Nottingham College has launched a new Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Framework designed to recognise and celebrate businesses and organisations that are making a positive difference within their communities.
Developed in collaboration with employer partners, the framework provides a clear way for organisations to demonstrate the social value they create through their engagement with the college. It also highlights the important role employers play in supporting education, developing future talent and strengthening the local economy.
Social value forms a key part of Corporate Social Responsibility and represents the positive impact an organisation makes beyond profit. By investing time, expertise and resources into education and skills, employers help shape the workforce of the future while enhancing their own talent pipeline, reputation and community impact.
Nottingham College works with hundreds of employers across a wide range of sectors, creating opportunities for students, supporting workforce development and delivering measurable social value throughout the region. Employer contributions take many forms, from offering apprenticeships, industry placements and work experience opportunities, to sharing specialist knowledge through guest lectures and curriculum activities. Many businesses also support learning environments through the donation of equipment, materials and resources that help students develop industry-relevant skills. The new framework has been designed to recognise these contributions and encourage even greater collaboration between education and industry.
Through the scheme, employers can progress through four defined levels by participating in activities that support students, curriculum development and community engagement. Designed to be flexible and accessible, the framework welcomes organisations of all sizes, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), with support provided by the college’s dedicated Partnerships Team.
The framework offers employers a college-validated way to evidence their social impact, demonstrating their commitment to developing local skills and investing in their communities. Whether creating pathways into employment, providing real-world industry insight, supporting mentoring initiatives or donating resources that enhance teaching and learning, employers can showcase their contribution through a recognised and transparent framework. A total of 13 employers have signed up to the framework so far, with more set to join.
One of the framework’s key development partners has been Nottinghamshire-based building contractor Miller Knight, whose commitment to social value helped shape the scheme from its earliest stages.
Chris Flint, Regeneration Director at Miller Knight, said:
“We are proud to have supported Nottingham College in the development of its CSR Framework. It provides a structured and validated approach to social value and corporate social responsibility, with a real focus on combining engagement that is both meaningful for businesses and students.”
Mark Johnson, Nottingham College Employer Partnerships & Operations Manager, said:
“At Nottingham College, we are proud to work alongside employers who are committed to making a positive difference within their communities. Our new Corporate Social Responsibility Framework provides a meaningful way to recognise and celebrate those organisations that go above and beyond to support our students and contribute to wider social value.
“By working closely with employers, we can create opportunities that benefit students, businesses and communities alike. This might include opening doors to careers through apprenticeships and work experience, sharing valuable industry expertise, or enhancing learning through the donation of equipment and materials. This framework reinforces the importance of those partnerships and showcases the positive impact they deliver across the region.”
To find out more about the Nottingham College Corporate Social Responsibility Framework, please visit: Corporate Social Responsibility Framework | Nottingham Collegehttps://www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk/employers/corporate-social-responsibility-framework
Posted on 19 October 2026
