In 2010 the University of Northampton set a strategic goal to be Britain's leading university for social enterprise by 2015. In 2013 (two full years ahead of schedule) Ashoka U, the world's leading network of social entrepreneurs, awarded the University of Northampton the international accolade of 'Changemaker Campus', in recognition of our commitment to social enterprise and the excellence of the opportunities this commitment gives to our students.
We're the first university in the UK and Europe to achieve this honour, and one of only 24 in the world with the 'Changemaker' designation, joining prestigious institutions such as Brown University, The University of Colorado and Tulane University. We define social enterprise as using market disciplines to achieve a social outcome driven by social values. The University of Northampton's social enterprise work is underpinned by three very clear values: