Alexander Scott - Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Trustee, Francis C Scott Charitable Trust

From a difficult beginning, the institution has emerged to become a vital part of our regional academic and civil infrastructure.

From its multi-base facilities, it is evidently touching the wider community in our county and the breadth, variety and flexibility of its student-offering are attracting students from a wide catchment.

My personal experience has been though collaboration with the University on a ground-breaking programme for Aspiring Leaders in the charitable sector. Working with the charitable sector, we have selected, supported and promoted the creation of an undergraduate degree for outstanding community leaders. The University has provided critical academic input and teaching to this successful initiative, which allows talented youth who have bypassed the classic progression into higher education and gives them a second chance.  Of particular note is the collaborative nature of this initiative;  the programme was initiated by the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust and developed in close consultation between the university and the Brathay Hall Trust which provides leadership and personal development training. I wholly endorse the process and spirit of partnership that has shone through this initiative.

On a wider basis, it is clear that the energy and commitment of the university community towards fulfilling its civil responsibilities has added substantially to the strong sense of pride and commitment that we feel towards our county.

2023 has been a banner year for an institution which is coming of age. We are proud of our university and it is doing great things for our county!