Social responsibility at City • City, University of London

Social Responsibility is key to City’s Vision and Strategy for 2030. This means we are committed to embedding social responsibility in everything we do.

Social responsibility at City means we act in the best interests of the economic and social wellbeing of our local, national and international communities. We deliver this through collaboration in our teaching, research, events and activities.

We use the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development to underpin our work across the City community and to measure our performance in 17 critical areas ranging from social justice to environmental sustainability.

Our achievements

But there is much more to do to build a healthier, fairer and greener world for all.

By following the links on this page, you will discover what we are doing to instil social responsibility across the University. You will also find out how you can get involved with events and initiatives that are making City a better place.

Ethics and Social Responsibility Report 2024

The 5^th annual symposium on developing socially responsible professionals was hosted by City on 1 August 2024.

This national symposium brought together experts and stakeholders from academia, industry, charities and government organisations to debate different aspects of developing the next generation of socially responsible professionals.

Read the 2024 Ethics and Social Responsibility Report

History of Social Responsibility at City

Social responsibility is at the root of City’s development as an institution over 125 years ago. The Northampton Institute was founded in 1894, with the objective of promoting 'the industrial skill, general knowledge, health and wellbeing of young men and women belonging to the poorer classes'.

The journey has continued since then. Today, a large part of our student population still come from financially underprivileged backgrounds. City is focused on improving Social Mobility of our students within our society.

Find out more about our history.

Social inclusion at City

At City we are proud of our diverse student population and seek to promote greater social mobility at every level of study and among our staff. Our UK undergraduate student population is comprised of 72% students from BAME backgrounds, with 46% at postgraduate level.

Old photograph of the Northampton Institute in 1894. — The Northampton Institute in 1894: Serving young men and women belonging to the poorer classes.

Social Responsibility in action

Find out how each of our schools is home to a wide range of expertise and how each is taking a dynamic approach to social responsibility in their work.

Social Responsibility in outreach

Find out how we, at City, are committed to local, national and international outreach projects that positively impact those with whom they engage.

Thought Leadership at City

As an organisation we are providing leadership to create debates on social issues that need to be addressed and bring this expertise into our education, training our students to become professionals who can achieve both economic and social value, and improving the society around them.

An example of our thought leadership in action is ETHOS: Centre for Responsible Enterprise. Researchers and the Social Purpose Group have collectively published more than 60 papers on CSR, climate change, stakeholder theory, stakeholder engagement, CSR regulations of Environmental, Social and Governance issues disclosure and reporting through the last REF period, making ETHOS one of the most visible and impactful centre of City, University of London.