Groundwork North East and Cumbria to be Charity of the Year for 2026
Newcastle University Business School will work in partnership with the environmental and community charity on a range of charitable initiatives over the course of the year.
19 December 2025
Groundwork North East and Cumbria, the environmental and community charity behind a raft of innovative environmental restoration and conservation projects, back-to-work and energy saving support programmes across the North East, has been chosen by Newcastle University Business School as its new charity partner for 2026.
The new partnership will see the two organisations working together on charitable initiatives focusing on employee volunteering, event participation and fundraising opportunities.
Staff from the 200-strong team at Newcastle University Business School chose Groundwork North East and Cumbria as their charitable partner because their values and mission to promote sustainability, social inclusion and community resilience mirror the Business School values and commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Newcastle University Business School’s charitable donations will help support Groundwork North East and Cumbria’s work in the local community and the environment while providing volunteering opportunities for Business School staff with Groundwork’s conservation projects, biodiversity work, community engagement events and skills-based volunteering such as mentoring or providing professional expertise.
Business School staff will organise fundraising initiatives ranging from charity walks and activity-based challenges to bake sales, quizzes, and crafting sessions. Staff will also have the option to contribute directly to Groundwork’s projects through fundraising and one-off donations.
To launch the partnership, Groundwork North East and Cumbria’s business development team delivered a presentation to Business School staff highlighting the volunteering and fundraising opportunities available and encouraged staff to get involved.
Newcastle University Business School is also hoping to support Groundwork’s employment programmes by providing CV clinics, mock interviews, and industry insights for people involved in Groundwork’s back-to-work schemes.
Groundwork is responsible for many high-profile schemes, including the floating eco-island installation on the River Tyne in Newcastle and recent work on The Wild Oyster restoration programme in the North Sea. The charity also runs Green Doctor energy support services for those struggling with rising energy bills, as well as championing other community support and youth employment initiatives.
Steven Sadi, from Newcastle University Business School, said:
“Groundwork North East and Cumbria was a natural choice for us because of their track record in creating positive change across our region. Their focus on environmental action and community engagement complements our mission to make a difference in society.
“We’re particularly excited about the opportunities for our staff to volunteer and take part in professional development and skills-sharing activities that will make a real difference to local people and the places where we live and work. Together, we can make a positive impact in our local communities while advancing our shared sustainability goals.”
Laura Farrell-Pronesti, Partnership Development Lead at Groundwork North East and Cumbria, said: “We’re thrilled to be chosen as Newcastle University Business School’s charitable partner. Together, we can build a mutually rewarding partnership offering staff the chance to engage in volunteering, CPD and training opportunities, while helping us extend our impact in the community. We’re always keen to connect with other organisations that want to make a positive difference together.”
Newcastle University Business School is Groundwork North East and Cumbria’s second official charity partner, alongside global technology consultancy, Hedgehog Lab.
Organisations looking for a charitable partner or for ways to improve their social value strategy can contact Groundwork North East and Cumbria for help and advice.
