop assessment and treatment guidelines that include all people who can't conceive without assistance because of social or relational circumstances. This includes individuals who are single or in same-sex relationships (LGBTQ+) and want children. "We think it's vital that these people have a voice and they are able to get fair access to the treatment they need as well." Same-sex couples and single individuals often have to pay for up to twelve cycles of donor insemination themselves before being able to access NHS treatment. This creates another financial barrier on top of the existing postcode lottery in the UK, which sees the amount of state-funded fertility treatment cycles varying across nations, and for England, across regions, depending on local policy. As part of the Online Sperm Donation Project, Dr Turner-Moore and his team have conducted research with recipients, partners, donors and platform owners involved in online sperm donation. In the final action research phase, people with lived experience reviewed the findings and worked with researchers to imagine and begin shaping an ideal future for online sperm donation. The donor action research group has produced a report calling for changes to regulated donor insemination, highlighting inequitable access for those experiencing social infertility and the high costs of clinical treatment. They argue that people should have genuine choice between clinical and informal online routes, but current barriers limit the clinical option for many. As one donor in the research action group explains, the costs associated with fertility treatment in clinics "reinforced for me why many intended parents look for alternative routes, and why accessibility matters". Fertility Action leads the Fertility Access campaign and is a national charity focused on driving equity, improving support and increasing education in fertility care. Katie Rollings, Founder and CEO of Fertility Action, said: "This update from NICE marks an important moment - but it also underscores how far we still have to go. Fertility care must evolve to reflect the realities of modern families. At Fertility Action, we work alongside patients every day and see the real-world impact of these policies. What people are asking for is not preferential treatment, but a system that treats them fairly. "This is a pivotal opportunity to reset the framework - by removing non-clinical barriers, introducing national consistency, and building a system that is inclusive, transparent and centred on those who need care. Because equitable access to fertility treatment is not aspirational - it should be the standard." The Progress Educational Trust (PET) is a charity which aims to improve choices for people affected by infertility and genetic conditions. Sarah Norcross, Director of the Progress Educational Trust (PET), said: "The NICE Fertility Guideline should deliver for everyone, not just people in heterosexual relationships, and the new update to the Guideline is a missed opportunity to ensure that this is the case. Four years ago, the Women's Health Strategy for England stated that the Government would work to ensure that 'Female same-sex couples are able to access NHS-funded fertility services in a more equitable way'. Neither the present Labour Government nor its Conservative predecessor has made any progress toward achieving this." PET maintains the PET NHS Fertility Funding Tracker - a regularly updated resource that enables patients, professionals and researchers to check what level of IVF treatment is funded by each of England's Integrated Care Boards.
Leeds Beckett University has once again been recognised among the world's top institutions, securing a place in the top 100 globally for sports-related and hospitality and leisure management subjects in the QS World University Rankings 2026. This marks the sixth consecutive year that these subjects have achieved this ranking. The QS World University Rankings are an internationally respected system designed to guide prospective students in choosing the best universities for their chosen fields. The 2026 edition is based on an analysis of over 18,300 university programmed taken at more than 1,700 universities around the world in 55 academic disciplines. Rankings are determined using five key indicators, including academic reputation, employer reputation and international research networks. In addition to its top 100 rankings, Leeds Beckett University holds a coveted 5-star 'excellent' rating from QS Stars, a system that assesses teaching quality, employability and internationalisation among other factors. Peter Mackreth, Dean of the Carnegie School of Sport at Leeds Beckett University, said: "We're delighted to have maintained our position in the top 100 universities for both sports-related and hospitality and leisure management subjects. The ranking is recognition of the continued impact our work has, through our graduates in their careers, our research and the industry partnerships we have to underpin our portfolio." Ben Sowter, QS Senior Vice President, said: "The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026 highlight a global higher education landscape that is becoming both more competitive and more specialised. Institutions are increasingly building global reputations through targeted subject excellence, research collaboration and industry engagement. This year's results show that strategic investment in specific disciplines - not just overall institutional strength - is becoming a defining feature of how universities compete and gain international recognition." Find more information about the QS World University Rankings on the Top Universities website.
The conference was held at ISLA Instituto Politcnico de Gesto de Tecnologia in Vila Nova de Gaia, south of the Douro River. The university itself is a fascinating creative space, housed in a building that was once a shopping mall, with working escalators between floors, with the shop units being repurposed as classrooms and lecture theatres. The theme of the conference was employability and getting students to think reflectively about their past and strategically about their futures, to best prepare themselves whilst at university for the world of work and professional development beyond formal education. The conference was attended by 74 students from nine countries across the EU and beyond. The students participated in several academic, vocational and intercultural activities. The conference program included a first day tasting event, where students brought food from their own countries for others to try as well as a treasure hunt around the city of Porto. The academic program included lectures and seminars about employability skills development, intercultural communication, emotional intelligence, reflection and resilience. This included a special guest lecture by Kateryna Skyba from Khmelnytskyi National University in Ukraine about adaptability and resilience in times of crisis. Students worked in international teams on an experiential learning project on the theme of sustainable tourism in Porto and became tourists themselves with an organised boat trip along the Douro River. MBA student attendee Lavanya Dasari from Leeds Business School said that the event was: "A week of honest conversations with industry leaders, late-night laughs with students from every corner of the world, and in a city that somehow made it all feel cinematic. The learning was real. The connections, even more so... I left fuller in every sense of the word." Businet is a non-profit educational networking organisation that has 149 educational members across 37 countries. Businet was originally established in 1987 as a network of higher education institutions to promote and develop business education. However, since this time the network has diversified into areas besides business including arts, creative industries, health, law, media, communications, tourism, STEM, sustainability and computing, attracting members from this very diverse range of subject areas.
Heather Paul, the daughter of Gertrude and Senior Lecturer at the Carnegie School of Education has contributed research to the project. During her lifetime, Gertrude had a profound impact on the city of Leeds, being a founder of the Leeds West Indian Carnival, The United Caribbean Association, Leeds International Women's Group, the Afro-Asian Organisation, founder and first chairperson for seven years of the Leeds West Indian Centre. The project, created in collaboration with Leeds School Library Service by writer and illustrator Salomey Doku, offers a springboard for teachers and students to explore, including the challenges and triumphs of the Windrush Generation and the changing racial relations in British society. Exploring Gertrude's early life, which began in St Kitts, her journey to Leeds during the Windrush era and into her teaching career. Students will then discover more about Gertrudes legacy as a community leader. Speaking about the launch, Heather said: "Writing a book about my mother's magnificent achievements in educational and community activism during her career as a headteacher is a way for me to honour her legacy and share her inspiring story. My mother dedicated her life to making a positive difference in the lives of all children and communities, tackling inequalities, championing fairness and opportunity. Even many years after her passing, the Leeds community wanted to keep her spirit alive by sharing her journey from childhood to becoming a Headteacher with children in schools across Leeds. Through this research and storytelling, I hope to inspire young students to stand up for justice, appreciate the power of education, and remember the incredible impact one person can have in creating a better world." "I would like to thank Salomey Doku who lives here in Leeds, is a world-renowned illustrator and a published writer, also Kirsty Fenn who is a Senior Librarian at Leeds City Council Schools Library Service without whom this would not have been possible."
The UKCGE Research Supervision Recognition Programme provides national, peer-reviewed accreditation that recognises the skills, experience, and reflective practice of supervisors across the UK and beyond. Two levels of recognition are available: the Recognised Associate Supervisor Award, designed for those in the early stages of their supervisory journey, and the Recognised Supervisor Award, which recognises experienced supervisors who have demonstrated sustained and effective practice. Those who achieved recognition in the latest application round are: Recognised Supervisor Award Dr Sarah Bowen, Leeds School of Arts Professor Jim Boyne, School of Health Professor Louise Warwick-Booth, School of Health Recognised Associate Supervisor Award Dr Paula Beesley, School of Health Dr Emma Geddes, School of Health Dr Jonathan Moss, Carnegie School of Sport Professor Louise Warwick-Booth, Associate Director of the Centre for Health Promotion Research, said: "I really enjoyed the process of reflective writing that was needed to apply for this accreditation. I found it a welcome opportunity to consider how much I have learned from my PhD students during supervision, panel meetings, examinations and writing for publication together. "Considering why we do what we do, and reflecting on this is a key aspect of pedagogical practice. Receiving feedback from colleagues also helped me to think more deeply about how I work, and what I can improve on - I am still learning after many years of teaching, which is great. It was wonderful news too to have a positive outcome." Dr Jonathan Moss, Senior Lecturer in Events Management, said: "Receiving the Recognised Associate Supervisor Award has given me the opportunity to reflect deeply on my supervisory practice, what I have learned, how I have grown, and where I can continue to develop. "Engaging with this award provides a clear and valuable framework for ongoing professional growth, and I am eager to pursue the next stage. "More importantly, this recognition reflects the value we place on our research students as a school and institution. It is a testament to the first class team supporting our postgraduate researchers and to our shared commitment to fostering a truly outstanding research community." Funding is still available for colleagues who wish to apply during the current application window (21 March-19 June 2026), please email researcherdevelopment@leedsbeckett.ac.uk if you are interested in applying. Further details about the scheme and award criteria can be found on the UKCGE Research Supervision Recognition Programme website.
A group of ten students from the university's Carnegie School of Sporttook on key operational roles during the showpiece rugby league games at Allegiant Stadium, supporting areas including media operations and talent movement. The opportunity was brokered by a former national rugby league player who now lectures in Sport Management at Leeds Beckett, helping connect students with organisers of the high-profile event. The Las Vegas showcase saw some of rugby league's biggest names from both hemispheres come together as the sport's culture and fanfare took over the famous strip. Throughout the week-long trip, the students contributed across a range of events. These included the headline Leeds Rhinos vs Hull Kingston Rovers Super League fixture and additional Super League matches. There was also a Rugby League 9s tournament featuring Hunslet RLFC and a schools' tournament. Third-year Sport Business Management student Patrick Wilkinson worked at the heart of the event throughout the week, including roles in media and talent movement. Patrick said: "The trip was full of learning, networking and unforgettable experiences. Every experience added a new layer of understanding about how major sporting events are delivered, promoted, and brought to life on a global stage. "Being part of the media and talent movement operation for such a major international event reinforced just how much coordination, precision, and teamwork goes into elite sport off the field. Seeing it up close was an invaluable learning experience and a brilliant way to end the trip. Im heading home motivated, inspired, and even more excited about whats next in sport." Sport Management lecturer James Webster praised the students' contribution throughout the week. He said: "What an extraordinary week it has been for the students. They were given the incredible opportunity to contribute to a major global sporting event in the worlds capital of sport. "A special mention must go to their outstanding contribution to the world-famous Fremont Street fan event, as well as their involvement on match day itself. "Our sincere thanks to the NRL team for making this truly unique and invaluable experience possible."
Caryn Cox, who studied BSc Environmental Health from 1991 to 1995, joined St John Ambulance in 1979 as a Cadet and has volunteered with the organisation for the past 47 years. The Order of St John is a Royal Order of Chivalry that can award honours to people or organisations who make a selfless contribution to humanity. Entry is by invitation only and subject to the sanction of HM The King. On receiving the honour, Caryn said:"I am humbled to be appointed a Dame within the Order of St John, it's an organisation that has been ever present and shaped my life in so many rich and rewarding ways, including my day-to-day work as an NHS Consultant. "I have gained so much being a part of this truly fantastic organisation. I continue to be inspired by our St John People - both volunteers and staff - their dedication, talent and unwavering commitment to serving their communities and saving lives is without bounds. They give thousands of unpaid hours each year to help other people - there is nothing more selfless. I am particularly proud of our young people, Badgers and Cadets, who really do embody all we would hope for in our future generations and all those adults and families who support them in their development and make their learning fun and engaging." Caryn has had a wide-ranging career since graduating, mainly working in the NHS, but she also worked extensively for the World Health Organization in Copenhagen, the EU in Strasbourg and recently finished working in the role of Chief Medical Officer and Director of Public Health on the Isle of Man. Caryn added:"Learning first aid can and does make a difference to so many people's lives - I would strongly urge anyone who has not recently learnt CPR or how to use a defibrillator to book onto a course now." Find out more about studying our Environmental Health courses and apprenticeships at Leeds Beckett.
Taking place at The Rose Bowl Atrium on 16-17 March 2026, the International Circular Fashion Week Conference and a student-led Oxfam Pop-Up will run side by side, creating a dynamic programme of talks, exhibitions, workshops, live performance and retail experiences. Organised collaboratively by Circular Fashion Incubator CIC and students from across the university - including fashion, marketing, music and creative disciplines - the event showcases how education, enterprise and activism can come together to reshape the future of fashion. Day One: International Circular Fashion Week Conference Monday 16 March 2026 | The Rose Bowl Day one centres on the International Circular Fashion Week Conference - a global platform exploring sustainability, innovation and cultural storytelling in fashion. The 2026 edition highlights: Cultural heritage and folklore Traditional craft and repair Upcycling and circular design Bold contemporary expression The conference opens with a keynote from Professor Natascha Radcliffe-Thomas of Ravensbourne University London, examining the myths and realities of circular fashion. Dress historian Phillip Warren, Chair of The Costume Society, will explore The Foundations of Fashion, alongside international speakers from Italy, Pakistan and India. A centrepiece of the day is The Corset Revival Project, a global creative initiative led by Circular Fashion Incubator CIC and Dr Esther Pugh of Leeds Beckett University. The project has rescued 150 corsets from landfill and challenged designers worldwide to transform them using only discarded and reclaimed materials. The reimagined works will be unveiled in a live fashion show and exhibition, with awards presented during the conference. Selected designs will later tour internationally, including an appearance at Global Sustainable Fashion Week Budapest. Day one also features: Sing the Thread, Move the Memory - a live cultural performance blending music, movement and craft A sustainable dye innovation demonstration Panel discussion on communicating and selling handmade and upcycled fashion A handmade market featuring independent craft fashion, jewellery and accessories Networking and a closing drinks reception To attend day one in the Knowledge Exchange spaces are limited so you will need to book, but tickets are free to LBU staff and students: International Circular Fashion Week Conference 2026 Tickets, Monday 16 March at 09:00 to Tuesday 17 March at 19:00, Eventbrite Day Two: Oxfam Pop-Up and Conference Programme Tuesday 17 March 2026 | 10:00-16:00 On Day two, the conference continues alongside a vibrant Oxfam Pop-Up Shop, curated and delivered by Leeds Beckett students in collaboration with Oxfam. Running throughout the day, the pop-up will offer preloved clothing, accessories, books and music, supported by live music and a DJ. Students will create a full retail experience including styled rails, serviced fitting rooms, a living feedback wall, donation station and interactive social media activations. In the Knowledge Exchange, a series of 'Sustainable Fashion TED Talks' led by Student Services will explore sustainable fashion from diverse perspectives, including: 10am-12pm TED Talks by Student Services in the Knowledge Exchange 10:00 Wellbeing: Gareth Cavill. Feel Good, Look Good, Do good 10:25 Disability and Inclusion: Amy Hambrook 10:50 Global Village: Moira Lundi Samson. Preloved Across Borders: What Global Cultures Teach Us About Sustainable Fashion 11:15 Student Money: Ben Turney-Chastney. Is Sustainable Fashion Affordable Fashion 11:40 Jobs and Careers: Ben Robertson - Wear Your Values: Building a Sustainable Career That Actually Fits Book for free online Hands-on Denim Upcycling and Personalisation Workshops, facilitated by fashion students, will invite participants to repair, embroider and customise garments using donated or personal items - bringing circular principles to life. Research into consumer behaviour will also take place during the event in partnership with the Retail Institute, adding an academic dimension to the live retail environment. A movement, not just an event Dr Esther Pugh said: "Experience fashion like never before! Our multi-sensory circular fashion event is designed to immerse you in every stitch, story and sound. Discover the movement, engage your senses and be part of the change. See you there!" Andrea Benahmed Djilali of Circular Fashion Incubator CIC added: "Each corset is a canvas for reimagining what fashion can mean in today's world, and we are so excited to see the many diverse approaches of all our creatives." Together, the International Circular Fashion Week Conference and the Oxfam Pop-Up demonstrate how circular fashion connects heritage craft, global dialogue, student enterprise and social impact - all within one collaborative, two-day programme. Staff and students passionate about sustainability, heritage, creativity and circular innovation are warmly invited to attend, collaborate or support the movement. Event Details Date: 16-17 March 2026 Location: Rose Bowl Atrium, City Campus, Leeds Beckett University For more information on day one, please email info@circularfashionincubator.com For more information on day two, please email e.pugh@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
In the lecture on Wednesday 11 March, Professor Sharp will explore how his career has been shaped not by a single planned pathway, but by the interaction between serendipity, strategic thinking and strong professional relationships. He argues that impactful academic careers emerge when curiosity, preparedness and self-determination allow individuals to recognise and act on unexpected opportunities. Professor Sharp said: "During my early work in biomedical science and smart health technologies, openness to new directions enabled interdisciplinary research, innovation and real-world applications. These experiences demonstrate how research impact often develops when different subjects work together and when universities collaborate with partners outside academia." A central theme of the lecture will be his transition into academic leadership, including roles as Head of School and Dean. Professor Sharp will reflect on how this shift changed his focus from individual achievement towards creating environments in which others can thrive. He highlights how leadership is a collective endeavour - one that enables collaboration, innovation and shared success across teams and institutions. Professor Sharp also emphasises how strategy plays a vital role alongside chance, providing clarity, shared values and long-term direction while still allowing space for creativity and emerging opportunities. Under his leadership, a strong focus on strategic partnerships has helped position Leeds Beckett University as a trusted partner across local, regional and national health, care, policy and research systems. Professor Sharp added:"These partnerships have delivered tangible public benefits, including increased research income, expanded placement and workforce opportunities, embedded research collaborations and greater influence on policy and professional practice." The inaugural lecture celebrates not only Professor Sharps career achievements but also the wider role of universities in fostering partnership, innovation and positive social change. This lecture, which takes place at the Rose Bowl on the City Campus and online, is part of Leeds Beckett University's inaugural professorial lecture series. To book a space, please visit our events page.
The Leeds City Challenge, unveiled at a launch event on Friday 27 February 2026, will support students and recent graduates to develop business ideas that tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the city and surrounding region. Bringing together civic leaders, business figures, entrepreneurs, staff and students, the event marked the start of a programme focused on innovation, inclusive growth and tangible civic impact. A 10,000 boost for bold ideas At the heart of the challenge is a 10,000 prize funded by Leeds Beckett University, underlining the university's commitment to backing the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Leeds City Challenge is open to all students from first-year undergraduates through to PhD candidates - as well as alumni up to 18 months after graduation. Participants will propose innovative business ideas responding directly to challenges within Leeds and the wider city region. The initiative is the first challenge of its kind to be launched by a UK university. The programme will include enterprise workshops, expert mentoring and a shortlisting process, culminating in a final pitch event where shortlisted teams will present their ideas to a high-profile judging panel. Civic leadership and collaboration The launch opened with remarks from Professor George Lodorfos, Dean of Leeds Business School, followed by Vice Chancellor Professor Peter Slee. A keynote address was delivered by Ed Whiting OBE, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, who highlighted both the opportunities and inequalities within the city and encouraged students to engage directly with the challenges Leeds faces over the coming decade. Professor Lebene Richmond Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School and Academic Director of the LBS Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, outlined how the challenge connects student creativity and ambition with the needs of the city's economy. More than 20 students have already signed up to take part. Ed Whiting OBE, Chief Executive of Leeds City Council, said: "Leeds is a city that is growing and changing, we're a big and diverse city, but we have poverty, inequality and gaps in life expectancy between different wards in our city. We have to close those gaps. I hope the students leading the Leeds City Challenge and getting involved will really get stuck into those challenges and help us make the most of the decade ahead." Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor, Leeds Beckett University, said: "It's a brilliant opportunity for students to be involved in real-life learning that makes a difference to communities, organisations and people. This is an anchor project because it's linking our organisation with others in common purpose. It's about helping Leeds to grow and thrive and for our students to make a difference while gaining skills and experience that will be unique." Professor Lebene Soga, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Management Practice at Leeds Business School said: "This is a unique platform for our students to think about Leeds and make an impact. We are a university for Leeds, and this challenge offers our students an opportunity to think about the problems that this city faces. Business ideas solve problems, and good businesses solve great problems - we want our students to think that way and be problem solvers for our city." Student Gemma Hunt, studying for an MA in Entrepreneurship and Business Development said: "My idea is about youth unemployment and in order to be able to do this challenge, the experience and support of the university and Leeds City Council will be really beneficial." Student Senyo Kofi Agbleze, studying for an MSc in Supply Chain Management and Logistics said: "You can identify a problem in the classroom and take it to the real world, to make an impact, to make lives better, to make the city better. I need to put my entrepreneur cap on and take action, this is an opportunity and a platform for me to push forward." Supporting Leeds Anchors and Leeds Ambitions The Leeds City Challenge reinforces Leeds Beckett's role within the Leeds Anchor Network. Anchor institutions - including councils, universities, colleges, hospitals and major employers - use their employment power, spending, assets and expertise to support local economic and social development. As a partner in the network, Leeds Beckett works collaboratively with other major institutions committed to strengthening Leeds' economic, cultural and social life. Professor Peter Slee currently chairs the Leeds Anchors Network, underlining the university's civic leadership role. The challenge also aligns with the city's long-term vision set out in Leeds Ambitions - a shared plan driven by organisations and communities across the city. Its four priorities are: Healthy - making Leeds a healthy and caring city for everyone Growing - reducing poverty and inequality through inclusive economic growth Thriving - building strong, welcoming and safe communities Resilient - becoming the UK's first net zero and nature positive city By encouraging students and graduates to design businesses that respond directly to these priorities, the challenge positions entrepreneurship as a practical tool for delivering meaningful change. A platform for impact More than a competition, the Leeds City Challenge has been designed as a platform for collaboration, creativity and civic engagement. By connecting students and recent graduates with mentors, civic leaders and industry partners, the university aims to strengthen the pipeline of innovative, locally rooted enterprises. Participants will benefit from structured support and the opportunity to refine their ideas in response to real feedback from business and civic stakeholders. The final pitching event will provide a public platform to showcase ventures with the potential to drive economic growth, social impact and long-term resilience in Leeds. The challenge also introduces students to the wider support available through the Leeds Business School Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange, reinforcing Leeds Beckett's commitment to enterprise at every stage of the student journey. Business leaders, SMEs and external partners interested in mentoring, judging, sponsoring or collaborating are encouraged to get involved. Find out more about the Leeds City Challenge and the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Knowledge Exchange.
Dr Bill Davies and Dr Alexandria Bradley, both from the School of Humanities and Social Science, attended the ceremony on behalf of LBU and were presented with a silver medal and certificate (signed by The King) by Their Majesties The King and Queen at an investiture ceremony at St James' Palace. The prize, which forms part of the UK Honours system, recognises the impact of LBU's Educational Alliance with HMP Full Sutton (LEAF) led by the two LBU criminologists. It celebrates their project's pathbreaking and innovative approach to prison education and its clear benefit to society. Bill and Alex attended the ceremony with some former students. Rachel Greene studied a degree in Criminology with Psychology and then a Master's in Criminology and was taught by both Bill and Alex: "The best part of my university experience was being accepted onto the Learning Together course. We used to go to Full Sutton prison every other Tuesday and I loved it. The most important part about the whole experience was the integration between the students from Leeds Beckett and the students within Full Sutton. As soon as we entered the classroom, we were all equal. We were there for the same purpose. We supported each other. I found it so special. Once the course had ended, I was extremely gutted. However, I was invited back to be a peer mentor, which was so exciting and I was honoured to be asked. This module will always have a special place in my heart. I am so honoured and grateful to have been a part of it." She is delighted that Bill and Alex have received the award for Leeds Beckett: "I am so lucky to have met Bill and Alex. They have both encouraged and supported me through difficult times, academically and in my personal life. I am so proud of them for achieving this award, they truly deserve it! They both work so hard and they have also made the Learning Together Course one to remember. It was not just a course; it was a privilege. That's why I am extremely honoured to be invited to witness them receive this award. I can't think of two more deserving people." LEAF, based in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, delivers inclusive higher education at HMP Full Sutton, a long-term high-security men's prison. The programme supports learners to gain recognised qualifications through targeted study that improves future opportunities. Combining trauma-informed teaching with social justice and higher education practice, LEAF creates a supportive and stable learning environment for people who may have experienced disrupted education or limited support. The programme focuses on strong staff-learner relationships, consistent teaching and inclusive, student-led learning. Dr Bill Davies, Reader in Teaching and Learning at Leeds Beckett University and Co-Director of LEAF, said: "We are incredibly proud to receive the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education, which recognises the dedication and collaboration at the heart of the LEAF partnership. The award reflects the commitment of students from both Leeds Beckett and HMP Full Sutton, whose enthusiasm for learning and willingness to embrace education in a unique setting have made this work possible. We are thankful to everyone involved in supporting this shared learning community and look forward to continuing to widen access to meaningful educational opportunities for those who can benefit most." Dr Alexandria Bradley said: "I'm absolutely thrilled that our educational alliance with HMP Full Sutton has received this prestigious award. Positive educational experiences are inspiring, they increase confidence and they start to open the door to real personal growth. When we, as a society, prioritise education in prisons, we invest in people's potential and in stronger communities. It has been wonderful to see our alumni flourish through their experiences and use them to help others involved within the Criminal Legal System." Feedback from partners at HMP Full Sutton used as part of LBU's submission for the prize attested to the importance of the work: "The impact of this over the years is huge. On the back of these courses, we saw an increase in engagement in education. It has challenged preconceptions and changed behaviours and attitudes. In some ways this led to a more profound change than achieving the qualifications for some." For Leeds Beckett, the award reflects the outstanding contribution of Dr Davies and Dr Bradley and the university's mission to advance social justice through education and research. Professor Peter Slee, Leeds Beckett University Vice Chancellor, who accompanied Bill and Alex today along with Chancellor Sir Bob Murray and Chair of the Board of Governors Iain Cornish, said: "This national recognition highlights the outstanding collaboration between our colleagues and partners at HMP Full Sutton. The LEAF partnership demonstrates the powerful impact that innovative teaching and strong partnerships can have in transforming lives and supporting communities. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Dr Bill Davies and Dr Alexandria Bradley for their leadership in delivering this pioneering and sector-leading work." The recognition affirms Leeds Beckett University's leadership in educational innovation and community engagement. It celebrates a project that has changed lives, challenged inequality and shown the transformative potential of education in restricted environments. Sir Bob Murray CBE, Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said: "Education changed my own life, and I have been a lifelong advocate of its power to change lives and strengthen communities. For that reason, I am immensely proud to see Leeds Beckett University recognised in this way. "It is a privilege to serve as Chancellor and to work alongside Bill, Alex and their colleagues, whose commitment and dedication have made this honour possible. This recognition is richly deserved." Find out more about LEAF and the Queen Elizabeth Prize for Education and studying Criminology at Leeds Beckett.