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Colin Jackson CBE launches university’s black leadership initiative

A sector-leading initiative to empower a new generation of black leaders has been launched by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU).

Afua and Colin.jpg
Afua Acheampong and Colin Jackson
The Black Leadership Programme launch

Colin Jackson CBE launches university’s black leadership initiative

A sector-leading initiative to empower a new generation of black leaders has been launched by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and Nottingham Trent Students’ Union (NTSU).

The Black Leadership Programme – launched by Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson CBE – is designed to empower second and final-year NTU students.

The programme aims to help individuals gain confidence and become resilient leaders through a series of hands-on events and community-building activities.

Students are given access to:

  • Mentoring opportunities
  • A full-day workshop designed to develop a sense of community, belonging, empowerment and self-worth
  • A film screening and panel discussion
  • The chance to take part in a European exchange trip to The Netherlands in collaboration with NTU Global and the Netherlands’ Expertise Centre for Diversity Policy (ECHO)

Upon completion, students receive a letter of achievement to acknowledge their participation in the programme.

Professor Edward Peck, Vice-Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University, said: “NTU strives to ensure that all of our students are able to do the very best that their talent and their determination deserve and this unique programme is another significant step towards achieving that ambition.”

Afua Acheampong, Vice-President of Education at Nottingham Trent Students’ Union, said: “I’m honoured to have created a leadership programme that empowers black students to become leaders.

“As an institution, it is our duty to address the barriers that hinder student success and I believe this initiative could be a catalyst for great change.

“We need to be working towards racial equity, both in higher education and in the sector.”

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    Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students. NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience. The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

    It is one of the largest UK universities. With nearly 32,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University contributes £900m to the UK economy every year. With an international student population of more than 3,000 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook. The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. A total of 82% of its graduates go on to graduate entry employment or graduate entry education or training within six months of leaving. Student satisfaction is high: NTU achieved an 87% satisfaction score in the 2019 National Student Survey.

    NTU is also one of the UK’s most environmentally friendly universities, containing some of the sector’s most inspiring and efficient award-winning buildings.

    NTU is home to world-class research, and won The Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2015 – the highest national honour for a UK university. It recognised the University’s pioneering projects to improve weapons and explosives detection in luggage; enable safer production of powdered infant formula; and combat food fraud.

Published on 10 February 2020
  • Category: Press office