Staff activities

The Study and Work Away (SWAY) Service is working to promote sustainability within our student and staff communities and to embed sustainability as an integral part of our decision-making, processes and ways of working.

Changemaker Awards 2024/25

The SWAY Sustainability Working Group recently won a Changemaker Award from the University's Department of Social Responsibility and Sustainability. This award recognises students and staff who have made a noticeable positive impact at the University by either undertaking a successful socially responsible or sustainable project or by inspiring others to act in a more socially responsible or sustainable way.  

We were recognised for our outstanding work in promoting sustainability and global engagement, and the creation of the Sustainable Living in Edinburgh guide for visiting students. 

View the Sustainable Living in Edinburgh guide

Read about the Changemaker Awards 2024-25

Day to Make a Difference

SWAY has been making the most of the University's 'Day to Make a Difference' initiative which gives staff members a day off each year to volunteer for a charity, organisation or cause.  We have used our 'Day to Make a Difference' to support environmental causes, engage with social and civic responsibility, and make an impact on a local and global level.    

Our Projects team used their 'Day to Make a Difference' to pick up litter on the Portobello sea front and as Leith Links. They braved the weather in order to clean up some of our local parks and to make them more enjoyable for residents.

Two members of the Study and Work Away team litter picking
Projects team litter picking on Portobello beach

Although it isn't ground-breaking, it was a nice team bonding experience, and a nice way to be able to give back and take pride in our community. Hopefully we inspired others to do some clean-up as well, or at the very least shame them into not littering! 

Our Placements team volunteered with The Welcoming, a charity which supports asylum-seekers, refugees and other New Scots in Edinburgh. The team got busy with trowels and saws in their Sustainable Garden, where participants and volunteers can learn about food growing, share green skills and food traditions from their home countries, and spend time in nature.

Find out more about The Welcoming

Group of people enjoying the sustainable garden
The Placements team in the Sustainable Garden

Members of the Study Abroad and Exchanges teams spent a day with drills, saws and hammers at the Salisbury Centre, building a bug hotel and learning more about the range of community activities on offer in this tranquil space, a stone's throw from George Square.  

Find out more about the Salisbury Centre

SWAY team members in the garden at the Salisbury Centre
Study and Work Away team and their new bug hotel

The Day to Make a Difference is always such a great opportunity to come together not only with your colleagues but also with these amazing organisations all over the city! It's wonderful way of spending your time while helping out and learning new skills and also getting to know new people and initiatives that you had no idea about before.