The UTS Social Impact Framework

Increasingly universities, organisations and government are looking to demonstrate and measure their social impact.

UTS is committed to driving social change. This commitment is reflected in our diverse institution-wide social justice initiatives, and our rigorous focus on social justice through our Social Impact Framework.

Social impact case studies

Grant – Community-engaged research and practice

Grant – Enabling change using SIF Dashboards

Understanding social justice and working together to bring about real change begins with one thing – action. As a university, it’s our responsibility to be an agent for social change and work in partnership with everyone to transform communities through our research, education, and practice. This involves more than just words or ideas. It’s about disrupting current structures and giving people the tools they need to fight injustice. That’s why we’ve created the UTS Social Impact Framework as a roadmap to guide us towards real change. By embarking on this journey together, we can bring about meaningful progress, even when the road is not always smooth. We've got many milestones to meet along the way, and our six domains guide our actions to proactively embed social justice in everything we do. These domains are: Students from under-represented target groups participate in and successfully complete a higher education degree at UTS. Students have the agency to enact personal and social responsibility. Our staff have the confidence and are supported to maximise their social impact. All of our targeted research, teaching, and program outcomes have social impact and actively contribute to communities. UTS is an advocate, critical voice, and thought leader on issues that concern and impact communities. All UTS business operations and strategies reflect a long-term independent commitment to social impact. But we couldn't achieve any of these without a strong foundation of: Inclusive and supportive leadership, Alumni and Strong partnerships, and being trusted to bring about social change. Social justice underpins everything we do here at UTS, and our Social Impact Framework puts this into practice and keeps us accountable. Universities are for public good, and by sticking to this roadmap, we can help create a healthy, sustainable, and just society.

Understand the UTS Social Impact Framework

How the SIF articulates our social justice vision and serves as a guiding roadmap of the systemic and cultural dynamics needed to realise our goals.

Opening doors for under-represented students
The U@Uni Academy offers a non-traditional pathway to university that doesn’t rely on ATAR.
Future legislators advocate for social justice
The UTS Law Brennan Justice and Leadership Program teaches social justice to students both intellectually and practically.
Social justice leave supports volunteering
UTS gives staff access to paid social justice leave to volunteer their time, skills and expertise to the community.
Mutually beneficial partnerships are the recipe for social change
By opening our doors to community partners UTS has contributes to public good.
Call It Out register: A voice against racism
An online register and secure way for people to report incidents of racism and discrimination toward First Nations people.
Reef recovery through industry collaboration
The Coral Nurture Program partners researchers with tourism operators to rehabilitate reef sites impacted by climate change.
Sustainability at UTS
Workplaces urgently need to adopt more sustainable practices. UTS is leading by example with sustainable practices at all levels of operations.
Preparing industry for impactful graduates
UTS’s Young Alumni Committee facilitates connections between students, industry partners, and our alumni community.
Partnerships for social change
We work in partnership across a broad spectrum of activities, using our strengths to contribute to positive social change.