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 a planning and reporting tool. It helps us to create goals for social impact, and also to evaluate and report on our progress towards those goals.
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 builds on UTS’s long-standing commitment to social justice, strengthens alignment with UTS 2030, and provide clearer guidance on impact, outcomes and accountability across the university.
Proposed new SIF
The new Social Impact Framework contains 4 sets of activities, which are how we make impact, and 6 priority areas, where we make impact.
Priority areas
Indigenous self-determination
Representing UTS's commitment to Indigenous self-determination by contributing to Indigenous-led positive impact through Indigenous innovation and creativity.
Equity and inclusion
Promoting equity, accessibility and inclusion by removing systemic barriers and enabling full participation, regardless of background, lived experience or identity.
Civic responsibility and institutional integrity
Strengthening ethical leadership, civic participation, transparent governance, and critical and creative thinking to support a more equitable, informed and inclusive society.
Healthy communities
Fostering health, belonging and social resilience through community-led, place-based approaches grounded in reciprocal partnerships.
Environmental sustainability
Advancing climate action and environmental stewardship through sustainable practices, system change and a commitment to environmental justice.
Responsible use of technology
Promoting the ethical, equitable and accountable design, development and use of technology to promote inclusion and positive societal impact.