Civic Insights Bursary

Civic Mission Insights are voluntary student work experience placements supported by a bursary led by Cardiff University in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of South Wales.

This pilot project gave students the opportunity to support Civic Mission and Public Engagement activities through hands-on work experience that both impacts host projects and local communities, while developing employability skills.

To date, this pilot programme has provided financial support to 90 students to support over 57 organisations and projects including Cynon Valley Organic Adventures; Grow Cardiff; Oasis Cardiff: Helping refugees and asylum seekers integrate within their community; Jewish History Association of South Wales (Third Sector Research Partnership); Grange Pavilion; The School Health Research Network (SHRN); Namibian School Health Research Network (NSHRN); and the South Riverside Community Development Centre (Talking Trials Project).

Feedback from students

As well as opportunity to gain valuable insights into working with a range of communities and civic organisations, feedback from students highlighted the impact of taking part.

"It was a very rewarding experience. I learnt about a sector I was previously less familiar with, and I was able to meet and speak to some amazing people on both the research and charity sides of the work experience".

"The week was invaluable to gain insight into a specific future career sector. You make meaningful connection within the field and learn key skills related to the job. Placements are also highly desired by employers"

Staff and host project feedback

Cardiff University staff who supervised students on the project also valued student involvement in their public-facing activity:

"I would like to thank all three of the students who did a placement with us in SPARK and for their support for the three Third Sector organisations. They were skilled, efficient, professional, adaptable and did an excellent literature review, targeted to the needs and wishes of the Third Sector organisation, presenting their results clearly, creatively and with impact. All three Third Sector organisations have told us how impressed they were with the students" – Dr Anna Skeels, Third Sector Research Partnership

"Tianwei was absolutely fantastic to work with, her views and insight were really valuable and she helped a great deal in achieving the project objectives. It was also lovely to be able to share our learning with someone interested and keen"- Rosie Cripps, Community Gateway Independent Evaluator