Abstract

This presentation explores student volunteering, upskilling, and links between civic participation and classed barriers. Through the partnership of the Centre for Graduate Prospects and the Northumbria Local Appropriate Adult Scheme (NLAAS), this session showcases and identifies partnership working between two services to evidence the importance of collaborative working relationships for students and staff. Themes include inclusive learning, partnership, collaboration, and digging beneath the surfaces of two services to build and strengthen graduate development.

The Centre for Graduate Prospects works to support students develop an awareness of employability and enterprise opportunities that will support in the acquisition of future employment. The Sunderland Professional Awards provide an opportunity for students to reflect on the experiences they have developed and the subsequent skills they have enhanced as a result. There are two awards that students can participate in; SuPA Experience where students log the time they have spent on a variety of activities and SuPA Skills where students use the STAR technique to write about the skills that they have developed. The awards encourage students to participate in a number of opportunities during their time at university that can help build confidence and better prepare them for the expectations of future employment. NLAAS provides students the unique opportunity to train and act as appropriate adults within their local area in a bid to safeguard vulnerable adults (18+). Students are trained in alignment with the national standards to develop sector awareness, practice knowledge, and personal skillsets (National Appropriate Adult Network, N.D).

Using case studies and an interwoven approach to introducing both services as a combined opportunity, this session aims to demonstrate how current partnership work using the SuPA award and volunteering in criminal justice can support students within a widening participation setting to develop and thrive.