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Leeds Trinity University has been shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community at this year’s Times Higher Education (THE) Awards, the “Oscars” of higher education.
The University was recognised for its Faith Trail initiative, introduced within its Policing provision, which has shown excellent impact in improving engagement and trust between diverse communities in West Yorkshire and student police officers.
The initiative is embedded within the curriculum and combines academic study, experiential learning, and community dialogue, through lectures about migration histories in the region, followed by structured visits to faith institutions and community centres. Thus, students gain direct insight into the lived experiences, beliefs and concerns of the communities they will serve.
Designed in response to a widespread lack of trust in policing among diverse communities, and longstanding concerns about institutional racism, the Faith Trail is proving that modern policing requires empathy, cultural intelligence, and historical awareness. Since its launch in 2024, more than 500 students have participated, reporting increased confidence and improved understanding of migration, identity, and community dynamics.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Egbu said: “I am delighted that our University has been recognised for the positive impact it continues to have on the local community. Through education, partnership, and sustained engagement, Leeds Trinity is shaping a more culturally aware generation of police officers while strengthening relationships between public institutions and the communities they serve. Huge congratulations to all the colleagues, students, and local community leaders who have made the Faith Trail a resounding success.”
As the first university in Yorkshire and only seventh nationally to receive the Race Equality Charter (REC) Silver award, Leeds Trinity has implemented meaningful change, focusing on lived experience, co-creation with students and communities, and place-based learning, as it continues to adapt and improve its approach to equity and social justice both on campus and in the knowledge and skills it provides to its students.
The winners of the Times Higher Education Awards will be announced on Thursday 26 November.