Management School launches two new research centres as part of its 20th anniversary
The University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS) has expanded its research on contemporary issues in society, with the launch of two new centres specialising in business sustainability and employee wellbeing.
The Centre for Sustainable Business (CSB) and the Centre of Organisational and Employee Wellbeing (COEW), opened their doors on 18 and 19 October respectively, as part of the School’s 20th anniversary celebrations.
Under the themes ‘Reimagining Business’ and ‘Well-Being at Liverpool’, the events were an opportunity to present the Centres' research agendas and future plans, to businesses representatives, policymakers and academics.
“It’s particularly wonderful to be launching the two centres, because they really connect to the founding mission of the University of Liverpool, for the advancement of learning and the ennoblement of life,” said the Dean of the University of Liverpool Management School, Professor Julia Balogun.
“This is a mission the School adheres to, and is supported by our vision of developing transformative research and teaching, to better business and society.
“These new Centres connect to that mission and vision, and continue the School’s trajectory in promoting research that focuses on contemporary issues and challenges, that face us as a society.”
The CSB launch event was hosted by its Director, Professor of Responsible Procurement, Jo Meehan, and included key note speakers, Jeremy Nicholls (SDG Assurance Framework Lead at the United Nations Development Programme), Kate Downes and Katie Dean (Assistant Director - Evidence, Research & Intelligence, and Strategic Transformation Lead respectively, at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority).
Jeremy, provided an overview of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and Impact Standards, and how businesses need to proactively move beyond legally compliant Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria, to gain a competitive edge and prepare for more stringent regulation.
Kate and Katie, shared their experience of working with our researchers to reimagine a sustainable future for the Liverpool City Region, by developing a long-term social value strategy for the year 2032.
Professor Liz Parsons, gave an outline of the history of research on organisational and employee wellbeing at ULMS, and accompanied the COEW Director, Professor Damian O’Doherty, who spoke about the importance of the Centre, in terms of its research in addressing wellbeing.
The event also involved Professor of Leadership and Human Resource Management at Northumbria University, David Jones, who explained how his slow swimming group has transformed the physical and mental health of staff, as well as their personal and academic relationships.
Dr Sally Penni MBE, legal barrister, public speaker and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) advocate, also gave an inspiring presentation on her championing of EDI, and what it means for wellbeing, and the further implications for the development of legislation and policy.
Click here to find out more about the Management School's 20th anniversary celebrations.