Social justice is central to UTS’s role as a public university, shaping our purpose, priorities and relationships with communities.

The UTS Social Impact Framework (SIF) gives expression to this identity. It brings together our shared values and commitments to articulate how UTS contributes to positive social change across research, education, student experience and institutional practice. 

Grounded in our aspiration to help create a socially just, healthy and sustainable society, the framework supports consistent and intentional action across the university.

What is the Social Impact Framework? 

The Social Impact Framework is both: 

  • an aspirational guide for advancing UTS’s social justice commitments

  • a practical framework to support planning, alignment and accountability for social impact. 

It provides a shared structure that helps faculties, divisions and individuals articulate how their work contributes to positive social change. This structure is intentionally flexible, accommodating diverse disciplines, roles and faculty-led priorities.

Why the Social Impact Framework matters?

The Social Impact Framework helps UTS: 

  • deliver on its public purpose and social justice mission 

  • make social impact visible and meaningful 

  • strengthen accountability to our communities and partners 

  • support clearer planning and reporting across the university 

  • respond to growing expectations to demonstrate social impact beyond outputs alone. 

It encourages us to ask not only what changed, but for whom, how, and whether it aligned with our values – ensuring our impact is both measurable and just.

Evolving the Social Impact Framework 

UTS is currently refreshing the Social Impact Framework to ensure it remains relevant, inclusive and responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities.

The refreshed framework will build on UTS’s long-standing commitment to social justice, strengthen alignment with UTS 2030, and provide clearer guidance on impact, outcomes and accountability across the university. 

Consultation with staff, students and stakeholders is central to this work. More information about the refreshed framework will be shared as it progresses.