We unlock the potential of people and organisations by partnering with business and governments to deliver transformational research, postgraduate education and professional development.
Corporate responsibility is about ensuring that we take into account the social, community and environmental consequences of our activities. This philosophy is integrated into our regular activity wherever possible and is demonstrated though a variety of initiatives – read some of these below.
Helping others reduce their carbon emissions
As well as reducing our own carbon emissions, our intellectual and technical advances are helping other organisations and individuals reduce their own carbon footprints. We have called this our Carbon Brainprint.
Our Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship provides assistance for start-ups, for example, through the 18-week Ready for Net Zero Growth programme which helps companies to embed Net Zero ambitions within their growth plans.
Our charities
We use our expertise to positively impact the lives of others through our charitable work.
The Cranfield Trust
For more than 25 years, the Cranfield Trust has provided free management support to UK-based non-profit organisations. The Trust was founded at Cranfield, at the suggestion of HRH The Princess Royal, now its Patron, and is an independent charity working with alumni of Cranfield and other leading international business schools. Through its register of 900 commercial sector managers, who give their time as volunteer consultants, the Trust supports 300 charities a year with individual consultancy projects, and a further 1,000 with online information and advice and with masterclass learning events.
SAFAD
Since 1969, SAFAD has sent more than 340 Cranfield graduate volunteers to over 37 countries in the developing world to work on small-scale development projects run by non-governmental organisations.
Unique among British organisations operating in the less developed world, SAFAD is a registered charity set up by Cranfield University and run on a voluntarily basis by our students.
SAFAD has been able to improve thousands of lives by alleviating poverty and helping to create sustainable livelihoods using volunteers with skills in areas such as:
- Water supply and management;
- Sanitation;
- Health and hygiene;
- Agroforestry, agriculture and soil conservation;
- Education, training and research;
- Small business enterprises;
- Intermediate technologies.
Community
We work with local councils and organisations to encourage business growth and development in our locations.
Local residents:
- Can engage with Cranfield University via Cranfield Parish Council, for example, on our planned campus developments.
- An annual stakeholders’ lunch hosted by the Vice-Chancellor provides opportunity for Heads of local schools, Parish Council reps and local faith leaders to meet with senior staff.
- Many of our lectures are also open to the general public.
Local businesses and civil society:
- Cranfield University is a member of Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce.
Regional Councils:
- The University’s Regional Engagement Team meets weekly with reps from Central Bedfordshire Council and bi-monthly with Bedford Borough Council.
- We have joined forces with Milton Keynes Council and business partners to develop and inform decision making for a new university, MK:U.
If you wish to engage please contact Nicola Dawson-Randell, Regional Engagement Manager – Finance.
Education for a sustainable world
Through our research and teaching – whether via the teaching of our specialist degrees, consultancy, policy development or charitable work – we are making a significant contribution to building a more sustainable world, something we term our 'Carbon Brainprint'.
Our aim is to ensure our graduates are equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience to make a positive contribution to sustainable development. While several of our programmes directly relate to sustainability, this concept is integral throughout our teaching, and our research project recommendations also include guidelines for sustainability where possible so that our influence radiates as far as possible.
Ethical standards
We observe and maintain high ethical standards in our teaching and research. These standards must be upheld in the activities of all members of the University. Helping all staff and students to acquire and express professional and personal ethics in their work is an important part of the educational process the University offers.
Educating responsible business leaders
Cranfield School of Management has been a signatory member of the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education since 2008, reporting biannually on our progress and commitment to educating responsible and sustainable business leaders.
