A group of representatives from People Know How and the University of Edinburgh standing in front of a decal

Partnering with the University of Edinburgh

Claudia BaldacchinoNews

People Know How has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Edinburgh in a new phase of cross-sectoral collaboration between the two organisations


Having worked with the University of Edinburgh for several years, we have now signed a Memorandum of Understanding with them to formalise our shared commitment to providing accessible, high-quality services and training opportunities to people from all backgrounds.

Under the agreement, the University of Edinburgh and People Know How will share resources and expertise to develop and deliver projects, training, and services to local communities around topics including digital inclusion and social entrepreneurship.

Past collaborations

We have worked with the University of Edinburgh throughout our time delivering services in the community.

As part of Positive Transitions, we host students on placements who consider the needs of our young people and how best to support them through social work. We also worked in collaboration with the university in 2021 to run Dear Lothian, a summer arts programme that invited young people from Edinburgh and East Lothian to explore their local area through the arts. Most recently, we have been working on a biodiversity project that aims to develop citizen scientists who can champion biodiversity locally.

A group of young people standing in front of Edinburgh Castle at the Positive Transitions summer programme
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The university has also been active in supporting our work around digital within our Reconnect service. They donated IT equipment to us, contributing to our delivery of over 3,000 devices to the community during lockdown, and have also funded various digital inclusion projects that have impacted communities in Edinburgh and East Lothian.

Additionally, the University of Edinburgh have supported us as we work to leverage our learning from our local projects to influence change on a national level by pledging to our Connectivity Now campaign and partnering on our Positive Transitions action-research project.

Signing the MOU

Staff from the University of Edinburgh recently visited People Know How’s office in Granton to sign the memorandum alongside representatives from People Know How.

"Partnerships like these are so important in ensuring that everyone has access to the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today's rapidly changing world, and we're incredibly proud to be working with People Know How."
Lesley McAra, Assistant Principal Community Relations, University of Edinburgh
“People Know How is delighted to be partnered with the University of Edinburgh, uniting both our organisations’ passions for collaboration, learning, research and support of local communities. This memorandum of understanding opens the door to countless exciting opportunities to maximise our impact and achieve positive change through social innovation.”
Glenn Liddall, Chief Executive, People Know How

We’re looking forward to continuing to join forces with the university to provide a wide range of services that will positively impact local communities across Scotland.

In the meantime, watch this space as we’ll soon be sharing updates of some new projects and research pieces that are currently in the works with the university!