Responsible Futures
Responsible Futures (RF) is a change-making programme and accreditation framework, co-led by students, staff, academics, and the students’ unions to embed sustainability across all aspects of education.
In 2024 Exeter, The Guild, and Falmouth & Exeter Students' Union were awarded joint Responsible Futures accreditation. This accreditation reflects the institutions and student unions’ shared commitment to embedding holistic sustainability across the formal, informal and subliminal curriculum. Exeter is the only Russell Group University to currently have full accreditation.
Professor Tim Quine Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) said ‘We are delighted to receive accreditation from Responsible Futures, which reflects our commitment to integrating sustainability and social responsibility into every aspect of the student experience at the University of Exeter. This recognition underscores the hard work and dedication of our staff, students, and community partners in creating a culture across our campuses that prioritises ethical leadership and environmental stewardship. While this is a fantastic achievement, we recognise that this is the first step in a long journey and we will need to maintain our sharp focus on sustainability and social responsibility in the years ahead. Our next step we will be to consider the recommendations Responsible Futures have made and how we can build them into our teaching to continue to be at the forefront of preparing our students to become the responsible global citizens our world needs today.’
Connie Chilcott President Exeter, Falmouth & Exeter Students’ Union said ‘The SU is glad to have earned the full RF accreditation, alongside the University of Exeter and the Students' Guild. Our collaborative and constructive partnership is one that challenges us all on what it truly means to act on the climate crisis, and to prepare our students for a livable, healthy, and socially just future.'
About RF
Responsible Futures approaches the institution as a whole, enabling partnership working to weave sustainable education into the formal, informal and subliminal curriculum. Supported by SOS-UK, the University has established a working group, made up of students, educators, union representatives, and more, to engage with the framework. The framework is comprised of a set of criteria supporting change from the top-down, bottom-up and middle-out, for a whole-institution approach to embedding sustainability in learning. It includes criteria in leadership, decision-making, staff support, community outreach, and student empowerment. This ensures a holistic, racially and socially just delivery of sustainable education, co-created by students, across all aspects of university life.
What we are doing:
The working group is currently:
- Reviewing the RF audit results and working on implementing auditors’ recommendations.
- Updating the Sustainability Education Action Plan.
- Working on new ways of reaching and surveying students for their opinions on sustainability within the University.
Our working group’s current projects include:
- Student voice in sustainability education: student interns are researching and reporting on students’ experience and views on sustainability education at the University.
- Empowering and supporting students: student interns are hired to lead the group and ensure the longevity of RF at Exeter. Many more are part of the working group or hired for short term projects, such as the Responsible Futures Survey.
- Partnership working: collaborating with the Students’ Union and Students’ Guild on projects, and supporting their sustainability strategies and policies.
- Supporting staff: understanding the confidence of staff in delivering a sustainable education and how staff can be further supported.
To join our working group or find out more please email s.a.m.agbenro@exeter.ac.uk
