White Rose and Nottingham Trent University win prestigious national Award for Excellence in Careers and Employability Service Engagement

This national award recognises an outstanding employer partnership that supports students to achieve their career outcomes. The Award celebrates the bold, socially driven collaboration between NTU and White Rose to create the Professional Student Wardrobe.

Launched in 2024, the Professional Student Wardrobe is a unique on-campus initiative offering students free access to high-quality, sustainable clothing for interviews, placements and employment. By removing this key barrier to professional progression, the project has supported over 1,800 students with both practical tools and a boost to their confidence.

Through the partnership with White Rose, the initiative has not only helped countless students prepare for the working world but has also led to the employment of over 100 students, including a placement student working with White Rose on the initiative.

White Rose has also worked in collaboration with Nottingham Business School and the Nottingham School of Art & Design on various projects and initiatives and it is the overall collaboration that the judges considered to be worthy of the award.

White Rose was founded by NTU alumna Grace Walker and through this partnership NTU helps to support White Rose to contribute financially to Aegis Trust’s work to build sustainable peace in communities affected by conflict through the resale of surplus clothing and White Rose supports the NTU student community through development opportunities. It is a formula that the judges recognised was worthy of the award win.

White Rose CEO Grace Walker said: 

“White Rose is so proud to be part of a partnership that not only empowers students but also champions sustainability and social impact. Thank you once again for this vision that NTU initiated and for the opportunity collaborate — here’s to continuing to make a difference together. 

“The Professional Student Wardrobe in particular, has been such a meaningful project for White Rose, and it's wonderful to share this achievement together. From day one, working with Debra Easter and the Employability team has been nothing short of inspirational.  The shared passion for removing barriers and supporting students with dignity and purpose is what brought this initiative to life.

“Our collaboration with NTU supports social mobility and opens up pathways for students to pursue successful careers — perfectly aligning with our mission to create opportunities for all.”

Debra Easter, Director of Employability Services at Nottingham Trent University, said: "Working in partnership with White Rose has led to many opportunities for our students over the years. Our combined commitment to social impact and student development has enhanced employability prospects as well as building confidence and community. White Rose complements NTU’s own values of inclusivity, opportunity and innovation, and we are delighted to celebrate this prestigious award win as recognition of our partnership.”

The NTU and White Rose Professional Student Wardrobe is based on NTU’s City Campus, with regular events and pop-ups taking place throughout the year. More information here.