Farewell from SEED Director of Social Responsibility

17 Jul 2026

A message from the School of Environment, Education and Development's outgoing Director of Social Responsibility, Niki Banks

As I step down after three years as SEED’s Director of Social Responsibility, I do so with deep gratitude for the opportunity, for what we have achieved together, and for everything I have learned along the way.

Three years ago, when I applied for this role, I went through the same questions many of us ask when these opportunities land in our inbox. Am I ready? (Probably not, but when are we ever?) Is it the right time? (Probably not, but is there really such a thing?) Should I go for it? (Absolutely)

That last question was easy. Like many of us in SEED, I've always been proud of the University's commitment to Social Responsibility. It has always been central to my work. But my experiences in the years beforehand had convinced me that we were missing a huge opportunity by not thinking more ambitiously about the role our undergraduate and postgraduate taught students could play in our SR achievements.

Setting up One World Together alongside GDI PGT students had shown me just how eager students are to contribute beyond the classroom, how much they have to offer, and how transformative those opportunities can be for their skills, friendships, confidence and futures.

I'm incredibly proud that, together, we've launched and grown the SEED Changemakers programme over the past three years. Although still young, it has demonstrated the enthusiasm that exists across the School, the value of bringing students together across departments, and the many different ways our students contribute to positive change. At this year's celebration event, eight student groups shared what they had achieved, the impact they had made, and what they had learned from the experience. It was exactly the kind of community we had hoped to build.

There is, of course, much more to do. But with the incoming Director of Social Responsibility, Emma Shuttleworth, and the new Associate Director for Social Responsibility (Student Facing), Tom Gillespie, the programme is in excellent hands and well placed to become even more deeply embedded across SEED. I genuinely believe this work matters. Not only because it equips students with the confidence, support and space to see themselves as changemakers, but because it gives them experiences that shape their friendships, employability and sense of purpose alongside an outstanding education. I'm excited to watch the programme continue to grow under Emma and Tom's leadership.

Looking more broadly, I can say with complete confidence that SEED makes an extraordinary contribution to the University's Social Responsibility mission. Over the past three years we've supported more than 50 funded Social Responsibility projects, spanning remarkable partnerships, innovative teaching and an ever-growing culture of engaged, co-produced research led by colleagues at every career stage. These achievements are also reflected in the Making a Difference Awards, where SEED has consistently led the way across Humanities. We’ve celebrated nine winners and five highly commended awards during my time in post.

As we now look towards Manchester 2035, it is exciting to see Social Responsibility become even more deeply embedded within the University's strategy. It is no longer one of three pillars, but a foundational commitment that runs through our research, teaching and operations. SEED is exceptionally well placed to build on this, particularly through the ways we already bring together research excellence, engaged teaching and meaningful partnerships. As we do, I hope we continue to nurture these relationships with care, ensuring that the value created is shared and that our partners remain genuine collaborators rather than simply contributors.

The lovely thing about roles like this is that while it may be farewell to the position, it is certainly not goodbye. I leave with a full heart, many new friendships across SEED, and enormous confidence in what comes next.

Thank you all for making these past three years such an enjoyable, inspiring and rewarding experience. I am particularly thankful for and to our incredible Social Responsibility Committee without whom none of this would have taken place – our departmental champions (Tom Gillespie, Rui He, Nerea OK’ongo and Joe Ravetz), SEED Communications team (Sian Lambert and Maria Viegas) and the School Office (Kerry McCann and Will Stone). 

Keep an eye out for the next round departmental roles that will be advertised in Semester 1 of 2026/27. They're a wonderful opportunity to work collaboratively on initiatives that make a real difference.

Wishing you a wonderful and well-deserved summer,

Niki