Scottish Poverty and Inequality Research Unit

SPIRU exists for the Common Good. It is an applied research unit that aims to make a positive difference in people’s lives by tackling poverty and inequality in Scotland.

Involvement in SPIRU gives students the opportunity to develop the following Common Good attributes:

  • Active and global citizenship
  • Confidence
  • Entrepreneurial mind-set
  • Responsible leadership

What’s involved?

We offer four Common Good Award work programmes, each one focused on one of the four Common Good Award competencies. A separate SPIRU briefing is available for each work package. Most students will complete one work package with SPIRU; however, the option is available to complete the whole award with SPIRU.

  • Work Package 1 – Active and global citizenship: preparing a SPIRU Common Good briefing for a community or charitable organisation
  • Work Package 2 – Responsible leadership: preparing a SPIRU Poverty Proofing appraisal
  • Work Package 3 – Entrepreneurial mindset: designing and delivering some charitable fundraising to tackle poverty
  • Work Package 4 – Confidence: undertaking research work as a SPIRU student researcher

How will participating in this activity/opportunity allow students to make a positive difference in the communities that we serve?

Benefits mapped to the Common Good attributes:

  • Work Package 1 – Active and global citizenship: Viewing the world from the perspective of different cultures, exploring social problems & taking action to build a more just and sustainable society and addressing inequality and disadvantage.
  • Work Package 2 – Responsible leadership: Exercising empathy, resilience, [rofessionalism, inspiring and influencing the thinking, attitudes and behaviour of others. Working collaboratively towards a common vision and goal.
  • Work Package 3 – Entrepreneurial mindset: Creating solutions, and putting these into practice, in response to identified real-world problems. Thinking creatively, critically and divergently, drawing on a range of ideas and unexpected connections.
  • Work Package 4 – Confidence: Acting assertively and reasonably, challenging yourself and continually learning from experience. Respecting your own and others’ rights and needs.

What are the benefits of taking part in this activity/opportunity for participating students?

All of SPIRU’s Common Good Award work programmes provide an opportunity to gain experience in an applied research unit. The nature of SPIRU’s work is both academic and applied. In addition to the valuable work undertaken for the organisations we serve (see above) and the personal development gains for participating students (also see above), the work provides an experience that will enable students who are interested in progressing to a research career, to strengthen their case for employment/support.

Success stories

SPIRU has a track record of working with undergraduate students to achieve results, benefiting students and the wider communities we serve.

Which school or department delivers/supports this activity?

Glasgow School for Business and Society.

Which students can participate in this activity?

All students.

Contact

Name: Professor John H. McKendrick
Department/school: Glasgow School for Business and Society
Email: spiru@gcu.ac.uk