At the heart of the Transformative Communities cluster is the multi-award-winning Staff and Student Sustainability Group (SSSG). Established at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown period, the SSSG provided a safe space for staff, students and alumni to meet virtually to discuss issues around sustainability. The aims were to bring together students and staff interested in climate change, sustainability and to explore ideas, share knowledge and take positive action towards a sustainable future.

Coordinated by Dr Rosalyn Marron and supported by Prof Sally Randles, Dr Helen Wadham, Dr Helena Kettleborough, Dr Kate Seymour and many others, the SSSG has undertaken research, learning and community engagement, including pioneering the annual Sustainability Festival. Two research publications in international handbooks have been co-authored by staff and students on Transformative Learning, Leadership and Community and the exploding university.

‘I first joined The Staff and Student Sustainability Group in 2020 during the pandemic. I was keen to learn more about climate change and to collaborate on sustainable projects. Three years later, the Group had co-authored a research chapter in a book, planted 470 trees in the local community, conducted research into rehoming animals after the pandemic, hosted two Sustainability Festivals and many other smaller events….

I personally believe being part of the Sustainability Group has provided me with opportunities to develop many skills, gain self-confidence and enabled me to actively seek employment within the Higher Education Sector… I am still committed to promoting sustainability and providing a positive experience for the students and staff at this university.’ (SSSG Student Member Testimony)

The Transformative Communities cluster and the Staff and Student Sustainability Group have received a number of awards including:

• Educate North Awards: The Sustainable Green Initiative (Finalist, 2024)
• MMU Staff Awards Sustainability Category (Finalist, 2024)
• Student Union Outstanding Teaching for Sustainability (Winner, 2023)
• The Bex Lewis Public Engagement Award (Winner, 2022)
• Outstanding Contribution to Education for Sustainable Development Award (Winner, 2022)